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
Oct 14, 2024 • 24min
How to Stay Motivated for Strength Training When Nothing Works | Ep 230
Are you having trouble staying motivated with your fitness goals? Do you start strong, only to lose momentum after a few weeks? Are you wondering why discipline and willpower never seem to be enough?Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the psychology of motivation and the hidden forces that drive our behaviors. You’ll learn why relying on willpower isn’t a sustainable strategy and discover seven types of motivation to help you stay on track long-term. From internal motivators like intrinsic enjoyment to external motivators like social support, Philip covers how to identify your primary drivers and create an environment that fosters lasting motivation. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to reignite your passion, this gives you the tools to build systems for success that don’t depend on fleeting discipline. Find out how to use multiple sources of motivation to crush your goals without relying on willpower alone.📋 To learn how to reframe your goals and implement them, even when you’re not “motivated,” so you can finally be consistent with your fitness and nutrition, join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.Today, you’ll learn all about:1:19 Holly's (listener) question2:29 Why willpower isn’t enough for long-term motivation4:15 Seven types of motivation explained9:00 A client's story about motivation14:14 How to identify your primary motivators17:10 Tips for creating a motivating environment19:15 How action can spark motivation and using the "motivation wave"22:04 OutroEpisode resources:Join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my free “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.💪 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
Oct 12, 2024 • 13min
Bonus Q&A - More Protein vs. More Carbs, Is Creatine Worth It for Muscle?
We're answering 2 questions from the Wits & Weights Facebook group:Should I lower my protein to get more carbs (or vice versa), especially during a muscle-building phase?Does creatine really make much of a difference for performance and muscle growth if you're at least 80% dialed in with everything else?Join our Facebook group and get YOUR question answered for free in our Friday #AskPhilip live Q&A!Have you ever wondered how balancing protein and carbohydrates while in a caloric surplus can impact your muscle growth and workout performance? This episode tackles that burning question as we explore the delicate dance between medium and high protein levels and what it means for muscle protein synthesis, satiety, and recovery. Whether you're using the Macrofactor app or simply curious, learn how to maximize gains while balancing protein and carbs for the best balance between muscle growth, recovery, and performance.We also dive into creatine supplementation, discussing its potential benefits both inside and outside the gym.💪 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
Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
The 5 Stages of Fitness Over 40 (Allan Misner) | Ep 229
Allan Misner, a fitness expert and host of the 40 Plus Fitness Podcast, shares his journey and insights on transforming health after 40. He breaks down the five critical stages of fitness, emphasizing the importance of mindset shifts and sustainable practices. Allan discusses navigating challenges, balancing workouts, and developing long-term visions for health. Discover how to redefine your fitness journey with practical strategies and motivation techniques tailored for midlife success!
Oct 9, 2024 • 16min
Why Strength Training and Extreme Cardio Don't Mix (Bodybuilders vs. Runners) | Ep 228
Are you training for the wrong outcome?Are you working hard, going to the gym, but things aren't quite lining up for your physique and body composition goals?Imagine a fitness plan where every effort counts, and nothing is wasted. Learn how the Critical Path Method (CPM) explains why bodybuilders and marathon runners have such contrasting approaches and how you can determine where on that spectrum YOUR goals are so you can save time and be more efficient with your fitness.Discover:How to identify your fitness "critical path"Why doing less can often lead to better resultsHow to eliminate time-wasting exercises from your routineThe power of laser-focusing on what truly matters for your goalsWhether you're aiming to build muscle, lose fat, or improve endurance, this episode will help you optimize your training for maximum results with minimum wasted effort.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. Main Takeaways:The Critical Path Method reveals why different physique goals require different training approachesFocusing on your "critical path" activities can accelerate progress while reducing overall workloadRegularly reassessing your critical path is key as your fitness journey evolvesEliminating wasteful and unnecessary activities is often as important as adding the RIGHT activities to your plate💪 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
