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  • Paul and Howard discuss how the amount and vigor of physical movement are more significant predictors of longevity than age, based on a recent piece on movement in Outside, as well as a new study on why exercise fails as medicine. They critique the modern trend of engineering movement out of daily life, making it harder for people to stay active. Highlighting historical studies and modern examples, they advocate for simple, natural forms of movement over complicated or expensive solutions. The conversation touches on societal barriers to movement and offers practical advice on incorporating more physical activity into everyday life.

    00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Movement
    00:33 Surprising Insights on Movement and Longevity
    01:19 The Simplicity of Movement vs. Complex Solutions
    01:57 Historical Evidence of Movement Benefits
    03:11 Modern Challenges to Natural Movement
    03:54 The Social and Environmental Barriers
    09:00 Reengineering Movement into Daily Life
    13:08 Practical Advice for Incorporating Movement
    20:16 Conclusion: Framing Movement for Longevity

  • In this episode, Paul and Howard discuss our complex relationship with data, especially in the context of fitness tracking. Paul describes his transition from a data-heavy Garmin Fenix smartwatch to a simpler approach, motivated by the desire to reduce clutter and anxiety. Paul shares his experiences of stripping down unnecessary data and focusing on essential metrics like heart rate and time, ultimately emphasizing the importance of simplifying data to avoid stress and improve overall well-being. Howard and Paul also discuss the practicality and need for various fitness metrics and the psychological impact of being inundated with data.

    00:00 Introduction: My Love-Hate Relationship with Data
    00:38 The Smartwatch Dilemma
    01:18 Simplifying My Watch: Stripping Down to Essentials
    02:22 The Data We Track: What's Really Necessary?
    05:19 Training and Metrics: Finding the Balance
    13:37 Conclusion: Embracing Simplicity in Data Tracking

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  • Paul and Howard discuss the perils of 'form police'—people who criticize other people's exercise techniques. These people most often found on social media platforms like Instagram, X, and LinkedIn, but they can be anywhere, from gyms to the street.

    Paul and Howard share personal anecdotes about receiving unsolicited advice on their workout videos, highlighting the importance of movement over perfect form. They stress that most people don't need perfect form to benefit from exercise, and such criticism can discourage people from staying active. They also touch on their own experiences of being judged for their exercise form and emphasize the need for simplicity and less friction in encouraging others to move and stay healthy.

    00:00 Introduction to Form Police
    00:12 The Rise of Form Police on Social Media
    00:41 Personal Experiences with Form Police
    01:32 Impact of Form Policing on Exercise
    04:58 Ingredient and Supplement Policing
    06:17 Real-Life Examples and Frustrations
    09:02 The Importance of Movement Over Perfection
    13:37 Form Policing in Different Contexts
    19:17 Conclusion: Encouraging Movement Without Judgment

  • In this episode, Paul and Howard discuss Paul's recent experience with a challenging 50K race at high altitude. Despite rigorous training and prior experience, Paul faced unexpected physical difficulties that forced him to bail out halfway through the race. They explore the psychological and physiological aspects of his struggle, including altitude acclimatization and emotional tolls. Paul reflects on lessons learned and how he is preparing for future races, emphasizing the importance of training and mental resilience.

    00:00 Introduction and Greetings
    00:18 Paul's Race Experience
    01:20 Struggles During the Race
    02:10 Decision to Bail Out
    03:17 Post-Race Reflections
    05:38 Analyzing the Causes
    12:57 Future Plans and Races
    19:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this solo episode, Paul shares his personal training journey since mid-April. He provides detailed statistics on his activities, distance covered, shoes worn out, and vertical climbs. He discusses the reasons behind his training, including his love for structured routines and preparation for upcoming races. Paul also reflects on his experience, challenges faced, and the goals he has set for himself. This episode is a look into the dedication and hard work involved in training for long-distance running.

