
Simplavida: Simplified Longevity
Simplifying health, fitness, exercise, Zone 2, and longevity, with your hosts Dr. Paul Kedrosky and Howard Luks, MD. Paul Kedrosky is a frequently injured athlete who, when he isn’t rehabbing, is also a venture investor. Howard Luks is a top sports orthopedic surgeon.
Public excerpts only. To listen to entire episodes, as well as get show notes and full transcripts, subscribe at simplavida.com.
Latest episodes

Jun 20, 2024 • 11min
Knee Mysteries, and How ACL Repair is Changing
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 Anatomy01:56 The Complexity of ACL Reconstruction04:09 Controversies in ACL Treatment05:02 Physiological and Anatomical Insights10:16 Personal Anecdotes and Real-Life Examples12:25 Surgical Decisions and Systemic Issues20:12 Summary and Final ThoughtsPremium subscribers get the complete episode, a full transcript, and many other benefits.

Jun 13, 2024 • 11min
All the Movements Matter: Move More
The discussion highlights the crucial role of movement in our daily lives. Hosts explore the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle, particularly caused by remote work and modern conveniences. They critique the fitness tracking culture, emphasizing how social media can create pressure that detracts from the joy of movement. Practical strategies are suggested to incorporate more physical activity, like scheduling walks and rethinking mundane tasks. The conversation wraps up by stressing the importance of building consistent movement habits to combat inactivity.

Jun 6, 2024 • 11min
Your Knees Don't Hate You, and Other Fitness Myths
Common fitness myths surrounding knee injuries and exercise routines are debunked in an entertaining discussion. The hosts emphasize the importance of staying active over perfect form and the effectiveness of supplements, advocating for a balanced and less complicated approach to fitness and health.

May 31, 2024 • 11min
The First Mile Sucks
The podcast discusses the challenges of starting physical activities like running and weightlifting, emphasizing the importance of sticking through the initial discomfort. They talk about the role of mental resilience in overcoming the instinct to quit early on and share insights on building better fitness habits. The conversation covers the impact of motivational posters, dealing with joint pain, and the broader implications for maintaining an active lifestyle.

May 23, 2024 • 15min
Hey, I'm Injured. FFS. Now What?
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 backThis 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.

May 18, 2024 • 11min
Simplifying Resistance Training. Really.
Explore the benefits of simplified resistance training for health gains and reduced mortality. Learn why people dislike strength training and how it can be simplified with less time and gear. Discover the importance of power in addition to strength, and why it's often overlooked. Dive into the impact of inflammation, muscle growth, and aging on resistance training for longevity.

May 14, 2024 • 11min
VO2max is Simple! And ... Complicated!
The podcast explores the importance of VO2max in health and longevity, discussing how exercise can improve this measure but can be complicated by factors like air quality. It delves into the impact of aging and environmental factors on VO2max levels, highlighting the need for proactive lifestyle choices to maintain optimal levels.

May 11, 2024 • 11min
Our Year in Simplifying Fitness, A Review
Paul and Howard reflect on their fitness journey over the past year. They share what routines they've ditched and what new practices they've adopted. Injuries, like a surprising muscle strain from kettlebell swings, remind them of the unpredictability in training. They discuss the balance of setting achievable fitness goals while reintroducing social activities like tennis. Their recent success in a 26K trail race highlights the importance of effort management and realistic expectations on the path to fitness.

Apr 5, 2024 • 9min
How to Read Medical Research Without Losing Your Mind (Free Preview)
Exploring effective strategies for staying updated on new research findings and assessing the credibility of information for informed decision-making. Analyzing bias in interpreting scientific research and the polarized responses to a study on intermittent fasting. Insights on intermittent fasting in weight management and the importance of evaluating research studies for accurate conclusions.

Feb 21, 2024 • 10min
Fear: Why Everyone is Afraid of Everything, and What You Can Do About it
This episode (abridged from the full, premium version) discusses the widespread fear of health-related issues, particularly around medication, vaccines, and exercise, and its impact on physical activity levels. The hosts challenge these fears, emphasizing the importance of movement for maintaining health and debunking myths that exercise leads to joint problems. They also critique the overreliance on health-tracking devices, suggesting it contributes to unnecessary anxiety. The conversation underscores the need for a better understanding of risk and the body's capacity for adaptation, arguing against the normalization of a sedentary lifestyle and highlighting the benefits of staying active for overall health and longevity.You can subscribe to the premium version at simplavida.com.