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
Jan 11, 2025 • 14min
The Secrets to Smarter Training and Nutrition in 2025 | Bonus
Take the 2025 Podcast Listener Survey now to share your feedback and enter for a chance to win a FREE month of Wits & Weights Physique University. Let me know what YOU want to see on the show this year!--Learn about the strategies and habits listeners like you are using to crush their training and nutrition goals in 2025.Hear about some popular topics you’ll see in future episodes, like hunger management during fat loss, training over 60, staying consistent on vacation, and the science behind successful building phases.Links & Resources:Take the Listener Survey Here: https://forms.gle/p1XNhkLZRghyHdH36💪 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 10, 2025 • 50min
Dynamic Resistance Using Tonal vs. Free Weights for Muscle Gain (Troy Taylor) | Ep 268
Download my free Progressive Overload Guide to learn how to gain muscle, strength, and performance like never before.—How can dynamic resistance change the way you build muscle? Are free weights holding you back in certain lifts? Could technology offer a safer and more efficient way to train without compromising results?Philip (@witsandweights) dives deep into the science of strength training with Troy Taylor, Senior Director of Performance Innovation at Tonal. Troy shares his expertise from analyzing data on over 200 billion pounds lifted, offering a fascinating perspective on how dynamic resistance, like that provided by Tonal, compares to traditional free weights for muscle activation, hypertrophy, and strength development.Explore how technology can enhance your training with real-time resistance adjustments, eccentric overload, and accommodating resistance—all while ensuring safety and efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or starting, this will expand your understanding of resistance training science and innovation.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:21 How Tonal differs from free weights7:12 Tonal features: Spotters, eccentric loading, and tracking13:28 Who benefits most from Tonal’s capabilities16:43 Strength training data analysis and trends23:32 Why older adults can see faster strength improvements25:28 Morning workouts and their impact on consistency27:23 Tracking gains and hypertrophy progress31:59 Program customization and progressive overload34:56 Customized weight training, fatigue, and recovery needs41:42 Leveraging lengthened partials and eccentric overload47:22 Tonal’s new Training Lab launch in NYC49:04 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @strengthsciencetroyWebsite: tonal.comTraining Lab: tonaltraininglab.comFacebook: @TonalStrong Youtube: @TonalStrong 💪 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 8, 2025 • 20min
The 3 Million Steps Challenge for Massive Fat Loss in 2025 (Compound Effect) | Ep 267
Join our free Facebook group to connect with others taking the #3MillionSteps2025 Challenge challenge!--Are you struggling to lose that last bit of fat?Research shows hitting the right number of daily steps can dramatically boost your metabolism and fat loss through NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis).Learn how the engineering concept of the Compound Effect explains why small, daily increases in movement create exponential results over time - transforming not just your physique but your entire metabolism.Main Takeaways:The Compound Effect shows how small daily improvements lead to exponential results8,200 daily steps (3 million/year) hits the research-backed sweet spot for health benefitsWalking enhances lifting results through improved recovery, nutrient partitioning, and metabolismPersonalized progression rates ensure sustainable implementation based on your starting pointBenefits of walking according to research:Enhanced insulin sensitivity and blood sugar controlImproved nutrient partitioning for muscle growthBetter recovery between lifting sessionsReduced muscle soreness and inflammationEnhanced sleep quality and stress reductionIncreased NEAT for easier fat lossPreserved muscle mass during cutsBetter joint mobility and reduced stiffnessMore stable energy levels throughout the dayImproved cognitive function for training focusRemember: Walking alone isn't enough - you need progressive overload through strength training. But for those already lifting, increasing daily steps is the perfect complement to optimize your results.Join our free Facebook group to connect with others taking the challenge and share your progress💪 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 6, 2025 • 44min
6 Ways to Lose Fat in 2025 (Using Science-Based Methods) | Ep 266
