I've been going to Extension Room for almost two years now, twice a week, on average. Never done any ballet before and unlikely ever will, but the two classes that I predominantly take (CLASSICAL CORE & PORT DE BRAS and DÉVELOPPÉ BALLET SCULPT with occasional ADAGIO STRETCH) make me feel absolutely great! After the class I don't feel killed. To the contrary - I feel emotionally recharged, my body functioning better, blood streaming faster, spine and neck straightened up, so are the legs. Things like the ability to touch the floor with the hands that I though I had lost forever are now re-gained! Ain't it fun to be able to pick up a pen from the floor without having to bend the knees? The kind of exercises offered by Jenn, Ana and other instructors aim at developing inner, core muscles instead of making me bulky and bulgy and look like a stiff tank. Instead, we learn very fine, smooth, natural and elegant ways of moving the limbs as well as the core of the body. Now I see that even raising the legs when laying on the floor can be done not only by belly muscles, but also by the (invisible) muscles in the hips - quite a departure from the traditional approaches in many gyms where only the belly portion is worked on. It's a very nice, spacious and clean environment that accommodates all the participants without crowding and creating uncomfortably close distances. Everybody has enough room for movements. Staff is very friendly and accommodating. At times I use up my quota of pre-paid classes, but nobody beats me or throws out of the building - I get a friendly reminder next time that I need to top my balance up. Being one of very few males who attend the studio, I have the whole changing room with a shower in my disposal - there is nothing like taking a shower after a good sweaty class - loving it every time even now, in winter! Or, sometimes they have these classes in Heel Struts (by Shawn Bracke) or Aerial Silks (by Jamie Holmes) - much-much extra fun. There are even more extra-curricula classes, but my budget cannot embrace it all. I highly recommend this place to anybody who cares about his or her body's functioning to the best of its abilities without pushing it over the limits and ruining the health (well, if you want - you can perhaps do that there too). read more

I have been going to the Extension Room for almost 3 years now and it has been a revolutionary experience for me! I have achieved most of the fitness goals I had set out for myself through the classes and I enjoy and look forward to going each week! The studio is beautiful and Jenn and all the instructors are very knowledgeable, encouraging and caring. They are always willing to chat and give you personalized advice about your fitness goals or concerns. All the instructors are all incredibly talented and can guide you in a safe, effective and enjoyable fitness regimen. I travel about 30 min by car to get to the studio and there are gyms closer to my house but I would not trade on the experience I have at the Extension Room for a shorter commute. The space is also beautiful and it is a lovely environment unlike most gyms. Taking the various classes offered (a wide range of offerings are available with your class card) I have improved my posture, become toned and strengthened and lost weight. People always comment about how great I have been looking and I attribute this in a large part to the amazing classes I am taking. I have been able to tone and loose inches on places like my inner thighs because of the exercises Jenn has developed that target hard to reach areas. My knees are also stronger and and i have less pain which is remarkable! While I have never studied ballet I do study belly dance and Flamenco and my Extension Room workouts have made a huge difference to my dancing. From day one at the studio I found the classes challenging but I never felt defeated which motivated me to continue. Jenn and all the instructors are very encouraging and help you to move to the next level with respect to your fitness goals. The also offer unique workshops and creative and inspired specialty classes. I highly recommend the Extension Room for anyone wanting a change from the gym experience where they can enjoy a lively, fun and effective workout for all body types! I'm so glad I discovered this gem and I'm grateful to Jenn, Anna, Leigh and all the instructors for helping me further my fitness goals and be healthier and happier! Gotta love all the endorphins!! read more

Both Jenn, the owner, and this studio, are absolutely fantastic. For many of the regulars here (and I include myself), the classes are so superb, we are hooked! If you want a seriously good workout, you will get it at Extension Room. You will leave not only sweating, but with a smile on your face! I have been dancing since the age of 6 (and am now 50-ish), plus I have taught dance to young children. I have attended all types of dance classes around town and am a regular at the gym, plus various yoga spots in Toronto. So not to sound uppity, but I do recognize talent and hard work when I see it! This is why I've brought so many friends to try a class or two with Jenn at Ext. Room. I am that convinced that if you go, see the gorgeous studio (done in white with lovely chandeliers) and meet the people (very down to earth and lovely, unlike so many gyms where people have serious attitude), you will looooove it. You'll probably get hooked, as so many of us are! :) Jennifer is very hard-working, patient and in short, an outstanding teacher. She is friendly, down to earth and detail-oriented, which brings out the best in her clientele. No matter what level you may be at, Jenn will push you just a bit further, so that you are constantly improving. It's not about competing with anyone else, as far as I see it ... it's all about being the best you can be and pushing yourself to improve. I have the utmost respect for a teacher who brings out the best in others, without putting anyone down - ever! If you are a beginner, or trying to get back into shape, you may feel intimidated and think "but I'm not a dancer, this will be too hard!" Stop thinking this way because you do not have to be a dancer to enjoy these classes. All that's required is an open mind, a smile is great, and just go for it! Sometimes it takes a few times for your brain and body to synch up but that's the beauty of trying something different and challenging! Do yourself a favour and try a class at Extension Room. I'll bet you will love it! This is one of the city's best workouts...here's hoping I can find a spot next time I try to get into class! read more

