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
Sep 25, 2024 • 18min
This Quick Change Will Help You Stick to Your Fat Loss Meal Plan (Kaizen) | Ep 222
Struggling to stick to your fat loss meal plan? Or any nutrition plan?Learn how the engineering concept of Kaizen – continuous improvement through small changes – can revolutionize your approach to nutrition and fat loss.To celebrate National Cooking Day (September 25), this episode challenges you to make ONE quick change this week that will set off a chain reaction of positive habits. It will gradually upgrade your "sustainability system" to give you results (rather than completely overhauling your diet overnight).💡 To connect with others on their fat loss journey and share meal ideas, join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/witsandweightsMain Takeaways:Kaizen is a powerful engineering principle that focuses on small, continuous improvements.Making THIS one quick change this week will significantly impact your fat loss journey.You'll have more control over ingredients, portions, and macros.This principle can then be applied to every other area of your health and fitness.💪 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 23, 2024 • 24min
The Hidden Reason You're Skipping Strength Training (It's Not Laziness) | Ep 221
Do you skip the gym, even though you know how amazing you’ll feel afterward? Have you set fitness goals but can't seem to stay consistent with your workouts?Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the hidden psychological reasons why motivation is elusive and why it’s not about laziness or willpower. He covers the science of motivation, the misalignment between goals and actions, and how to form lasting habits that make showing up for your workouts easier. Philip also shares practical tips to hack your brain for success. Whether you're a seasoned lifter hitting a motivation wall or a newbie trying to build a gym habit, you'll learn to reframe your mindset, focus on immediate rewards, and build systems for effortless consistency.💪 To learn how to optimize your nutrition to build muscle and focus on what matters (vs. the number on the scale), making getting to the gym and working out (training) just “what you do,” download my free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint or go to witsandweights.com/freeToday, you’ll learn all about:2:33 Listener question: Why is it so hard to get motivated to go to the gym?3:48 The psychology of motivation and "temporal discounting"6:44 Misalignment between workout goals and actions13:00 How to form lasting workout habits16:07 Habit stacking and temptation bundling for workout success21:14 Developing resilience and mental toughness through training22:24 Free muscle-building nutrition blueprint to fuel your workouts23:30 OutroEpisode resources:Download the free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint or go to witsandweights.com/free💪 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 21, 2024 • 7min
Weird Q&A - Lose Fat Eating Pizza, Burn Calories Drinking Water, Sleep Cold to Lose Weight
In this new type of bonus episode called 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:Is it possible to lose fat while eating pizza every day?Does drinking water actually help you burn more calories, or is that just an internet myth?Does sleeping in a cold room help you burn more calories or lose weight?💪 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 20, 2024 • 57min
How to Lift Heavy, Run Fast, and Train as a Hybrid Athlete with Cody McBroom | Ep 220
Are you torn between focusing on strength or endurance? Are you wondering if you can lift heavy while building stamina? Or maybe you’re struggling to find a way to improve both without sacrificing one? Philip (@witsandweights) brings back Cody McBroom to show you how you can excel in strength and endurance without sacrificing either! If you're ready to optimize your training for both muscle growth and cardiovascular performance while setting high standards in every area of life, this will give you the blueprint to make it happen.Cody McBroom, founder of the Tailored Coaching Method and host of the CHOOSE HARD Podcast (formerly Tailored Life Podcast), shares his unique approach to hybrid training, revealing how to balance your workouts to achieve impressive strength and endurance goals. Learn how Cody's fitness journey can help you build mental toughness, improve your fitness, and tackle seemingly conflicting goals.📱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:2:35 Balancing strength and endurance training8:17 Choosing hard for success14:23 Cardio and long-term health21:05 Mental toughness strategies35:53 Impact of small decisions39:12 Starting hybrid training45:42 HIIT vs. low-intensity cardio49:22 Programming and cardio volume50:32 Functional fitness in daily life54:53 Final thoughts on choosing hard56:34 OutroEpisode resources:Website: tailoredcoachingmethod.comPodcast: tailoredcoachingmethod.com/podcastInstagram: @tailoredcoachingmethodRelated episodes:Tailor Your Physique for Aesthetics, Fat Loss, Performance, and Health with Cody McBroomBonus Episode: Cody McBroom on Body Composition and Training to Balance Physique and Performance💪 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 18, 2024 • 18min