Oct 7, 2024 • 22min
7 Surprising BMR Facts (Your Metabolism Isn't Broken) | Ep 227
Is your metabolism holding you back from achieving your fitness goals? Do you ever wonder why your progress slows down despite your best efforts? Why do some people seem to burn more calories than others, even at rest?Philip (@witsandweights) uncovers 7 surprising facts about your basal metabolic rate (BMR) that will completely change how you think about fat loss, energy, and fitness. You'll discover how factors like body composition, organ size, and even athletic habits play a huge role in your metabolism. From the truth about aging and its impact on BMR to debunking myths about metabolic adaptation, you'll learn practical insights to help you work with your body's natural processes and achieve better results. Whether you’ve been feeling stuck or frustrated, understanding your BMR might be the key to unlocking your fitness goals.🎞️ To learn how to download and setup MacroFactor for free so you know your exact metabolism for any body composition goal, watch this video or go to https://youtu.be/HTOmVtR9UZw (don’t forget to use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to try it for free!)Today, you’ll learn all about:2:48 Fact 1: The wide range of normal BMRs5:34 Fact 2: How organ size impacts BMR7:22 Fact 3: Allometric scaling of metabolism9:11 Fact 4: Athletes' secret metabolic advantage13:11 Fact 5: How BMR changes with age14:35 Fact 6: Metabolic adaptation during fat loss18:07 Fact 7: BMR and PCOS misconceptions21:20 OutroEpisode resources:The MacroFactor BMR SeriesRelated Episodes:Bigger Isn't Always Better for Strength or Metabolism (Scaling Laws) | Ep 195Carbs Aren't the Problem (Keto, Paleo, Bioenergetic, and Pro-Metabolic Diets) | Ep 224💪 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
Oct 5, 2024 • 6min
Weird Q&A - Survive on Protein Only, Spicy Foods Burn Fat, Sleep Less Perform Better?
The last "Weird Q&A" was so popular we're doing another one!In Weird Q&A, I answer 3 offbeat questions about health and fitness (nutrition, training, mindset).If you like these episodes, send me a text message!Today's questions:If you could only choose one macronutrient to focus on for the rest of your life, which would be the most important for physique and health?Does eating spicy foods actually boost your metabolism enough to aid in weight loss?Is it possible to train yourself to need less sleep and still maintain optimal performance and health?💪 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
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Build an Aesthetic Physique Without Destroying Your Mental Health with Laurin Conlin | Ep 226
Do you feel trapped by obsessive dieting and constantly analyzing your body? Are you sacrificing your mental health in the pursuit of fitness goals? What if you could build an aesthetic physique without losing your peace of mind? Philip (@witsandweights) takes us to the intersection of fitness and mental health with IFBB bikini pro and mental health advocate Laurin Conlin. They discuss how to break free from obsessive behaviors and anxiety around food and exercise, especially in the highly competitive world of physique sports. Laurin shares her journey and the mental costs of chasing the perfect body, offering practical strategies for overcoming food-related anxiety and adopting a more flexible, mentally healthy approach to fitness. Laurin Conlin is an IFBB bikini pro, owner of Redefine Healthy Brands, and host of The LoCoFit Show podcast. She holds a Master’s in Exercise Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Laurin’s expertise bridges the gap between physical health and mental wellness, making her a unique voice in the fitness industry.📱 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. https://witsandweights.com/free-callToday, you’ll learn all about:3:28 The shift from rigid to flexible dieting and its psychological impacts6:52 Why food awareness is crucial but can become an obsession10:01 How childhood behaviors shape our relationship with food21:22 The mental toll of competitive physique sports31:46 Why most people need more muscle before considering competitions41:57 The balance between food awareness and obsession49:33 Self-reflection and its role in sustainable fitness54:44 Laurin’s plans to integrate fitness and mental health counseling100:39 Where to find Laurin 101:53 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @laurinconlinYouTube: @LaurinConlin Website: redefinehealthybrands.comThe LoCoFit Show Podcast: redefinehealthybrands.com/podcasts/ 💪 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