I tried the barre class when I was with Classpass having done hundreds of barre classes with Barre3 and thought it would be great to see what other studios were doing. Unfortunately, it was pretty disappointing. The studio was confusing from the first step in. If you have never been there it is not obvious that reception etc was in the main studio. I was hesitant to open the closed, uninviting door thinking I was going to walk right in to a class in progress. Once you get in, receptions was polite to me but didn't really have any interest in engaging any kind of conversation other than checking me in. Reception never told me what studio to go to for my class knowing I had never been there. The barre class was in a tiny studio towards the front of the building which was disgusting. There was a kitchen in that room that was filthy. Food, dirty dishes, empty bottles of wine and garbage everywhere. Not quite what I want to be staring at for an hour. The studio was incredibly hot and stuffy. Everyone in the class was dying of the heat and the instructor did nothing to help. I had to stop and go open windows for everyone. There wasn't enough room for everyone to have their own space at the barres. I was asked to move 3 times to make room depending on the movement. This class did have more ballet inspired moved than other barre classes however as a former dancer I know what a good burn you can get from ballet. I left this class feeling as though I hadn't done a work out. I actually went to a Barre3 class later that day to get a proper work out in. read more

I started coming to the extension room a year ago after redeeming a Groupon I had purchased for a 10 class pass (I had no issues redeeming the Groupon for regular classes, extended or special classes are always marked as being outside the usual rates on the website and in the studio and I am surprised at the experience of a fellow Groupon user below). I absolutely love the studio and am now a regular, I come to all the different classes offered and I love all the teachers - always friendly and helpful. I used to be very nervous about group classes, especially ones with choreography but the positive atmosphere of the studio just made me want to follow through and keep coming back for more. The owner - Jen - is a very lovely person and always pushes you to your fullest in every class. When I started coming to the studio I had a Goodlife membership also but I didn't bother renewing it because I find that the studio offers a great combination of cardio and strength training and is infinitely better than running mindlessly on a treadmill. Everyone I have brought to the studio has loved it and I have kept coming back for more. Allegro and the Double Bill on Sundays are amazing cardio and Core/Sculpt/Barre 101 are great strengthening classes for arms/legs/abs. read more

The Extension Room is my sanctuary, my retreat and the one place I look forward to the MOST at the end of a stressful day! Jenn Nichols has brilliantly created a place that is beyond your average dance studio or gym. She has lovingly combined all aspects of dance and fitness in to a series of classes that will bring out the dancer in anyone. In a beautifully bright studio with plenty of space, ballet barres, roscoe dance flooring, skylights, chandeliers and even a garage door to let the fresh air flow in, Jenn and her team of well trained instructors lead classes specifically designed to improve cardio, technique, flexibility, strength and endurance...all with a smile on their faces! I have done a lot of classes over the years but nothing beats The Extension Method. Also, specialty workshops are an option in addition to regular classes; there have been some really creative ones and are a total blast! Regular ballet and pointe classes are also on the roster and are designed for all levels. I think of The Extension Room as an "extension of my family"; it is a warm, caring place where you are greeted with a smile at the door, where instructors really do care, where you get an amazing workout... where fitness truly does meet art. read more

The moment I set foot in the Extension Room, sunlight streaming through skylights, rebounding off chandeliers and filling a gloriously open space, I knew I had found a haven. It had been over five years since I'd been in a proper dance studio, and I was wracked with insecurities about my ability, as well as being apprehensive due to previous injuries. Under the tutelage of seasoned instructors, I am progressively improving upon my technique, no longer reinforcing poor habits that ultimately led to many of the injuries I once suffered. The fact that I get a killer workout in the process is icing on the cake. Whether you are a seasoned dancer, or just someone who loves movement and wants an incredible workout, this is the place for you. Therein lies the brilliance of the Extension Method. It is accessible to absolutely anyone, and of benefit to everyone. I am grateful to the lovely Jennifer Nichols for creating such an inspired method, and for cultivating such a warm community of both teachers and students alike. It is a community I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of every day, and everyone should be so lucky. read more

When looking for a new workout routine, I was trying to find something that offered classes right after work, wasn't packed with tons of other people, had variety and was actually FUN! The Extension Method hits all of these points. I started going in January with a two week trial and then I bought a 10-class pass and now I'm going to start buying the monthly memberships. I've been to ballet bootcamp, core & port de bras, double bill and the ballet sculpt classes... all of them are great! The classes offer a variety of tough cardio (dance inspired) and strengthening activities and equipment is provided so you don't have to lug your yoga mat to the studio everyday. I have a limited dance background and no natural flexibility, but the instructors are very supportive and motivating and I've slowly been improving. The music selection is awesome and can't help but get you moving! I'd definitely recommend the Extension Room. read more

