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
Apr 25, 2024 • 7min
Quick Wits: The Surprising Reason You Don’t Look Like You Lift
Think spending more time in the gym is how to look like you lift? Think again.There's one surprising reason that most people are doing that prevents them looking like they want to and getting results from all that hard work in the gym, and we're going to talk about that on today's Quick Wits. Ever feel like you're a hamster on a wheel, working out endlessly but your muscles are playing hide and seek? Let's reveal the culprit behind why your gym efforts aren't translating to that superhero silhouette you're after. Today, I am tearing down the misconceptions that keep your gains under wraps. We're not just lifting weights; we're lifting the veil on creating an anabolic environment, the necessity of a calorie surplus, and the optimal path to muscle visibility. This episode is your ticket to a smarter workout regimen that ensures you're not only feeling Herculean on the inside but also looking the part.Forget the frustration of progress that feels glacial and those years that seem wasted in search of muscle definition. I break down evidence-based strategies for a controlled calorie surplus that meshes with your body’s needs like a glove.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.💪 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
Apr 23, 2024 • 49min
The Body Recomposition Blueprint (Recomp to Build Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time) | Ep 166
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 covers the nutrition fundamentals and lifting weights principles that make recomp work, 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 emphasizes the importance of peri-workout nutrition to support muscle growth through strategic protein and carbohydrate consumption.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:1:59 Wins from the WWPU community6:48 Common misunderstanding about body recomp10:57 Underlying body recomp mechanisms13:47 Three categories of body recomp19:37 Using nutrition for body recomposition27:20 Setting your macros28:47 The significance of effective strength training31:09 Benefits of proper training and building muscle mass33:40 Peri-workout nutrition36:34 Optimizing health and hormone status39:59 The importance of mindset44:02 Final thoughts on body recomp48:27 OutroEpisode resources:Watch this FREE video on how to setup MacroFactor for body recompTry MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTSRelated episodes:Ep 66: Sustaining Fat Loss Results and Maximizing Recovery for The Long Game with Jeff HoehnEp 136: How to Maintain a Lean Physique Year-Round (Without Cuts or Bulks)Ep 162: Bodybuilding for Everyday Lifters Who Want to Build Their Dream 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
Apr 22, 2024 • 7min
Quick Wits: Maximize Upper Body Gains in Minimal Time (Intensity Techniques)
If you're pressed for time in the gym but you still want to make massive gains, learn about time-efficient training techniques to supercharge your upper body workouts.Ever feel like you're racing against the clock in the gym, trying to squeeze in those exercises? We're sharing the insider scoop on rest-pause sets and supersets that can cut your gym time in half while still scoring you those significant muscle gains.This episode isn't just about fast-tracking your fitness; it's about optimizing every minute for maximum results. We'll explain why these tried-and-true methods, often overlooked as simple bro-science, are backed by solid research and can be integrated into your routine without compromising performance. Tune in as we break down how to maintain intensity and volume in your workouts, sidestepping the common trap of excessive volume, all while keeping an eye on the clock. Whether you're a busy professional or a time-strapped fitness enthusiast, you won't want to miss the game-changing strategies we're unpacking to revolutionize your upper body workouts.--“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.💪 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
Apr 20, 2024 • 21min
Weekend Q&A: Stop Creatine to Drop Weight, Best Diet for Cholesterol, Building Muscle in Deficit with High Protein, Realistic Body Recomp
Should you stop taking creatine to drop weight as a runner, and will it kill your gains? What is the best diet to lower your cholesterol? Can you still build lean muscle while on a calorie deficit, as long as the protein is high? And is body recomp realistic if you are 200 pounds, 5'10 with 25% body fat or really whatever your stats are and your background?We are answering 4 questions today:Should I stop taking creatine to drop weight as a long-distance runner and will it kill my gains?What is the best diet to lower my cholesterol (omnivore, carnivore, keto, Mediterranean, etc.)?Can I still build lean muscle while in a calorie deficit as long as the protein is high?Is body recomp realistic for me at 200 pounds, 5'10", 25% body fat. I lift 5 days a week, cardio 2-4 days.Get the answers in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode.Mentioned in the episode:Get MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS---This is a special Weekend Q&A edition of the Wits & Weights podcast, where we supercharge your Saturdays with an answer to one burning question so YOU can put it into action this weekend.These questions are taken from the weekly #AskPhilip thread in our free Wits & Weights Facebook community. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the endless amount of information and, let’s be honest, MISinformation online and just want a straight up answer without the jargon, that’s what this free service is for.With the weekly #AskPhilip thread, you can post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation that week and have it answered live by me on Friday. If you’d like to experience it yourself, I invite you to use the link in the show notes to join the Wits & Weights Facebook group. It’s totally free and you’ll quickly find out what a positive and supportive community it is.Join our FREE community here to get access to the #AskPhilip thread!💪 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
