CLINTON, Md., July 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Yoga Day USA 2009, an annual celebration of yoga, will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2009. Created by Yoga Alliance, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the diversity and integrity of yoga, Yoga Day USA is designed to increase the public's awareness of yoga's benefits and help make yoga more accessible to everyone, including those of all fitness levels, ages, and ethnicities. 2009 marks the 10th year for this annual celebration supported by Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) and Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) across the country that will hold free or low-cost workshops to educate their communities about the mind and body benefits of a yoga practice. Many Yoga Day USA events are also fundraisers for charitable organizations, giving participants the opportunity to experience karma yoga, the act of selfless giving.
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"Yoga Day USA is a day for the yoga community to come together to embrace those who want to learn more about the ancient practice of yoga and the transformative effects it can have on one's life," says Yoga Alliance Board Chair Terri Kennedy, Ph.D. "The practice is literally for 'every body' - it meets you where you are no matter what your capacity or state of health," she added.
According to a 2008 Yoga Journal magazine study, 15.8 million Americans practice yoga and 14 million say that a doctor or therapist has recommended yoga to improve their health. Yoga as medical therapy is garnering more attention in the medical community as demonstrated by National Institute of Health's (NIH) first ever Yoga Week held this past May which explored the science and practice of yoga. The benefits of yoga are numerous and include improvement in heart health, reduction of cholesterol, and improved circulation. Practicing yoga can also help those with illnesses ranging from asthma to cancer. Yoga is also known for slowing the signs of aging, decreasing wrinkles, firming skin, and reducing oxidative stress.
Details are still being confirmed for 2009 activities. To learn more about Yoga Day USA, and past events, please go to http://www.yogadayusa.org.
Yoga Alliance is the professional organization representing over 20,000 yoga teachers and yoga schools throughout the world. As the only non-profit organization dedicated to upholding the diversity and integrity of yoga, teachers and schools registered with Yoga Alliance are recognized for demonstrating a level of "expertise" that includes meeting essential standards of training and experience, dedication to expanding their knowledge of yoga, and commitment to maintaining high standards of professional conduct. Recognized by the designation RYT, E-RYT and RYS, Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teachers (RYT) and Registered Yoga Schools (RYS) can be found at www.yogaalliance.org. For more information on Yoga Alliance, please go to www.yogaalliance.org.
SOURCE Yoga Alliance
