

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 11, 2024 • 9min
Quick Wits: How to Train, Warmup, and Avoid Missing Reps in Your Workouts
FREE PHYSIQUE-BASED WORKOUT PROGRAMS!On today's Quick Wits, we are answering questions about how to train, how to warm up your lift, how to choose an initial load so that you can get all the reps but not go too lightly, how to rest so you get sufficient time between sets, how to progress, and which movements to do week after week, as well as how to manage recovery so that you can train hard, but not so hard that you stop making progress. Plus: Get a free month of workout programs from Wits & Weights Physique University as a THANK YOU for listening to the podcast:👉 Just click here to get your free physique-focused workout programsWhat is Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)?===> Click here to learn more--“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 9, 2024 • 1h 2min
Bodybuilding for Everyday Lifters Who Want to Build Their Dream Physique | Ep 162
Are you tired of feeling self-conscious about your body and ready to finally achieve that impressive, muscular physique you've always dreamed of?What basic principles can guide your bodybuilding journey? What progress can you expect from bodybuilding over time? How does bodybuilding benefit your mental health?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) talks about bodybuilding and how it can help you achieve your dream body. You’ll learn the basics, like progressive overload, proper form, and the role of nutrition in supporting your goals. He also discusses the physical and mental benefits of bodybuilding, how to set achievable goals, keep track of your progress, and how to keep improving. You will learn practical tips and strategies to help you change your body and get the look you’ve always wanted.Philip is also thrilled to announce that enrollment is now open for the new Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU). This comprehensive fitness program, designed by Philip and his team, provides everything from personalized nutrition plans to diverse courses and monthly workout programs tailored to different goals. The program caters to all levels of fitness, with access to gym or home workout plans, and even a specialized lower body program for women. The community offers weekly live coaching and individual guidance. To join, visit witsandweights.com/physique. It’s a monthly program that you can cancel within the first 21 days and get your money back. So, you have nothing to lose and much to gain, including muscle!Today, you’ll learn all about:6:26 Defining bodybuilding10:47 Mental and emotional impact of bodybuilding12:51 Bodybuilding vs. powerlifting14:49 The sport of bodybuilding16:20 Setting realistic goals21:59 Individual response to training and nutrition26:55 Equipment and resources for training32:58 The principles of bodybuilding: progressive overload, volume, and frequency38:32 Rep ranges and rest intervals: finding the optimal balance42:36 Training to failure: pushing your limits safely44:34 Mind-muscle connection: The power of visualization47:58 Importance of form: safeguarding your body and progress50:39 Tracking progress: monitoring and adjusting for growth54:19 Motivation and mindset: Keys to long-term success56:38 Embracing the journey: Finding rewards in the process1:01:21 OutroEpisode resources:Get New Physique-Focused Workout Programs Every Month💪 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 8, 2024 • 9min
Quick Wits: The Best Workout Program and Days Per Week for YOUR Training Level
FREE PHYSIQUE-BASED WORKOUT PROGRAMS!Have you ever asked yourself what skill level am I when it comes to workout programming for strength training and how many days a week should I work out to get the best results?We are covering all that and more on today's Quick Wits.Plus: Get a free month of workout programs from Wits & Weights Physique University as a THANK YOU for listening to the podcast:👉 Just click here to get your free physique-focused workout programsWhat is Wits & Weights Physique University (WWPU)?===> Click here to learn more--“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 6, 2024 • 13min
Weekend Q&A: Preserving Muscle Mass After Injury or Illness and Increasing Your Metabolism
When you're forced to take a break from training due to injury or illness, how long does it take before muscle loss begins to occur? And how do I get more muscle to increase my metabolism?We are answering two questions today:When forced to take a break from training due to injury or illness, how long does it take before muscle loss begins to occur?How do I get more muscle to increase my daily expenditure?Get the answers in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode.Tune in to learn why muscle deterioration isn't as swift as you think, and how a high-protein diet and even minimal resistance training can stall any unwelcome muscle shrinkage.We'll also discuss adjusting your nutrition to align with your activity level, ensuring you're fueling your body to best support muscle maintenance. ---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 5, 2024 • 60min
Ep 161: The Bioenergetic Solution to Low Energy and Chronic Health Issues with Jay Feldman
Can a carb-rich, high-calorie diet boost our metabolism? What are the real effects of fasting on our energy levels? How can lifestyle choices impact our mood and overall health?In today’s episode, Philip (@witsandweights) is joined by Jay Feldman. Jay is a health coach and host of The Energy Balance Podcast, which focuses on bioenergetic health.Jay discusses the impact of maximizing cellular energy on mental health, metabolism, longevity, and more. He will address modern diet culture, stress, and lifestyle in the context of your health and offer practical solutions for adopting a sustainable, energy-boosting diet without relying on restriction or willpower. They even get into thyroid function and how to manage thyroid issues.Jay is a health coach and independent health researcher with a rich neuroscience and exercise physiology background. Instead of traditional medical school, Jay chose a different path to explore health. He believes that our health’s true foundation lies in maximizing cellular energy.As the host of The Energy Balance Podcast, Jay champions this bioenergetic view, focusing on maximizing cellular energy as the cornerstone of vitality. His mission is to empower men and women worldwide to achieve freedom from low-energy symptoms and chronic health issues to maximize their cellular energy and optimize their health using a personalized bioenergetic approach.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:17 Explaining the bioenergetic diet and its differences from traditional diets6:31 Pillars of the bioenergetic approach9:01 Energy expenditure and metabolic rate10:33 Low-carb diet for diabetics, and during fat loss14:39 Digestive health and energy production18:29 The role of bioenergetics in body composition22:46 Understanding endotoxins29:15 Linking bioenergetics to mental health and cognitive improvement39:22 Differentiating between hormesis and chronic stress effects on health43:11 Mitigating negative impacts of modern lifestyle and diet culture49:44 The significance of lifestyle/diet on thyroid function and management insights55:15 One question Jay wished Philip had asked 57:31 Where you can learn more about Jay and his work58:30 OutroEpisode resources:The Energy Balance Podcast The Energy Balance Food Guide (1-page infographic) - jayfeldmanwellness.com/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