Download my free Precision Fat Loss Guide with the 6 core fat loss strategies customized for your experience, goals, and lifestyle (or go to witsandweights.com/free)—Struggling to shed fat without sacrificing your sanity? Why do 95% of dieters regain weight—and how can you avoid that trap? Can fat loss really be sustainable without drastic measures like cutting carbs or doing a 28-day challenge?Philip (@witsandweights) kicks off the new year with a powerful guide to six evidence-based fat loss strategies tailored to your unique lifestyle and goals. These approaches aren’t about quick fixes but real, lasting results without misery or burnout. Learn how to pick the strategy that fits your body, goals, and life, and start 2025 with a sustainable plan you’ll stick with.You’ll also hear why most fat loss plans fail, the role of metabolic adaptation, and the secret to flexibility in dieting that most people overlook. Download Philip’s free Precision Fat Loss Guide at witsandweights.com/free to follow along and put these strategies into action.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:03 The three main reasons diets fail8:27 Strategy #110:48 Strategy #213:15 Strategy #316:50 Strategy #418:44 Strategy #521:03 Strategy #623:04 Understanding metabolic adaptation and its impact27:38 How to choose the right strategy for you30:41 Setting up calories, macros, and meal timing37:26 The importance of maintaining strength while cutting39:17 Why successful fat loss doesn’t require perfection41:36 Fat loss that fits your life42:52 OutroEpisode resources:Have you heard about MacroFactor’s massive $100,000 New Year's Transformation Challenge? They’ll be giving away $50,000 to a grand prize winner, and $500 to 100 more people! All you need to do to enter is download MacroFactor – use my code WITSANDWEIGHTS to get a two-week free trial – then fill out a quick form at macrofactorapp.com/challenge💪 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 4, 2025 • 8min
Lose Fat and Win $50K in 2025 (New Year's Transformation Challenge)
Want to kickstart your 2025 transformation AND have a chance to win big? MacroFactor just announced their $100,000 New Year's Transformation Challenge, with a $50,000 grand prize and 100 additional $500 prizes up for grabs.In this episode, I break down:How to join the challenge (January 1-10 registration)Why MacroFactor is my top recommended nutrition appExactly how to get started with the app and challenge3 steps to join:Download MacroFactor and use code WITSANDWEIGHTS: → Apple/iPhone → Google/AndroidWatch my free MacroFactor setup videoSign up for the challengeBonust Step: Join the Wits & Weights Facebook group for support💪 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 3, 2025 • 51min
Why Stress & Cortisol Are Destroying Your Fat Loss and What to Do About It (Molly McNamee) | Ep 265
Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes.—Why does your body hold onto fat even when you’re training hard and eating right? Could chronic stress be sabotaging your metabolism, sleep, and recovery? How can small, manageable habits drastically change your stress levels and fitness results?Philip (@witsandweights) is joined by stress expert and fitness coach Molly McNamee. Together, they unpack the science of chronic stress, its impact on your hormones, metabolism, and body composition, and the small but powerful lifestyle shifts you can make to feel and look your best.Molly McNamee is a fitness coach specializing in stress management and its connection to body composition. With years of experience in understanding the interplay between chronic stress, the nervous system, and fitness goals, Molly provides evidence-based strategies for restoring balance and achieving results.If you’re stuck in a plateau, feeling burnt out, or just want to optimize your fitness journey, this is your blueprint.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:15 Stress isn’t all bad: The case for balance05:41 How chronic stress disrupts fat loss and recovery12:14 Understanding exercise stress and cortisol18:34 High-intensity training and your stress response20:42 Small habits for stress resilience26:37 Understanding stress and diet effects31:06 Stress management through routines and play40:17 Reframing negative self-talk and using your name44:51 The power of small pauses50:38 OutroEpisode resources:Download Molly’s free Conquer Your Cortisol ebookInstagram: @mfit.workouts💪 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 1, 2025 • 34min
25 New Year's Ideas to Lose Fat, Gain Muscle, and Boost Your Metabolism (Lateral Thinking) | Ep 264
Join our FREE Wits & Weights Facebook group to get a downloadable PDF guide of the 25 creative strategies in this episode... and connect with like-minded people who use evidence-based principles to optimize their fitness!--Are your New Year's resolutions already feeling stale? If you're tired of the same old fitness advice that ignores your lifestyle and preferences, it's time for a different approach.Learn how Lateral Thinking, a powerful engineering concept, can give you infinite practical ways to lose fat, build muscle, and boost your metabolism without relying on willpower or motivation.I'm giving you 25 creative strategies that adapt to your life, not the other way around. Whether you struggle with meal prep, workout consistency, or hitting your protein goals, these creative solutions will transform how you approach fitness in 2025.Main Takeaways:How to make healthy choices the path of least resistance using environmental designCreative ways to gamify your nutrition and training for better adherencePractical systems that work with your lifestyle, not against itWhy asking "wild questions" leads to better solutions than forcing conventional approaches📝 Get the free PDF with these 25 ideas by joining our Facebook Group!💪 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