Apr 19, 2024 • 53min
Ep 165: The Mind Trick to Stop Making Excuses and Stay Consistent (Paul Salter)
Do you struggle with self-sabotage, procrastination, or perfectionism? Are you looking for practical tips to address emotional eating and stress-related behaviors? Today, Philip (@witsandweights) welcomes back Paul Salter, an expert in hypno-mindset and performance coaching. A mentor, a friend, and a fellow podcaster, Paul is back to dive deep into the power of the mind and share his expertise on self-sabotage, procrastination, or perfectionism, and how to uncover the roots of these behaviors. Paul also discusses the different faces of perfectionism and what fuels them. It’s time to understand your motivations and free yourself from unrealistic expectations.Paul is a master at hacking the human psyche. Having helped everyone from elite athletes at the pinnacle of their sports to high-flying entrepreneurs and professionals across multiple fields, Paul has spent the last 15 years crafting his approach, which combines hypnosis, subconscious reprogramming, and mindset shift training. This approach is all aimed at one thing — helping you break free from the chains of self-sabotage, overcome mental roadblocks, and shatter the glass ceilings of limiting beliefs.Paul is also a Registered Dietitian, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Hypnotherapist, and he hosts The Unstuck Yourself podcast. You are going to love his insights on how to stop procrastination and perfectionism dead in their tracks so you can finally get unstuck in your health and fitness journey.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:54 Understanding the subconscious mind9:32 Psychology and mechanisms of self-sabotage12:51 Identifying and transforming sabotaging behaviors21:55 Psychological triggers of procrastination33:44 Perfectionism tendencies and childhood influences38:58 Different types of perfectionism and overcoming them44:14 Techniques to align desire and action against perfectionism47:19 What is the core emotional home50:18 The question Paul wished Philip had asked51:26 Where to find Paul51:50 OutroEpisode resources:Ep 33: Sustainable Weight Loss, Emotional Awareness, and the Dieting Mindset with Paul SalterPaul's IG: @paulsaltercoachingThe Unstuck Yourself Podcast1:1 Hypno-Mindset and Performance Coaching💪 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
Apr 18, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: How to Use HRV (Heart Rate Variability) for Optimal Health and Performance
Heart rate variability (HRV)...you may have heard of it, you may see it on your wearable device or phone app, and perhaps you're not sure exactly what it means or how to use that information.We are going to make HRV work for you and dive into the numbers that matter to unveil some of the strategies to optimize your HRV for better health and performance...on today's Quick Wits!Also, this is the last week to enroll in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) at the 40% off launch price.===> Click here to learn moreWHAT IS WITS & WEIGHTS PHYSIQUE UNIVERSITY?A game-changing solution for ambitious individuals who take action but refuse to settle for a mediocre physique. This cutting-edge semi-private group coaching program is designed to help you shatter plateaus, build muscle, and burn fat like never before.World-class courses on nutrition and training, coupled with a Done For You Nutrition Plan, monthly workout programs, live group coaching calls, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals, will provide you with the tools, support, and accountability you need to achieve a truly remarkable transformation.Say goodbye to restrictive diets, boring workouts, and endless plateaus, and hello to the strong, lean, and healthy body you deserve. Stop spinning your wheels. Your dream physique is finally within reach.===> Click here to enroll at 40% off--“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.💪 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
Apr 16, 2024 • 33min
Ep 164: Food Logging for Fat Loss That Doesn't Suck
Does the idea of food logging stress you out? Do you feel guilty or overwhelmed about tracking food? Or is it a source of freedom and control? In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) discusses making food logging a positive and helpful experience. He emphasizes the importance of approaching it with a neutral and non-judgmental mindset, promoting self-awareness and sustainable progress. Philip shares some principles to promote consistency and avoid obsession, as well as how to use logging data for self-discovery and experimentation. He also recommends using tools like MacroFactor for nonjudgmental food tracking and dynamic metabolism adjustments.Philip aims to help you transform food logging into a pleasurable and helpful experience, focusing on the big picture, maintaining a neutral mindset, and celebrating progress. He provides practical tips and tools to enhance the food logging process and promote a healthier lifestyle.Also, this is the LAST WEEK to enroll in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) at the 40% OFF launch price. Take advantage of this incredible discount now!===> Click here to learn moreToday, you’ll learn all about:5:26 What is food logging8:03 Principles of food logging and practical tips11:25 Neutral self-awareness, instead of judgment17:30 Efficient practices for food logging19:18 What to log and not to track24:11 Celebrate your progress and positive changes27:07 Dynamic food logging app31:31 OutroEpisode resources:Ep 152: My Complete Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint (Bulking to Get Lean and Fit Over 40)Get MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTSGet New Physique-Focused Workout Programs Every Month in the Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) - This is the LAST WEEK to join Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) at a massive 40% DISCOUNT before the launch. Get in on this incredible deal now!===> Click here to enroll at 40% off💪 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
