Ep 271 Adam Keen – Integrating Strength Training and Yoga

In this solo episode of the Keen on Yoga Podcast, Adam Keen reflects on the evolving relationship between yoga asana and other forms of physical activity, challenging the traditional ascetic view that yoga practice should be isolated from strength training, running, or other movement. He recounts his own journey from a strict, yoga-only regimen in his youth—rooted in the Mysore tradition's emphasis on disidentification with the body—to a later realization at age 38 that excessive flexibility without stability led to joint injuries, particularly in his shoulder. Drawing on anatomical insights about elastin and collagen degradation with age, he argues that weight-bearing exercises are essential for joint longevity and overall physical health. Keen advocates for a balanced integration of yoga with strength training, calisthenics, and other movement practices, emphasizing intention, mindfulness, and body awareness over rigid adherence to tradition. He highlights how different forms of movement—whether team sports, walking, or gym workouts—can expand consciousness and complement yoga’s introspective nature, while cautioning against the ego-driven aspects of fitness culture. Ultimately, he calls for personal experimentation and self-responsibility in creating a sustainable, joyful, and holistic movement practice. Key takeaways include: 1) Yoga asana alone may compromise joint stability over time, especially with aging; 2) Strength training and weight-bearing exercises help build collagen, stabilize joints, and support long-term health; 3) Intention matters—any movement can be yogic if done with focus, breath, and mindfulness; 4) Diversifying movement enhances body awareness, mental flexibility, and joy; 5) There’s no one-size-fits-all formula—experimentation and listening to your body are essential. Keen concludes that caring for the body isn’t contradictory to yoga—it’s foundational to it.