Oct 2, 2024 • 20min
Ignoring THIS Energy Source Is Killing Your Strength and Stamina (Power Systems) | Ep 225
Are you neglecting a crucial energy system in your workouts?Discover how the engineering concept of Power Systems can be applied to your training (building strength and muscle as well as cardio and endurance) and how to make the most out of the sources of energy within your own body.This episode reveals why training all three of your body's energy pathways is necessary if you want to break through plateaus and build more strength, stamina, and overall fitness.Learn how to design workouts (and program your week) to tap into each system efficiently for improved performance and faster results. To get your free "Cardio for Lifters" guide and optimize your training, join our email list at https://witsandweights.com/email (then reply to ask for the guide)Main Takeaways:Your body has 3 main energy systems, each important for different aspects of fitness.Neglecting any system, especially THIS often-overlooked system, can hold you back and kill progress.Balancing your training across all energy systems leads to improvements in both strength and stamina, increasing your metabolic flexibility and overall physical prowess.💪 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
Sep 30, 2024 • 29min
Why Carbs Are NOT Killing Your Fat Loss (Keto vs. Pro-Metabolic Diets) | Ep 224
Do you find yourself torn between low-carb diets and pro-carb philosophies? Are you frustrated by conflicting advice about carbs and wondering what’s right for your body? Should you follow keto, paleo, or maybe a high-carb approach? Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the great carbohydrate debate and breaks down why carbs aren’t the enemy—or the magic cure—when it comes to your health and physique. He explores the truth behind the carb confusion, reveals why extreme approaches miss the bigger picture, and shares how you can build a sustainable, personalized nutrition strategy that fits your unique goals. Learn how to cut through the noise of diet trends, embrace the fundamentals, and take control of your eating habits without stress or anxiety.🍽️ To learn how to use a flexible approach to dieting where food isn’t demonized and you can eat carbs (if you want)… for fat loss, muscle building, health, and longevity… Download my free Nutrition 101 for Body Composition Guide or go to witsandweights.com/freeToday, you’ll learn all about:2:36 Overview of popular carb-related diets4:48 The three positives and three limitations of restrictive diets7:37 Why focusing solely on carbs misses the big picture11:45 How to critically evaluate nutrition claims21:07 Why moderate to high-carb intake supports muscle growth and performance25:10 Recap: Carbs and the bigger picture of diet sustainability27:06 OutroEpisode resources:Download my free Nutrition 101 for Body Composition Guide or go to witsandweights.com/freeRelated Episode:More Carbs, More Muscle (Why Low-Carb and Keto Are Keeping You Skinny Fat) | Ep 126💪 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
Sep 27, 2024 • 51min
The Crazy-Busy Parent's Guide to Training and Staying Fit with Bryan Boorstein | Ep 223
Are you a busy parent struggling to stay fit while juggling school runs, work, and family? Do you wonder if it's possible to reclaim your pre-kids fitness? How can you balance your health goals with parenthood?Philip (@witsandweights) chats with returning guest Bryan Boorstein, founder of Evolve Training Systems and Paragon Training Methods. Bryan, a fitness coach with 25+ years of experience and a parent himself, shares how busy parents can maintain and surpass their fitness goals. Bryan Boorstein, co-host of the Eat Train Prosper podcast, has helped everyone from elite athletes to everyday parents. His innovative methods focus on maximizing results, even with limited time, and provide practical advice for making fitness a sustainable and enjoyable part of life.📱 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: https://witsandweights.com/free-call Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro2:35 Finding time for fitness in a busy schedule4:26 Creative workout ideas for parents13:18 Optimizing training with limited sleep17:34 Morning workout tips19:30 Staying consistent with chaotic family life21:55 Setting realistic fitness goals27:58 Managing mental health through fitness as a parent33:07 Brian’s fitness journey as a parent49:50 Where to find Brian50:36 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @bryanboorsteinParagon Training Methods: paragontrainingmethods.comEvolve Training Systems: evolvetrainingsystems.comEat Train Prosper Podcast: eattrainprosper.comDumbbell Quickie ProgramRelated Episode:Bryan Boorstein on Failure Training, Intensity, Home Gyms, Specialization, and Cardio | Ep 145💪 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