Apr 15, 2024 • 7min
Quick Wits: Food Restriction vs. Deprivation for Guilt-Free Eating
When it comes to food and nutrition, there is a fine line between RESTRICTION and DEPRIVATION. We dive into how to make empowering choices that align with your goals without sacrificing the joy of eating on today's Quick Wits.Also, this is the last week to enroll in Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU) at the 40% off launch price.===> Click here to learn moreWHAT IS WITS & WEIGHTS PHYSIQUE UNIVERSITY?A game-changing solution for ambitious individuals who take action but refuse to settle for a mediocre physique. This cutting-edge semi-private group coaching program is designed to help you shatter plateaus, build muscle, and burn fat like never before.World-class courses on nutrition and training, coupled with a Done For You Nutrition Plan, monthly workout programs, live group coaching calls, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals, will provide you with the tools, support, and accountability you need to achieve a truly remarkable transformation.Say goodbye to restrictive diets, boring workouts, and endless plateaus, and hello to the strong, lean, and healthy body you deserve. Stop spinning your wheels. Your dream physique is finally within reach.===> Click here to enroll at 40% off--“Quick Wits” are short, 3-5 minute episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.These mini-episodes give you practical advice on fitness, training, and mindset based on my everyday experience with clients that you can implement right away.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a message on IG @witsandweights or hit me up in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community.💪 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
Apr 13, 2024 • 41min
Bonus Episode: 3 Simple Ways to Achieve a Fitter, Leaner Body in Midlife
Have you ever chased the number on the scale only to find yourself back at square one?This conversation is from my appearance on Megan Dahlman's podcast, Self Care Simplified.Megan invited me on her podcast to dig into the strategies that actually work for sustainable fat loss, especially for those in midlife. We discussed the difference between weight loss and fat loss, and how to lose fat while maintaining muscle mass. I shared insights on why the approaches that worked in our 20s might not be as effective in our 40s, 50s, and beyond.Throughout our conversation, we covered the importance of understanding body composition and its role in fat loss. I also shared 3 guiding principles for achieving true, sustainable fat loss and how to incorporate them into your life.If you've ever felt frustrated, confused, or defeated in your pursuit of fat loss, this episode will break it down into simple, attainable steps.Enjoy my conversation with Megan Dahlman on Self Care Simplified!Episode ResourcesSelf Care Simplified podcast 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
Apr 12, 2024 • 59min
Ep 163: The Most Important, Overlooked Secret to Sculpting a Body You'll Love with Kate Galli
What is the most important thing in your life and how can you take care of that to create a body you'll love?Philip (@witsandweights) has a special guest, Kate Galli, on the show today. Kate brings a unique perspective to self-care, emphasizing the importance of being in the best physical and mental shape to make a difference in the world. In this episode, she will guide you on how to master your inner dialogue, prioritize your health and happiness, and tailor your self-care practices to fit your lifestyle. You'll gain practical tools to reshape your daily routine, so it aligns with your core values and propels you to become the best version of yourself.Kate has extensive qualifications, including being a Master Personal Trainer for 18 years, a Life Coach, and an NLP Practitioner. She is also committed to plant-based nutrition, a path she's been dedicated to for the past eight years. She uses this approach to help thousands of individuals sculpt the body and life they love with the confidence to go with it.Kate's work is fueled by her ambitious vision: a world where fitness and compassion go hand in hand to create a fit, strong, happy, and healthy planet. She believes in the power of mindset, of CHOOSING to eat and move in a way that is sustainable and consistent with your lifestyle AND values.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:49 The importance of self-care7:01 Self-talk and labels you assign to yourself13:03 Elicit your values and beliefs 19:39 Lock and load the big rocks that make you happy25:55 Filter the people you spend time with33:27 Create a not-to-do list38:45 A 24-hour digital detox43:27 Realistic for yourself and the people you love53:23 Easy quick fixes55:50 The question Kate wanted Philip to ask57:05 Where to find Kate57:42 OutroEpisode resources:Kate's podcast: The Healthification PodcastThe Plant Positive JournalInstagram: @strongbodygreenplanet💪 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
