What Does Strength Mean?

Yoga teacher Jenni Rawlings and Exercise Science professor Travis Pollen discuss the many nuanced connections between strength and pain with Adam Meakins, a brilliant and influential physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach.

Points of discussion include:

• What is strength, and what parameters need to be met in order for an activity to be strengthening?
• If someone adds strength work into their movement practice and they end up feeling better in their body, why do they feel better?
• Do weak muscles cause pain?
• Are “tight” muscles simply weak, and is the solution always to strengthen them?
• What’s the relationship between muscle imbalances, poor posture, and pain?
• Is regional interdependence a well-supported explanation for why people have pain? (We define this term in the podcast for those who aren’t familiar with it.)
• What are some limitations of using strength training to treat people in pain?
• …And much more!

Enjoy this engaging and eye-opening discussion for yoga, movement, and fitness geeks!

Adam Meakins is a specialist physiotherapist, sports scientist, and strength and conditioning coach working in the National Health Service and private practice in the UK. He is internationally recognized for calling out B.S. Many newcomers in the physiotherapy field cite Adam as their #1 influence. He shares excellent educational content through his social media platforms and his continuing ed courses online.

Find and follow Adam here: website / Twitter / Instagram

The Better Clinician Project w/ Adam Meakins & Ben Cormack – A unique online learning resource for all healthcare professionals who want high-quality low-cost education that's engaging and entertaining.

The NAF Physio podcast w/ Adam Meakins & Greg Lehman

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Jenni’s email newsletter

Strength for Yoga Remote Group Training – ongoing, interactive monthly strength program for yogis designed by Jenni & Travis

Online yoga class library & yoga anatomy workshops with Jenni

Strength for Yoga email newsletter

To find out more about Travis Pollen: website / Instagram

Music used with generous permission from Dischord A Cappella.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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