Dec 30, 2024 • 27min
The Beginner's Guide to Shedding Body Fat Without Losing Muscle | Ep 263
Get your FREE Macros 101 for Body Composition Guide to master your macros and calorie intake for fat loss, muscle gain, and better health, including workout nutrition for performance and recovery and a long-lasting approach WITHOUT depriving yourself of foods you love.--This is a replay of Ep 197. Originally aired on July 29, 2024 as: Your Very First Cut (Lose 10-30 Pounds of Fat) Do you want to lose 10-30 pounds of fat without sacrificing muscle or energy? Do you know the common pitfalls that derail fat loss and how to avoid them? Are you ready to learn the smarter, more efficient approach to your first cut?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) dives into a smarter and more efficient approach to help you achieve your first successful cut, losing 10 to 30 pounds of fat without drastic measures. He breaks down how to lose fat through smarter nutrition and strength training over 40, addressing common concerns such as calorie counting and training adjustments. Philip also outlines the frequent mistakes many make during their first cut, including unrealistic expectations. He shares essential principles and a step-by-step guide for sustainable fat loss.Tune in to learn how to navigate this journey and unlock the physique you've been working hard to reveal.Today, you’ll learn all about:Mistakes to avoid during your first cutPrinciples for successful and sustainable fat lossStep-by-step guide to implementing a successful cutEpisodes mentioned:Everything You Need to Know About Fat Loss (Simple Strategies for a Fitter, Leaner Body)My Stair-Step Fat Loss Process to Get Lean and RippedMy 3 New Dieting Methods for Smarter, Easier Fat Loss in 2024Why Macros Might Be All You Need to Streamline Your NutritionSpend 70% of Your Time Doing THIS for a Faster Physique Transformation (Rapid Prototyping)💪 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
Dec 28, 2024 • 9min
Fat Loss Q&A - Best Time to Work Out, Raw vs. Cooked Calories, Fasted Cardio to Lose Fat
Join our free Facebook group to ask a question and get resources like masterclasses, live Q&As, free guides, and community support--Welcome to the final Q&A of the year, where I answer 3 questions about fat loss to wrap up 2024.If you’ve ever wondered whether workout timing, cooking your veggies, or fasted cardio make a difference in your results, this one’s for you.Today’s questions:Is there a best time of day to work out for fat loss?Does your body absorb fewer calories from raw vegetables vs. cooked ones?Is exercising on an empty stomach (fasted cardio) better for burning fat?Got a question for the podcast? Message me on IG @witsandweights and I’ll feature it in an upcoming episode!💪 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
Dec 27, 2024 • 48min
3 Proven Strategies to Master Body Recomposition (Lose Fat and Gain Muscle) | Ep 262
Try MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTS.--This is a replay of Ep 166. Originally aired on April 23, 2024 as: The Body Recomposition Blueprint (Recomp to Build Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time) Are you feeling lost in the calorie counting maze for body recomposition? Struggling to juggle muscle gain and fat loss at the same time? Tired of the yo-yo effect after dieting?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) talks about body recomposition and strategies for muscle gain and fat loss. He emphasizes patience and consistency, starting with maintenance calories for beginners and slower recomp for experienced individuals. Philip also dives into caloric balance, setting and adjusting calorie targets, and optimizing macronutrient ratios for muscle growth and fat loss. He covers the nutrition and strength training over 40 fundamentals that make recomp work, starting with maintenance calories for beginners and slower recomp for experienced individuals.Philip also stresses that strength training is crucial to body recomposition and long-term fat loss. He shares principles of effective strength training, including progressive overload and proper exercise techniques. He also touches on the hormonal benefits of strength training, like elevated testosterone and growth hormones.Philip advocates a holistic approach to body recomposition, incorporating nutrition, training, mindset, and lifestyle factors. He encourages celebrating small victories, staying dedicated, and trusting the process towards achieving your desired physique.Today, you’ll learn all about:Common misunderstanding about body recompUnderlying body recomp mechanismsThree categories of body recompUsing nutrition for body recompositionSetting your macrosThe significance of effective strength trainingBenefits of proper training and building muscle massPeri-workout nutritionOptimizing health and hormone statusThe importance of mindsetEpisode resources:Watch this FREE video on how to setup MacroFactor for body recompTry MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTS💪 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