    00:00 Introduction and Training Overview

    00:18 Activity Stats and Insights

    01:00 Running Distance and Shoe Wear

    03:11 Training Motivation and Structure

    04:39 Upcoming Races and Goals

    05:41 Injury Management

    08:45 Calories Burned and Weight

    09:57 Tapering and Final Thoughts

  • In this abridged preview, Paul and Howard discuss a recent paper by Inigo San Millán and co-authors titled 'Metabolic and Cellular Differences between Sedentary and Active Individuals at Rest and During Exercise.' The paper reveals the dramatic metabolic consequences of being sedentary, even among those who consider themselves healthy. The hosts delve into how sedentary individuals show significantly poorer mitochondrial function, reduced fat oxidation, and impaired lactate clearance compared to their moderately active counterparts. They emphasize the insidious nature of these metabolic issues, which remain undetectable through standard medical tests and often go unnoticed until they manifest in more severe health problems. Paul and Howard stress the importance of regular physical activity and explain the underlying science, including the role of mitochondrial health and fat oxidation.

    00:00 Introduction and Overview
    00:59 Key Findings of the Study
    02:15 Metabolic Health and Mitochondrial Function
    03:59 Striking Differences Between Active and Sedentary Individuals
    05:02 Implications for Everyday Health
    05:53 The Role of Physical Activity
    06:45 Lactate and Metabolic Fitness
    09:07 Clinical Observations and Testing
    15:21 The Insidious Nature of Being Unhealthy
    18:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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  • In this abridged episode, Paul and Howard discuss a recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting the surprisingly steep rise in knee and hip replacements among people in their forties and fifties. They get into the implications, reasons behind this trend, and question whether it is justified given the risks and lack of significant advancements in joint replacement technology. The discussion also touches on the broader medical trends, patient expectations, obesity's role, and the challenges and consequences of multiple joint replacements over a lifetime.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:27 Rising Trend of Joint Replacements in Younger Patients
    01:16 Skepticism and Concerns About the Trend
    02:50 Technological Advancements and Their Limitations
    04:04 Risks and Long-Term Implications of Early Joint Replacements
    05:58 Patient Expectations and Doctor Responsibilities
    10:27 Economic and Practical Challenges in Joint Replacements
    19:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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  • In this abridged episode, Paul and Howard discuss Howard's return to trail running after a two-year hiatus. Howard shares his journey of overcoming long COVID, which left him significantly deconditioned, causing multiple injuries upon his return to running. Despite these setbacks, he's managed to push through the challenges, regain his fitness, and complete a recent race—and did it in heavy rain. Howard reflects on his experience, training, and future race plans with an emphasis on perseverance and avoiding the push to the breaking point. The conversation also touches on managing nutritional needs during long runs and the importance of listening to one's body.

    00:00 Introduction and Recent Race Experience
    02:38 Struggles and Setbacks in Recovery
    04:10 Pushing Through: The Turning Point
    05:49 Back on Track: Training and Racing Again
    07:07 Race Day: Challenges and Triumphs
    08:04 Recovery and Future Plans
    ...

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  • In this preview episode, Paul and Howard discuss the relationship between sedentary lifestyles and adult joint pain. They discuss a provocative image shared by Howard, which highlights the consequences of inactivity. Howard explains how he addresses joint pain with his patients, emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity to combat metabolic diseases and chronic inflammation. The conversation covers practical steps to integrate movement into daily life and the challenge of motivating individuals to start and maintain an active lifestyle. The hosts also touch on evolutionary perspectives, the role of gamification, and personal anecdotes about overcoming the inertia of inactivity.

    Premium subscribers get access to the full episode, plus a complete transcript.

  • In this abridged episode, Paul and Howard discuss the widespread panic arising from a minor market downturn and the mass attempts to sell investments, resulting in crashes for services like Vanguard and Schwab. They explore the human tendency to overreact, seek out explanations, and fail to trust in their preparation and processes. The conversation covers the parallels between financial markets, fitness routines, and the importance of patience, while highlighting the pitfalls of reactionary behavior and hedging bets. They also touch on the broader problem of loss aversion and the psychological need to feel part of significant events or movements.

    00:00 Introduction and Unexpected Tweet
    00:39 Market Panic and Human Behavior
    02:34 The Importance of Preparation
    04:08 Financial Lessons and Long-Term Thinking
    08:03 Trusting the Process
    11:02 Hedging Bets and Human Instincts
    14:54 The Search for Explanations
    17:09 Final Thoughts

    Premium subscribers get access to the complete episode, as well as a full transcript.