How to Avoid Losing Muscle, Especially On Ozempic and Weight Loss Drugs (Sensor Damping) | Ep 219
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic can be incredibly effective, but they risk muscle loss due to appetite suppression, which leads to a much larger calorie deficit.And even if you're NOT on GLP-1 drugs, your hunger signals can still be misleading at times, especially when they are psychological and not always physical.You'll learn about the engineering concept of Sensor Damping to understand why relying solely on hunger cues can sabotage your muscle-building efforts, whether you're on medication or not. Learn how to create redundant feedback systems to maintain muscle mass during weight loss, and discover how this approach can be applied to achieve any goal in life. Find out why becoming your own "system controller" is key to long-term success in fitness and beyond. 🤩 Take just 1 minute to give us a 5-star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or review with Apple or Spotify and get a shout-out on the show! 🙏Main Takeaways: Sensor Damping explains why we can't always trust our hunger cues, especially during weight lossOzempic and weight loss drugs amplify this dampening effect (they reduce appetite significantly)Creating intentional redundancy in feedback mechanisms is crucial for maintaining muscle massBecoming your own "system controller" leads to more consistent progress and better decision-making. 💪 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 16, 2024 • 29min
What Causes Stubborn Midlife Belly Fat (It's Not What You Think) | Ep 218
Do you ever wonder why that stubborn belly fat won’t budge, even with a solid diet and workout routine? Are you in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and noticing changes in your midsection that weren't there before? Philip (@witsandweights) reveals the real reasons behind midlife belly fat—and it’s more than just calories in versus calories out. Get ready to dive deep into the science of belly fat, and walk away with actionable nutrition and strength training over 40 strategies that actually help you lose fat and take control of your physique.📱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:1:49 - Why belly fat matters beyond aesthetics3:01 - Visceral fat and its health risks5:26 - The seven causes of midlife belly fat15:40 - Why eat less move more doesn’t work and what you can do19:57 - Reducing belly fat with core strength25:35 - Recap and final takeaways for belly fat reductionRelated episodes:Why Weight Loss Always Fails (But Don't Ditch the Scale Yet)4 Surprising Ways to Lose That Midlife Belly Fat with Megan Dahlman💪 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 13, 2024 • 52min
How to Reduce Midlife Back Pain and Joint Inflammation Over 40 with Megan Dahlman | Ep 217
Are you struggling with midlife back pain or joint inflammation that just won’t go away? Have you tried everything from painkillers to chiropractors but still find yourself in pain? Do you want to regain control of your body and stay active well into your later years? Philip (@witsandweights) brings back fitness expert Megan Dahlman to discuss the root causes of persistent back pain, why it’s not an inevitable part of aging, and how to live pain-free at any age. Megan shares actionable strategies to address back pain and joint inflammation to help you set the foundation for a stronger, pain-free body. If you’re tired of feeling limited by back pain, this conversation will empower you with practical steps to live an active, fulfilling life.Megan Dahlman, host of the Self-Care Simplified podcast, has helped hundreds of women feel strong and confident through her coaching and content. She has been featured in The Washington Post and Muscle & Fitness, and she brings 15+ years of experience to today’s discussion. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the top voices in fitness.📱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.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:10 How ignoring pain leads to bigger problems4:05 The staggering prevalence of back pain6:43 The link between hormones, inflammation, and back pain8:40 Managing hormones without HRT12:01 Three essential core exercises to start20:57 Understanding anti-inflammatory nutrition25:53 Collagen myths and facts29:54 How mechanical fixes can quickly relieve pain32:01 Building pre-bed routines to reduce pain and improve sleep34:04 Traditional strength training movements for back pain38:16 The mental aspect of back pain41:53 Ergonomics for those working from home46:43 Tips to start reducing back pain today50:10 Where to find Megan51:14 OutroEpisode resources:Self Care Simplified Podcast5-Day Core TuneupWeekly Jumpstart newsletter💪 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 11, 2024 • 15min
Collagen Protein Does NOT Build Muscle (Bayesian Inference) | Ep 216
