Yoga Journal

I believe yoga is significantly more than which blocks help with better alignment, and wish that this were a magazine that supported this fact.

While I understand the value of adequate advertising to the success of a magazine publication, I can't help but wonder if the writers who submitted articles on the commercialisation of yoga have actually had a chance to browse through the magazine.

Subsequent to my subcription to Yoga Journal, I have made contact with Yoga International and will be reviewing that publication before making another such misguided decision.


A wonderful resource   November 17, 2003
Trixie (Ohio)
54 out of 55 found this review helpful

I've subscribed to YJ off and on over the last few years. Off because I just don't have the time to read everything in it. This is a fabulous magazine no matter where you are in your practice. Every issue has an article on anatomy that is practical and interesting, an in-depth study of a selected asana that is meant for beginners but has useful information for everyone, meditation articles, diet articles. Just an abundance with real respect for the roots of yoga. I have read that some people in the yogic community dislike YJ's commercialization and competitiveness. If these are fair criticisms that is unfortunate since they must not be reading their own publication. Otherwise I can recommend this magazine without reservation. I learn so much about body and spirit in every issue and it continues to inspire and inform my practice. Their website is also excellent and loaded with free content. Namaste.


Extremely useful resource for home yoga practitioners   February 18, 2004
Beth Cholette (Upstate NY USA)
30 out of 30 found this review helpful

Yoga Journal is an excellent resource, particularly for those who practice yoga mainly at home and who are looking to further their practice. Yes, the magazine is somewhat commercialized--there are a ton of ads in addition to articles on various new yoga products and trends--but to me, that's also an indication of the publication's open-mindedness to all styles and types of yoga.

This is a magazine which helps make yoga accessible to everyone, whether you prefer an Easternized or Westernized version of practice. Each issue includes a beginner's look at a particular asana plus an in-depth depth focus on a more advanced asana; featured articles include more posture work as well as more general health and wellness topics. Whenever I pick up this magazine, I never fail to find several articles of interest to me, and I always wind up saving the issue for future reference.

Yoga Journal is definitely a worthwhile subscription or occasional indulgence for your well-being; highly recommended for yogis of all levels!


So so   January 2, 2006
Patricia (outside USA)
23 out of 26 found this review helpful

Good articles, BUT too many advertisment. The first time I read this magazine was 1 year ago, and the difference with the increase in adds is big. It is annoying to go thru a magazine and have the feeling that you saw more adds than articles, and you just flip a page, and an ad, next page an ad, etc.
Editors should filter the ads, I don't think Yoga is for having the om sign in a diamong necklace!! (or some shiny rock that looks like diamonds)as the one page advertisement. Do I want to open the magazine an see the first 6 pages with advertisement for chevrolet?


Spiritually Relaxing Reading   April 6, 2005
Rebecca Johnson (Washington State)
20 out of 23 found this review helpful

To transform the world, we must begin with ourselves. ~J. Krishnamurti

My April 2005 copy of Yoga Journal is looking a little worse for wear. I was reading it in the tub and do take a rather extreme delight in ripping out pages of interest. I have to organize the new products to try in one pile and the pages about yoga postures in another. Then, there is the page about freeing yourself from destructive emotional patterns that I should read at least four more times and the recipe for Chocolate-Grand Marnier Dessert. Of course I'm fresh out of Grand Marnier so I have to save the recipe and put it in the "recipe to make soon" file.

The Yoga Journal is not just a fun read for me. I literally try to take the teaching and the ideas and put them into practice. Literally in Yoga practice and more intellectually in taming stress and taking control of my emotions. Not that Yoga is not intellectual because it really is a very intellectually enhancing exercise. Through reading about Yoga you can learn how to calm your mind and learn how to focus on what is important in life. To say Yoga has influenced me for the better is a great understatement. The happiest place in my day is perhaps at the end of a Yoga routine when I feel completely relaxed, without any negative emotions and have a sense that in the midst of the chaos of life, there is a place of peace inside me that I can escape to anytime I choose.

If you tend to buy Yoga "workouts" then you will appreciate the "yocabulary" to explore various Yoga words in more depth. There are book/video/music reviews for Yoga inspired items. The advertising seems mostly about Yoga retreats or new Yoga DVDs like Sara Ivanhoe's Natural Journeys 20 Minute Yoga Makeover routines, which I love.

Now the only question is, is the Aveeno body wash in my shower a result of seeing an advertisement in this magazine and how many more Tazo teas are there to try?

As the Wake Up to Your Life article states: "Why wait around for enlightenment when you can enjoy everyday awakenings." You just know someone's life was changed by reading that one line in this magazine. It definitely made me think. If you love collecting quotes or you enjoy learning more about your Yoga practice, this is an essential Yoga magazine.

~The Rebecca Review