Wits & Weights | Evidence-Based Fitness & Nutrition for Lifters Over 40
Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
Wits & Weights is a strength and nutrition podcast where in every episode I put a popular piece of fitness advice under the microscope, find the hidden reason it doesn't work, and give you the deceptively simple fix that does.For skeptics of the fitness industry who are tired of following the rules and still not seeing results. If you've been lifting weights, tracking macros, and doing "all the right things" but your body composition hasn't changed, you're probably overcomplicating it. This is the fitness podcast that shows you how to build muscle, lose fat, and achieve a real body recomp by focusing only on what the evidence actually supports.Evidence-based fat loss coach Philip Pape brings an engineer's approach to strength training, nutrition, and metabolism. Instead of another generic program or meal plan, you get specific, science-based strategies for optimizing body composition, whether you're focused on building muscle, losing fat, or both. The focus is on strength training over 40, hormone health, perimenopause and menopause, and longevity.You've seen the conflicting advice. One expert says cut carbs, the next says eat more. One says train six days a week, another says three is plenty. Building the body you want doesn't have to be this confusing or time-consuming. By using your wits (systems + identity-based behavior change) and lifting weights, you can build muscle definition, improve your physique, and maintain your results for life without rebound weight gain.You'll learn smart, efficient strategies for movement, metabolism, muscle, and mindset, such as:- Why fat loss matters more than weight loss for both your health and your physique- Why all the macros, including protein, fats, and yes even carbs, are critical to body composition- How just 3 hours a week of proper hypertrophy training can deliver better results than most people get in twice that time- Why building muscle is the single most powerful thing you can do for metabolic health, longevity, and aging well- Why perimenopause and menopause don't have to derail your progress when your training and nutrition are dialed in- How shifting the way you think about fitness can unlock more physical (and personal) growth than any program aloneIf you're ready to learn what actually works with evidence-based training and nutrition, hit "follow" and let's engineer your best physique ever!Popular Guests Include: Mike Matthews (author of Bigger Leaner Stronger), Greg Nuckols (Stronger by Science), Alan Aragon (nutrition researcher), Eric Helms (3D Muscle Journey), Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (Docs Who Lift), Bill Campbell (exercise science researcher), Jordan Feigenbaum (Barbell Medicine), Holly Baxter (evidence-based physique coach), Laurin Conlin (physique coach), Lauren Colenso-Semple (nutrition researcher), Karen Martel (hormone optimization expert), Steph Gaudreau (women's strength and nutrition), Bryan Boorstein (hypertrophy coach)Popular Topics Include: hormone health, metabolism optimization, hypertrophy training, longevity and healthy aging, nutrition tracking, best protein powder selection, strength training over 40, women's fitness, perimenopause, menopause, muscle building, body recomp, macros and nutrition tracking
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 19, 2025 • 23min
What Is Your Muscle Gain Efficiency (MGE) Score? (The Bottleneck Effect) | Ep 285
Explore the intriguing concept of Muscle Gain Efficiency (MGE) and how it's measured through the bottleneck effect. Discover what factors limit your muscle-building potential, including training experience and individual body metrics. Learn how to interpret your MGE score for better progress tracking. The conversation also reveals the five key bottlenecks that might be holding you back and offers practical tools to optimize your nutrition and training strategies, helping you achieve sustainable results.
