JENNIFER NICHOLS FITNESS & MOVEMENT

Discovering freedom of movement is a form of healing unlike anything else. When we move together we share a breath that extends beyond our lungs.

PHOTO: SHALAN & PAUL

We all learn movement differently. Some of us connect most with visualization, some with musicality, others with a more analytical and anatomical approach.

“AS AN EDUCATOR, IT’S MY JOB TO LEARN HOW YOU LEARN…

I’ve never seen a student finish a class with less energy than they started it. Even if they’ve just left everything (including pools of sweat!) on the dance floor. My greatest achievement is when my students feel they are dancing WITH me, not in front of me.” - Jennifer Nichols

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PHOTO: KAROLINA KURAS

ABOUT JENNIFER

Jennifer is a leader and educator in the worlds of fitness and sport and has been sharing her passion for movement for decades. Her renowned ballet fitness program, the Extension Method™, is followed by professional and amateur movers worldwide.

In the early days of her career as a professional dancer, Jennifer began to develop a series of conditioning exercises to assist her in building her own strength and preventing/dealing with injuries. These exercises sparked curiosity and interest by professionals in leadership positions at fitness clubs and physiotherapists, and she was encouraged to further develop a comprehensive program. As the method began to take shape, Jennifer wanted to ensure that it could be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of background or physical fitness.

Ballet, when performed by professionals, is extremely demanding and specific in its execution. Yet when adapted to be safe and accessible for non-professionals, it can be hugely beneficial for conditioning, mental health, artistic expression and overall wellness.

THE EXTENSION METHOD

The Extension Method™ was formally founded in 2003 and its acclaim has spread across Canada and internationally. The first of its kind in the country, the method was at the forefront of the ‘barre fitness’ craze and has stood the test of time with a following entering its third decade. Jennifer opened the Extension Room, the home of Extension Method™ in 2010, and it has become a hub for movement lovers of all kinds.

In addition to in-studio class programming at the Extension Room and its online platform, the method has been applied to elite sport. Jennifer has worked extensively with Synchro Canada, Synchro Ontario, and various international olympic level teams, as well as the Granite Club synchronized swimming and figure skating clubs. Over the years, her classes have been programmed by the Boulevard Club, the Toronto Lawn & Tennis Club, Toronto General Hospital and Sports Clubs of Canada.
She is frequently invited to teach Extension Method™ classes for conditioning work at professional dance training programs and institutions.
In addition to her Extension Method™ program, Jennifer teaches traditional group and private ballet technique classes. She also works with circus artists, figure skaters and synchronized swimmers to develop choreography and refine shape and line.

AS FEATURED IN

"My wife has been a devoted follower of Jenn’s for over 10 years. She convinced me to give her online classes a try over two years ago now and I am converted. As a professional drummer and passionate hockey player I have noticed a huge improvement in my stability and flexibility. Jenn's strengthening exercises have helped alleviate and, I believe, prevent injuries. And my wife is happy because I can finally bend down to unload the dishwasher."

- Pete Timmins (drummer, Cowboy Junkies)
"Every class at the Extension Room creates a surge of growth and positivity. Jenn has a keen eye for corrections and celebrates our achievements After just 4 months I like what I see in the mirror. Jenn has a profound knowledge of Fitness and Ballet. She is a Stellar Coach in showing me my true potential."

- Kate Matthews
The Extension Method has been invaluable to the development of our athletes in the sport of synchronized swimming. The focus on specific muscles needed to perform technical moves with a high degree of proficiency in our sport has been instrumental in helping our athletes succeed at a high performance level. Jennifer is an amazing professional and role model, whose disciplined approach and attention to detail inspires and challenges the athletes to work to their full potential.

-Sheilah Croxon- Synchro Ontario
"Whether in her fitness classes or performances, Jennifer's ability to inspire is unparalleled. I'm so grateful to have stumbled into her studio over ten years ago, with no dance background, where I was immediately hooked. Her classes have brought me so much joy and a deep appreciation for mindful movement, and have challenged me to explore the art of dance beyond just fitness."

- Bonita Chan
"As Jennifer’s client for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how her Extension Method transforms not just fitness but overall well-being. Jennifer’s unique blend of strength and artistry brings a sense of purpose to every session. Her expertise in elite sports and choreography shines through, helping me build resilience, creativity, and confidence. Her approach has kept me engaged and continually inspired - there’s no one like her in fitness and wellness."

- Liudmila Bocharova
Extension Method classes have been central to my life for at least a decade. The professionalism, the technical attention and the joy of working out with Jenn and her colleagues is exceptional! I am stronger, fitter and more content with how my body serves me than ever. The classes are the best in the city!

-Alison Schwartz
Jennifer 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.

-Trish Temple

"My wife has been a devoted follower of Jenn’s for over 10 years. She convinced me to give her online classes a try over two years ago now and I am converted. As a professional drummer and passionate hockey player I have noticed a huge improvement in my stability and flexibility. Jenn's strengthening exercises have helped alleviate and, I believe, prevent injuries. And my wife is happy because I can finally bend down to unload the dishwasher."

- Pete Timmins (drummer, Cowboy Junkies)
"Every class at the Extension Room creates a surge of growth and positivity. Jenn has a keen eye for corrections and celebrates our achievements After just 4 months I like what I see in the mirror. Jenn has a profound knowledge of Fitness and Ballet. She is a Stellar Coach in showing me my true potential."

- Kate Matthews
"Whether in her fitness classes or performances, Jennifer's ability to inspire is unparalleled. I'm so grateful to have stumbled into her studio over ten years ago, with no dance background, where I was immediately hooked. Her classes have brought me so much joy and a deep appreciation for mindful movement, and have challenged me to explore the art of dance beyond just fitness."

- Bonita Chan
"As Jennifer’s client for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how her Extension Method transforms not just fitness but overall well-being. Jennifer’s unique blend of strength and artistry brings a sense of purpose to every session. Her expertise in elite sports and choreography shines through, helping me build resilience, creativity, and confidence. Her approach has kept me engaged and continually inspired - there’s no one like her in fitness and wellness."

- Liudmila Bocharova

Extend Retreats

For several years, Jennifer was Co-Director of the dance and surf retreat company Pointe Break Retreats, offering escapes in Costa Rica, Portugal and Mexico. Now, alongside her partner in Hit & Run Dance Productions, she has begun a new chapter. Extend Retreats unites dance and culture with fitness and wellness to create dream escapes for dance lovers.

SEE IT HERE

Where fitness meets art

Jennifer is the Founder and Director of the renowned ballet fitness and wellness program, The Extension Method™, founded in 2003. The first of its kind in Canada, the program offers a balanced, safe approach to dance conditioning with a focus on posture, alignment, strength and flexibility. Students of all levels of experience will find their new favourite ‘barre’ class in Extension Method and so much more with this comprehensive program of seven different ballet fitness classes.

SEE IT HERE

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