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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2005
For additional information contact:
Yoga Alliance
Sandra Van Oosten, RYT, Executive Director
or Stephen Russell, CA, RYT, President
1.877.964.2245 x13
YOGA DAY USA
 From Hollywood to the heartland, yoga has become mainstream in America, with over 16.5 million people practicing regularly. According to recent Yoga Journal Harris poll, over twice that number has heard of yoga's benefits and would like to give it a try. A nationwide celebration, Yoga Day USA, set for Sat., January 28 will give them an opportunity to do just that. For free.
Yoga teachers, studios and schools all across the country will offer free introductory workshops in a broad spectrum of yoga styles for those new to yoga and those who practice regularly but would like to try a different style.
The
seventh
annual
Yoga
Day
USA
is
sponsored
by
Yoga
Alliance.
A
non-profit
organization,
Yoga
Alliance
is
the
leader
in
setting
standards
for
yoga
education
and
teaching.
A
complete
listing
of
teachers,
studios
and
schools
offering
free
workshops
is
available
at www.yogadayusa.org.
Mariel Hemingway is national spokesperson for the 2006 event. The Academy award-nominated actress has practiced Yoga for over 20 years and credits it not only with helping her stay fit, but with bringing balance and calm to her life.
"Yoga is deeper than simple exercise. It encourages all kinds of health benefits. In our high anxiety, multitasking world, it helps you to slow down and know yourself better," Hemingway said. "It opens an awareness of your body and your mind."
While many, including Hemingway, first came to Yoga in search of just a good physical workout, they soon realize that the workout is mental as well as physical. "In the process of trying to get good at it, stay in shape and look cool in the class, it began to change me," she said "I started to realize that the way I felt at the end of a Yoga class was different than the way I felt after doing any other physical thing. I started to feel peaceful, to have a different perception of who I was and that was the key for me. I feel an exhilarating connection to myself when I practice. It makes me feel better about me as a human being." She is not alone. Over 90% of the people surveyed in a 2005 American Psychological Association poll, believe that perceptions and thoughts affect physical health. For millions of Americans of all ages, from all walks of life, Yoga is integral to helping them manage their stress, control their weight and increase their overall sense of well being.
In fact, a recent survey conducted by the Harvard Medical School found that people who practice yoga find it helpful for health conditions including back or neck pain, arthritis, anxiety, depression and fatigue. Yoga challenges the body and stimulates the mind while also providing a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. This mind/body connection has brought about life-changing results for many who practice regularly.
Hemingway encourages those who are curious but haven't taken the plunge to attend a free class during the January 28, 2006 Yoga Day USA celebration. "There is a style of Yoga to suit everyone regardless of your age, body type or fitness level. You don't need to be flexible, you just need to be open to the possibilities," she said.
In
addition
to
Yoga
Alliance,
Yoga
Day
USA
sponsors
include
Yoga
Journal,
Yoga
International,
LA
Yoga
Ayurveda
and
Health
Magazine,
Gaiam
and
Wellness
Business
Systems.
For
additional
information
about
Yoga
Day
USA,
please
visit www.yogadayusa.org.
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