Collagen protein has been hyped as a muscle-building supplement, especially for older adults, but does it really deliver?In this episode, we use Bayesian Inference – a powerful statistical tool – to evaluate the latest research on collagen's effectiveness for muscle growth.Learn how to apply Bayesian thinking to fitness claims and make smarter decisions about your nutrition and training. Discover why you might need to rethink your protein supplement strategy and how to optimize your protein intake for real muscle gains.To learn more about building muscle efficiently (and hear me bust other wild claims of the fitness industry), join my FREE mailing list at https://witsandweights.com/emailMain Takeaways:Bayesian Inference is a method of updating beliefs based on new evidence, crucial for evaluating fitness claims.Recent research examines whether collagen protein actually increases muscle protein synthesis.Protein quality, not just quantity, is important for muscle growth... at least to an extent.The Bayesian approach can be applied to all areas of fitness and nutrition to make more informed decisions.Need high-quality protein (whey or pea/rice powder or bars)? I recommend 1st Phorm. Support the podcast using my link:https://1stphorm.com/witsandweightsStudy Mentioned:McKendry, J., Lowisz, C. V., Nanthakumar, A., MacDonald, M., Lim, C., Currier, B. S., & Phillips, S. M. (2024). The effects of whey, pea, and collagen protein supplementation beyond the recommended dietary allowance on integrated myofibrillar protein synthetic rates in older males: a randomized controlled trial. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. - ScienceDirect💪 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 9, 2024 • 22min
Why Weight Loss Always Fails (But Don't Ditch the Scale Yet) | Ep 215
What if weight loss is NOT the answer? Or even “maintaining” your weight loss?If you’re tired of obsessing over the number on the scale, you feel stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and frustration, or have ever been told that weight loss is the key to health and happiness…And yet it’s just not working… this episode is for you. Philip (@witsandweights) exposes the weight loss myth that has plagued the fitness industry for years. He reveals why focusing on the scale sets you up for failure and how to shift your mindset toward body composition for lasting success. Learn how to use the scale as just one of many tools to track progress, and discover the freedom that comes with focusing on getting stronger, healthier, and more confident—without obsessing over weight.⏬ Download my free Body Composition Nutrition Guide to help you set up your nutrition for losing fat (not just weight!), building muscle, and looking and feeling your best at: https://www.witsandweights.com/freeToday, you’ll learn all about:2:14 Why the scale obsession is harmful4:56 Muscle loss and weight loss drugs7:53 Using the scale as an objective tool9:24 Tracking progress with multiple metrics12:08 The liberating shift to focusing on body composition14:00 What you should be doing for lasting success16:20 Client story: Body recomposition without weight loss20:47 The dangers of focusing solely on weight loss21:07 OutroEpisode resources:Fat Loss vs. Weight LossHow Fast Should You Lose Weight for Fat Loss?How to Lose 1,000 Pounds👊 Shout out to Carl Berryman of the MENtal Muscle-Up Podcast for the question that inspired this 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
Sep 7, 2024 • 33min
Bonus - Behind the Scenes of a Top 1% Health & Fitness Podcast
Discover the behind-the-scenes magic of the Wits & Weights podcast, where I share my insights on the Mics to Millions podcast with Sam Brake Guia.Learn how I apply the engineering mindset to streamline podcast production AND provide the most targeted information for YOU, the listener, putting in the reps over the last 3 years to grow the show into a top 1% overall podcast and top 100 on the Nutrition charts. Do you want to hear more episodes like this? Or maybe you weren't a fan? Either way, reach out on IG @witsandweights or send me a text message!From testing and iterating with evidence-based content and being very selective in the guests we invite to always (and continuously) incorporating YOUR feedback, learn how we've built a high-quality, no-nonsense podcast for skeptics of the fitness industry who want to get results more efficiently.I also dive into the challenges of maintaining patience and avoiding burnout, and the rewarding moments when listeners share how the show changed their life!You'll learn how Wits & Weights started as a passion project and is growing into (one day soon) a health and fitness powerhouse, including how we reach more potential listeners like you to grow the community.Learn why knowing your numbers is crucial (whether in podcasting or fitness) and how collaboration, networking, and word-of-mouth have helped us grow a supportive network.Hear about our approach to monetization (without ads!) through coaching and organic growth, and the equilibrium between quality and quantity. Remember when I used to have 5 shows a week? There's a reason it's only 3 now.Listener feedback is our compass, and you'll learn how surveys, reviews, and direct engagement shape my content, whether you are passionate about fitness, podcasting, or both.💪 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