  • Paul and Howard talk about the tendency of the healthcare system to overdiagnose and overprescribe treatments for non-severe conditions. Howard shares insights on common age-related changes in the body that are often mistaken for serious issues, most of which will never require surgery. They talk about the critical role of patient education in managing expectations and reducing unnecessary interventions. And ... second opinions, second opinions, second opinions. Just do it.

    00:00 Introduction
    00:25 Understanding Patient Concerns and Pain
    01:43 Healthcare as a Business
    03:18 The Importance of Activity and Exercise
    08:17 Age-Appropriate Conditions and Overdiagnosis
    16:23 Patient Psychology and Decision Making

    As a free subscriber, you have access to the first ten minutes of the episode. Premium subscribers get the full episode and a complete transcript.

  • Debunking Gym Myths: Muscle Building and Aging Explained

    In this episode, Paul and Howard discuss common misconceptions about resistance training and gym anxiety, emphasizing the importance of just getting started despite fears of doing exercises perfectly. They highlight the process of muscle synthesis as we age, the minimal risk of injury if weights are managed properly, and the fallacies around the fragility of shoulders. The hosts review a scientific paper on skeletal muscle dysfunction and aging, discuss the role of protein, the potential but cautious use of biotherapeutics like rapamycin, and underline the various benefits of maintaining muscle mass for overall health and longevity.

    00:00 Introduction and Gear Review Follow-Up
    00:45 Discussing Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction with Age
    01:19 Gym Anxiety and Resistance Training
    02:26 Proper Form vs. Just Doing It
    04:58 Shoulder Fragility Myths
    09:38 Protein Intake and Muscle Synthesis
    16:13 Biotherapeutics and Muscle Maintenance
    21:00 Conclusion: Keep Moving and Lifting

    Here is the paper we discuss.

    Premium subscribers get access to the complete episode, as well as a full transcript.

  • In this episode, Paul and Howard discuss their favorite running gear, covering everything from shorts and shirts to shoes and hydration packs. They share personal preferences, discuss the pros and cons of different products, and touch on the use of running watches, headphones, and hydration strategies, providing a comprehensive look at what works for them.

    00:00 Introduction

    00:44 Favorite Running Shorts

    03:28 Running Shirts Preferences

    06:20 Socks and Their Importance

    09:34 Diving into Running Shoes

    12:46 Debate on ...

    The products discussed:

    Shorts

    Path shorts

    Shirts

    Brooks running shirtsSalomon SS Aero trail running shirtOn lightweight shirts

    Socks

    Smartwool socks

    Shoes

    Altra Lone PeakBrooks GhostAsics Novablasts

    Watches

    Polar watchGarmin Fenix

    Headphones

    Apple AirPodsOpen Run Shokz

    Glasses

    Scott glassesRoka glasses

    Hydration

    Salomon Hydration packPortable hand-held bottles

    Premium subscribers get the full episode, as well as a complete transcript.

  • In this preview episode—the full episode is for premium subscribers only—Paul and Howard discuss the current heatwave affecting the West Coast of the United States. They share their own experiences with extreme temperatures. They talk about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, emphasizing the importance of understanding physiological responses to heat. They reference Jeff Goodell's book, 'The Heat Will Kill You First,' and provide practical advice on how to stay safe during extreme heat. The hosts offer tips for runners and cyclists to recognize early signs of heat distress and discuss the importance of hydration, cooling strategies, and protective clothing. They also explore the physiological and environmental challenges posed by elevated temperatures and highlight the crucial need for awareness and preparation in the face of rising global temperatures.

    00:00 Exercise and Heat
    00:44 The Dangers of Heat
    01:28 Physiological Effects of Heat on the Human Body
    04:21 Heat Acclimation and Misconceptions
    06:34 Real-Life Incidents and Lessons Learned
    11:00 Recognizing and Responding to Heat Distress

    Premium subscribers also get access to a full transcript.

  • Paul and Howard discuss the implications of maintaining fitness and health over time. They talk about Howard's recent tweet about how poor health often results from small health issues rather than a single significant event. They also explore the compounding effects of minor illnesses and injuries and how a sedentary lifestyle accelerates health decline. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle to buffer against the inevitable small health hits over time.

    00:00 Introduction
    01:10 The Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle
    03:28 Health Decline and Small Injuries
    05:25 Building a Buffer by Staying Active
    09:15 It's the Small Things That Get You
    ...

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  • In this free preview, Paul and Howard start with Howard's recent viral tweet about ACL surgery and the discussions it sparked. They get into knee anatomy, focusing on the function and importance of the ACL. They discuss the prevalence of ACL injuries, the debates surrounding the necessity of ACL reconstruction, and why some patients may not need surgery at all. The conversation highlights the differences in medical practices between countries, the role of physical therapy, and the emerging Cross Brace Protocol that allows ACLs to heal without surgery. Howard shares insights from his career as a knee and shoulder surgeon, emphasizing the need for a patient-specific approach rather than routine surgeries. The episode is a deep dive into the complexities and controversies of ACL injuries and treatments.

    00:00 Introduction to ACL and Knee Anatomy

    01:56 The Complexity of ACL Reconstruction

    04:09 Controversies in ACL Treatment

    05:02 Physiological and Anatomical Insights

    10:16 Personal Anecdotes and Real-Life Examples

    12:25 Surgical Decisions and Systemic Issues

    20:12 Summary and Final Thoughts

    Premium subscribers get the complete episode, a full transcript, and many other benefits.

  • In this free episode, Paul and Howard discuss the importance of movement. They highlight the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, some of which come from surprising sources, like increased home-based working. They discuss the psychological and societal factors that discourage people from moving, such as reliance on elevators and modern convenience tools. The hosts emphasize the significance of incorporating regular movement into daily routines, suggesting practical strategies like scheduling walks and making mundane tasks require more physical effort. They also touch on the fitness tracking culture and the pressures from platforms like Strava and how it can work against fitness. The episode wraps up with ideas on developing consistent movement habits to counteract the widespread tendency towards inactivity.

    00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Movement

    00:12 Fixation on Distance and Pace

    01:05 Misunderstanding Movement

    02:41 The Influence of Social Media and Strava

    05:04 Work from Home and Sedentary Lifestyles

    09:56 Encouraging Movement in Daily Life
    ...


    Premium subscribers get the full episode, as well as a complete transcript, and other member benefits.

  • In this free preview, Paul and Howard discuss common misconceptions surrounding exercise and bodily mechanics, particularly targeting myths related to knee injuries, the need for perfect movements, and the best exercise routines. They emphasize that staying active is more beneficial than being overly concerned with the 'right' form or specific exercises. The conversation also touches on the misleading information often circulated by the media about the 'perfect' exercise and the effectiveness of supplements. The hosts advocate for a balanced, less complicated approach to fitness and health, stressing regular movement and dispelling fears instilled by popular myths. Paul also makes fun of Howard for showing up in GQ.

    00:00 Introduction and GQ Mention

    00:20 Debunking Knee Injury Myths

    01:49 Mechanistic View of the Human Body

    03:11 The Importance of Physical Activity

    05:38 Misconceptions About Exercise

    10:34 The Role of Supplements
    ....

    Premium subscribers get the full episode, as well as a complete transcript.

  • Why does the first mile almost always suck? Whether you're biking, running, cross-country skiing, or almost anything else while trying to build fitness, the first bit almost always feels terrible.

    In this free preview episode, Paul and Howard discuss the challenges of starting physical activities such as running and weightlifting. They share motivational insights about sticking through the initial discomfort and the physiological necessity of a proper warm-up. The conversation covers the origin and impact of motivational posters in Howard's offices, dealing with joint pain, and how to build better fitness habits. They also touch on the role of mental resilience in overcoming the instinct to quit early on and the broader implications for maintaining an active lifestyle.


    00:00 Howard's Office Decor

    01:02 The First Mile Struggle

    03:15 Physiological Insights on Warmups

    08:07 The Power of Habit and Mental Resilience

    ....

  • We train for life, we try to keep it simple, and we avoid doing silly things, but sometimes we still get injured. In this episode Paul and Howard talk about Howard's recent calf injury, how it happened, whether it means his training isn't work, and what he's going to do about it.

    Topics discussed:

    How Howard tore his calf muscleChronic vs acute injuriesHow he'll know when it's safe to return to runningWhy he got right back in the gymWhy fear holds us back

    This full episode is for all subscribers. We do this intermittently to give non-premium listeners a chance to discover what they're missing. Here is a link to the full transcript, ordinarily only available to premium subscribers.