Congratulations guys! You’ve made it to the cover of Yoga Journal for the first time since April 2003!
Matt Pesendian, the man of the hour, has been practicing hatha yoga since 1989. And while the cover finds him seated in a cozy lotus pose, his chiseled biceps tell another story. He practices Shadow Yoga, which blends asana, dance, and martial arts. The idea being that “the appropriate combination of these activities with suitable rhythm and positioning brings about the unfolding of the inner powers hidden in the individual.” A youtube video shows Pesendian giving a Shadow Yoga presentation, and WOW! He’s fluid, he’s strong, he’s flexible, and he’s got a mean peacock pose!
While it’s no secret to many of us that men are an integral part of the yoga community, the world at large still holds onto the idea that yoga is just for ladies. Never mind Yogi Bhajan, Iyengar, or Bikram, Jason Crandell or Rodney Yee. Never mind all of the professional athletes who praise yoga for the increased flexibility and strength it provides. When all people see are svelte women in skin-hugging clothing on the covers of yoga magazines and dvds, it’s hard to change minds.
We still have a long way to go before yoga is considered just as manly as weightlifting or football. Putting Matt Pesendian on the cover of Yoga Journal was a step in the right direction, but once every 8 years isn’t enough. There are countless men out there doing yoga, and I hope we get to see more of them soon. While we wait to see if Yoga Journal obliges, let’s think about what we as individuals can do to make yoga’s image more gender inclusive.
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Another aspect of the issue: yoga has become big business, and images of attractive young women always sell. That is one main reason why it’s been so long since a guy has been on the cover of YJ; the magazine has become increasingly commercial over the years. What the gender switch means now, I can only guess: they’re taking a calculated risk? pictures of pretty young men attract buyers too? I’m sure it was a well-thought-out decision. Whatever the reason may be, and despite my frustration with the mixed agenda of the yoga industry, I am also glad to see more men represented, and welcome gender equity wherever it shows up.
Ilinehan, I agree with you that it’s a business decision. Like it or not, women do make up a majority of yoga practitioners, so they have to cater to that. I admit I do like seeing women on the cover doing amazing poses that are currently out of my reach. But if they did finally realize that they are alienating the men, great! Bring on the boys! =)
It’s been eight years since a male cover!?! I’ve noticed there is a trickle down effect as a kids yoga teacher. Boys are starting to think yoga is a girl thing. Boys do like yoga in the classroom, but it’s harder to get boys into the studio yoga classes. I’m glad to see the images of men doing yoga being promoted.