April 7, 2026

Don't Let Yoga Ruin Your Life: David Keil on Anatomy, Adjustments & Longevity (Video)

Show Notes
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At what point does discipline stop serving us—and start becoming something we're afraid to question?

In this episode, Harmony and Russell are joined by old friend David Keil—yoga anatomy educator, body worker, and long-time Ashtanga practitioner and teacher—for a rich, honest conversation about what happens when devotion becomes dogma.

David has spent over two decades bridging anatomy, science, and Ashtanga yoga practice, always resisting the oversimplification that there is one right way to move, one right way to adjust, or one right way to practice. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt the tension between devotion and discernment—whether you've been practicing for two years or twenty.

In This Episode:

When discipline becomes dogma—and how to recognize the difference
The nervous system as the foundation of skillful adjustments
Pattern-based movement vs. fixing isolated details (and why it matters for longevity)
What actually makes Ashtanga yoga Ashtanga yoga
Pain, tolerance, and what we do (and don't) learn from pushing through
Why 90% of 25+ year practitioners mix and match sequences—and what that tells us
The vagus nerve, breath, and why focused attention is the common thread in all contemplative practices
Cross-training for yogis: bone density, muscle mass, and why yoga alone isn't always enough
The future of Ashtanga after Sharath
"Don't let yoga ruin your life"—what David means by this, and why it matters

Connect With David Keil: