Why The AYP?
The science is undeniable. Yoga has been proven not only to be one of the most effective forms of preventative health care known to humans, but also one of the best ways to cultivate and maintain optimal health and well-being. Among other scientifically proven benefits, a regular practice of yoga has been shown to help people:
- Reduce stress
- Reduce the risk of heart disease
- Stimulate brain function
- Reduce high blood pressure and hypertension
- Manage depression and/or anxiety
- Relieve lower back pain
- Increase immune system functionality
- Improve sex life
- Improve overall quality of life
There is, however, a catch: In order to provide these benefits, yoga must be practiced properly, and what constitutes a “proper” practice varies with the needs of each individual practitioner. Because of this, qualified teachers are essential. Without knowledgeable, experienced teachers, the practice of yoga can easily be reduced to mere exercise and/or ineffectual meditation, and can result in anything from minimal to no benefit at all, to serious injury.
As a registered 501(c)(6) non-profit organization, The Association of Yoga Professionals aims to recognize those teachers who posses the knowledge, experience and skillset to teach yoga effectively, and to connect students or potential students of yoga with those teachers.
Whether you are a teacher, student, yoga studio or yoga school, we look forward to serving you and we hope you will join us in our mission to support the growth and understanding of yoga as a recognized healing practice, and to support the growth of the yoga tradition itself as it continues to evolve to meet the needs of the modern world.
To find out more about becoming a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT), Student Member or Member Studio, please visit our JOIN page.
To find out more about The AYP’s Board, Bylaws, Financials, as well as The AYP Scholarship Fund, please visit any of the links below:
Have a question? Please either visit our FAQ page, or send an email to: [email protected]