Feb 17, 2025 • 26min
My Hardest Bulk Ever (The Hidden "Energy Drain" When Your Metabolism Fights Back) | Ep 284
Get your free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint at witsandweights.com/muscle to optimize your nutrition for maximum muscle growth while minimizing fat gain.--Learn how your metabolism can fight back during an aggressive muscle-building phase by dramatically increasing energy expenditure, even when you're doing everything right. Discover the hidden factors driving this metabolic adaptation and how to overcome them.Main Takeaways:Your maintenance calories can increase significantly during a bulk due to metabolic adaptation (400+ calories)High-quality muscle gains are still possible even when facing metabolic resistanceThe 3 key factors that drive increased energy expenditure during a building phaseHow to successfully break through a hardgaining plateauEpisode Resources:Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTSDownload my Muscle-Building Nutrition BlueprintTimestamps:0:00 - The unexpected metabolic challenge 3:10 - Real data from my current bulk 8:33 - The hidden energy drain revealed 14:50 - 3 factors driving metabolic adaptation 16:48 - Strategic approach to overcoming plateaus 21:27 - Being realistic about timelines and goals 23:19 - Key lessons and broader applications💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 29min
Are Low Bar Squats REALLY Needed for Strength and Size? (Andy Baker) | Ep 283
Download my free Progressive Overload Guide to maximize your progress in the gym and build strength and size.—What if sticking to just one squat style is actually limiting your gains? Struggling with joint pain or mobility issues from low bar squats but are afraid to switch?I’m joined by elite strength coach Andy Baker to break down the myth that low bar squatting is mandatory for gains. We dive deep into the world of squats, comparing different styles to see which ones are best for building muscle and strength. Andy and I will help you figure out the perfect squat for your body and what you want to achieve.Andy Baker is a highly sought-after strength coach, co-author of Practical Programming and The Barbell Prescription, and owner of Kingwood Strength & Conditioning. Through his Baker Barbell Club, he’s helped thousands of lifters get stronger by training smarter.Today, you’ll learn all about:05:59 – Why low bar squats aren’t as superior as you think09:40 – The origins of low bar squatting and why it became dominant16:40 – When and why you shouldn’t low bar squat22:05 – How to know if you should switch your squat29:20 – The real reason elbow and shoulder pain happens with low bar35:40 – Why strategic variation makes you stronger and healthier46:07 – The most underrated squat variation for quad growth55:49 – The #1 most common squat mistake lifters make1:09:05 – Best squat variations for quads—Andy’s top picks1:20:52 – How to cue yourself for a perfect squat1:25:00 – OutroEpisode resources:Baker Barbell Club: andybaker.com Ep 60: Strength and Programming for Maximum Gains at Any Age with Andy BakerEp 131: Andy Baker on Bodybuilding for Hypertrophy and an Aesthetic, Muscular Physique💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 12, 2025 • 25min
The ONLY Strength Standard You Need to Progress Forever (Control Systems) | Ep 282
Get FREE access to your first challenge + 2 weeks free in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) along with a custom nutrition plan, live coaching calls, monthly workout programs and challenges, weekly check-ins, a supportive community, a resource vault, and courses on fat loss, physique development, and more!--Stop chasing arbitrary strength standards and learn why progressive overload is the only metric that matters for continuous progress.Discover how engineering Control Systems reveal the three key components that regulate your training adaptation, and why understanding them transforms your approach to building strength. Whether you're plateaued or just starting out, this framework will help you create sustainable progress without burnout.Main Takeaways:Your body operates like a control system with built-in feedback loopsThree components (PID control) determine training adaptationProgressive overload requires strategic adjustments based on dataSmall, consistent changes beat random progress chasingTimestamps:0:01 - Why arbitrary strength standards hold you back 2:53 - Control systems and progressive overload 8:01 - Understanding PID control for training 10:22 - Proportional control: Immediate response 13:15 - Integral control: Accumulated training effects 14:35 - Derivative control: Rate of adaptation 16:48 - Practical metrics to track 20:25 - Creating a sustainable feedback loop Get FREE access to your first challenge + 2 weeks free in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 10, 2025 • 15min
Is Allulose the New GLP-1 Alternative to Weight Loss Drugs? | Ep 281
Submit your nutrition and training questions at witsandweights.com/question to get featured on the show—Discover how a natural sugar called allulose is getting attention for potentially offering similar metabolic benefits as modern weight loss drugs by stimulating GLP-1. Learn the science behind how this unique compound affects blood sugar, appetite, and fat loss through natural pathways.Main Takeaways:Allulose stimulates GLP-1 more modestly than medications, working with natural body rhythmsResearch shows up to 50% reduction in post-meal blood sugar spikesPractical dosing starts at 5-10g per serving, best taken with mealsMay help with transitioning off GLP-1 medications while maintaining resultsShows promise for preserving muscle glycogen during trainingTimestamps:4:00 - What is allulose and how it differs from regular sugar 5:17 - Key research findings and real-world uses8:24 - Practical dosing guidelines and timing considerations 10:05 - Benefits and potential side effects💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 8, 2025 • 17min
New Monthly Fat Loss Challenges Plus Big Changes Coming to the Podcast | Bonus