I started dropping in to Extension Room in July a few times a month as part of a ClassPass membership. It's become my regular Saturday morning hangout. Phillip's ballet class is fun and well taught. The Allegro cardio is an amazing workout (much better than barre workout classes elsewhere- which I do enjoy). The music is great. I'm slowly grabbing the playlists on my Apple Music account. If you're looking for an awesome flexibility class the 12:30-1:30 Saturday class is great for working out all the kinks from typing all week. My favourite part of the decor is the chandeliers and the roll up garage door in the main studio. It's also convenient that all the mats and equipment are provided, along with showers and towels. I'm now a six month unlimited member. Btw it's really easy to get to. Just take the subway to King Station, then the streetcar east to the stop after Trinity. read more

I had been looking for some fitness program that I would enjoy doing on a regular basis without forcing myself to exercise. I tried going to a gym, taking yoga classes or some popular classes on DVDs but I would get bored within a few weeks. I don't have any dancing background and am not a 'ballerina material' but decided to give it a try. I was very intimidated at first but was warmly welcomed and encouraged to continue. I have been coming to the studio for a few months now. I've lost about 2 clothing sizes (could be more but I still indulge myself with some good food late at night :)) and my body has toned. I know I am not going to be a prima ballerina (some people do tease me about it) but I do enjoy this program, it makes me feel and look great. I really never thought I could enjoy exercising until I discovered this studio. read more

The Extension Room has become more than just my local gym, it has become my second home! Ladies and gents I kid you not this is the place that delivers a killer work out and despite your exhaustion from the hard core classes; the energy, the people have you craving more! Growing up heavily immersed in sport I was always looking for an outlet that would challenge my mind and body in the same way. Ballet fitness at the Extension Room has successfully done so and I can honestly say I cannot live without it. It really is a family like community and the fact that I can say I dance as an adult is such a great feeling. The space, the music, and Jenn have created a place that is truly magical. I encourage anyone who has not yet experienced the The Extension Method to take the plunge. You are never to old to say you are a dancer. read more

The Extension Room will transform you!! I started the Extension Method a year ago and it's been a wonderful challenge both physically and mentally. The instructors are awesome, encouraging and so supportive. I've done most of the classes but my favourites are based on both the instructors and the challenge. Try Cristina's Extension Method barre class and you'll feel like you're meant to dance. Try Kate's EM beginner ballet class and she'll make you feel like you'll be a dancer someday. Try Megan's EM La Ronde class and you'll feel the best stretch of your life. And try Jenn's Developpe Ballet Sculpt EM class and you'll get the best workout there is! That's just the start!! All the EM classes combine a classical ballet technique with strength conditioning to give you the strongest body and mind ever. read more

I have been attending group classes all of my life and I intentionally seek out the ones that are challenging, purposeful, and resonate with my spirit. I can confidently say that my workouts at extension room speak to all 3 of these qualities! I was instantly hooked, first by the poise and beauty of the ballet technique (especially the elegance of the pointed toe!) and then by the incredible leg strength built through movements not akin to our everyday, ordinary movement. If you are looking to build a dancer's physique and a space to explore your creative expression, I highly recommend extension room! read more

I highly recommend The Extension Room. The physical space is inviting. Mirrors line one wall almost entirely and another partially. You are able to locate yourself easily. The ceilings are high. The instructors are well trained and you can learn so much by watching the way they demonstrate and perform the steps. I have certain favourite classes but they are all of them fun, upbeat, never boring, and always, aways, make you sweat. I have been a regular attendee since Christmas, 2012. read more

I was very apprehensive about doing a ballet class as a slightly more than regular sized person, but I felt right at home when I entered the studio. The studio is well equip and the staff are friendly. The classes are as easy or hard as you make it. The instructors were wonderful. The only downside is I work on the other side of the city and can't make it to any of the week day classes. If you have ever wanted to try ballet, no matter your age or size, definitely give the Extension Room a try! read more

I have had a great experience at the extension room. The ballet classes are reminiscent of my days dancing as a child and Ana's Pilates class is literally the BEST Pilates class I've taken in the city. She is very detail oriented and her cueing is excellent. I come out of every class having learned something new I can apply to my weight training, running or other exercises. The staff is also very friendly and accommodating. I have nothing but great things to say about my experiences here!:) read more

After taking my first class at The Extension Room, I immediately realized that I was hooked. For those of us who love to dance, the best workout you can find! Jennifer Nichols has created a method that all people, whether trained in dance or not, can benefit from. The unique fashion in which it was designed creates a challenging workout for a wide range of fitness levels within the same class. Now that I've found The Extension Room, I'll never go back to regular fitness classes! read more

The Extension Room classes are great. I initially bought a Groupon pass, but quickly grabbed a 10 class pass as well. Both Barre 101 and Allegro Ballet Bootcamp are really fun, yet demanding, classes. Within a few classes, I noticed a difference in my muscles and my stamina! The instructors are great - they are encouraging and provide great tips on maintaining your form. While the classes are fairly expensive, the workouts are well worth it. read more

I've been enjoying ballet classes at Extension Room for over a year. I took ballet when I was a girl but had to give it up. Coming back forty five years later was physically challenging and exhilarating, but Extension Room made it fun and accessible. I love the ballet teachers (Philip, Kate, Cristina, you're awesome) and the camaraderie developed in the classes can't be found anywhere else. Thanks ER! read more