Get FREE access to your first challenge + 2 weeks free in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) along with a custom nutrition plan, live coaching calls, monthly workout programs and challenges, weekly check-ins, a supportive community, a resource vault, and courses on fat loss, physique development, and more!--In this bonus episode, I share results from our 2025 podcast listener survey and how your feedback is shaping the future of Wits & Weights. Find out what content resonated most, what you want to see more of, and potential changes coming to episode frequency and format.I also announce exciting new monthly fitness challenges starting March 2025. Each challenge includes group accountability, coaching support, and a chance to win a free coaching session plus be featured on the podcast. Listen to find out how to join these challenges!Get FREE access to your first challenge + 2 weeks free in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) 💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 7, 2025 • 46min
The ONE Sleep Change That Boosts Fat Loss, HRV, and Muscle Recovery (Dr. Peter Martone) | Ep 280
Download my free Better Sleep, Better Body guide to optimize your sleep for fat loss, body composition, and hormones---Could your sleep position be holding you back from optimal recovery? You track your training, nutrition, and HRV—but what about your neck alignment during sleep? Dr. Peter Martone joins me to explain how your sleep position affects your nervous system, HRV, and overall performance. He reveals how traditional sleeping positions might be sabotaging your recovery and shares practical tips to start fixing it—tonight.Dr. Peter Martone is a chiropractor and exercise physiologist with over 25 years of experience. Through his research, he discovered how sleep position and spinal alignment impact nervous system function, recovery, and pain. He has helped thousands optimize their sleep and performance through proper positioning. Today, you’ll learn all about:02:12 – What is a "sleep avatar," and why does it matter?06:28 – How Dr. Martone discovered the link between sleep and spinal health10:30 – The one sleep change that fixed Dr. Martone’s chronic pain14:13 – How your sleep position affects your nervous system and HRV20:09 – The #1 mistake people make with pillows (and how to fix it)25:47 – Why side sleeping could be causing your shoulder pain30:42 – The real reason for imbalances and chronic pain35:35 – How sleep position impacts snoring and sleep apnea41:18 – The easiest way to start fixing your sleep positionEpisode resources:Website: drsleepright.comInstagram: @drsleepright💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 5, 2025 • 19min
Why Your Stress Feels Out of Control (Nyquist Stability Criterion) | Ep 279
Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment to identify your stress triggers and get a personalized 3-step action plan---If your stress response feels stuck in overdrive where small triggers cause massive anxiety, this episode explains why using a fascinating engineering concept.Learn how the Nyquist Stability Criterion from control systems engineering reveals why some people maintain their cool while others get overwhelmed by the same stressors. Discover how to build a more resilient stress response system based on proven engineering principles.Main Takeaways:Your perceived stress matters more than actual stressorsStress operates as a feedback system that can become unstableThree engineering principles for stabilizing your stress responseHow to measure and adjust your stress management strategyTimestamps:2:41 - Overview of stress as a feedback system5:03 - Understanding stability and the Nyquist Criterion7:58 - Three key factors in stress response10:42 - Strategy #1: Implementing negative feedback loops13:04 - Strategy #2 & #3: Signal delay and stability margins16:12 - Building resilience and key takeaway💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Feb 3, 2025 • 24min
Lifting Weights vs. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Fat Loss Over 40 | Ep 278
Join our free Facebook community to connect with others optimizing their nutrition and training.--Can strength training alone help optimize your hormones after 40, or do you need homone replacement therapy (HRT)?Learn what the research actually says about how lifting weights impacts your endocrine system and body composition.Whether you're dealing with menopause, andropause, or age-related changes, discover how to make informed decisions about combining lifestyle interventions with medical approaches for optimal results.Main Takeaways:Strength training influences hormones through multiple pathways beyond just building muscleYour body becomes more efficient at using hormones through proper trainingThe type and intensity of training matters significantly for hormone optimizationContext is crucial when deciding between training alone or combining with HRTConsistency and progression are key for long-term hormonal healthTimestamps: 00:01 - Can strength training really impact your hormones after 40? 03:47 - Breaking down what happens to hormones with age 08:29 - Three key pathways strength training affects hormones 13:21 - Systems optimization approach for hormone health 17:32 - Three scenarios for combining strength training and HRT 21:04 - Research on maintaining youthful hormone profiles 22:45 - Closing remarks and community invitation 💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Jan 31, 2025 • 38min
Managing Autoimmune Disorders and Chronic Illness Naturally (Heather Gray) | Ep 277
Are you struggling with autoimmune symptoms that doctors keep dismissing? Are you tired of trying endless medications without seeing real improvement? I bring on Heather Gray to share her remarkable journey, from battling multiple chronic conditions for 30 years chronic illnesses including Lyme, Celiac, Hashimoto's, and endometriosis, to becoming a leading voice in natural healing. As a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner and head coach at a prominent cancer treatment center, Heather breaks down the strategies that finally helped her overcome chronic illness – and now helps others do the same.Today, you’ll learn all about:02:06 - Why focusing solely on treatment fails08:01 - Understanding the "perfect host" concept17:15 - The real deal about comprehensive health assessments20:15 - Moving beyond supplements to true healing24:22 - The game-changing power of stress management32:01 - Being your own health advocate37:04 - OutroEpisode resources:Website: renegadehealthboss.comPodcast: Renegade Health BossFacebook: facebook.com/RHBPOD Instagram: @renegade_health_bossYoutube: @RenegadeHealthBoss 💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