Apr 4, 2024 • 8min
Quick Wits: Why Going It Alone is Killing Your Gains
Have you ever felt like you are doing all the things right on your fitness journey for your health, your nutrition, your training...but something's missing? And that something is support or other people or someone to share it with? A lot of us are in that 5% percent of people that are really going after the best versions of ourselves, and we feel like the majority people around us aren't doing the same. Today's Quick Wits is all about elevating your game and your success by doing it as part of a community, and in this episode Philip shares two ways that you can do that. Two amazing communities you can join for like-minded support, accountability, and pushing yourself to become the best version of yourself:Wits & Weights Facebook community (free)Wits & Weights Physique University (join the pre-sale early notification list)--“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 2, 2024 • 45min
Ep 160: Why “Eat Less, Move More” Is Terrible Advice for Your Metabolism, Hormones, and Fat Loss
How often have you been told to “eat less, move more” to lose weight? Does this advice have any merit whatsoever?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) goes over the real reasons holding you back from sustainable fat loss and optimal metabolic health, and it’s NOT because you’re not doing enough exercise or restricting your calories enough.Philip explains why the common weight loss advice to "eat less, move more" is terrible. He discusses the importance of muscle mass for a healthy metabolism, how protein and strength training can help maintain muscle, and why simply eating less and doing more cardio isn’t always the best approach. He also talks about the role of carbs in fat loss and the benefits of cardio for metabolic health. Philip also highlights the importance of hydration, good sleep, and stress management for metabolic function. He discusses the impact of alcohol on metabolism and hormones and the importance of whole foods for metabolic health. Philip bases his notes on the FREE Metabolism audit that you can take on the Wits and Weights website for a personalized assessment: https://www.witsandweights.com/free-metabolism-assessment Today, you’ll learn all about:3:25 Five-star reviews6:32 Misconceptions about the "eat less, move more" advice8:22 The importance of muscle mass for metabolism9:53 Supporting muscle growth with protein11:04 The principles of strength training and overload14:07 Fueling your body and staying active21:16 Avoiding sedentary behavior22:30 Why the "eat less, move more" approach is destructive25:17 Hydration, sleep, and stress management30:05 Chronic stress and its effect on metabolism32:56 Whole/unprocessed foods, dairy, grains, and alcohol42:17 Personalized metabolism audit for optimal health43:49 OutroEpisode resources:Take the FREE Metabolism audit to learn about your metabolic flexibility💪 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 1, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: Try THIS to Finally Smash Your Fitness Plateaus
What if there's a mental shift that you can make right now that would make it even easier to break through plateaus and reach and smash your fitness goals?In today's Quick Wits as we explore this little shift in your approach that will give you massive results. --“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

Mar 30, 2024 • 28min
Bonus Episode: Forget What You Thought You Knew About Cardio and Strength Training
This conversation is from my appearance on Jen Rulon's podcast, The Everyday Healthy Human.Jen invited me on her podcast to discuss the importance of evidence-based fitness and nutrition, debunk the need for excessive cardio to lose weight, and emphasize the benefits of lifting heavy. You’ll learn about the significance of building habits and non-negotiables in achieving long-term success, and I shared my personal journey and offered advice for those going through a change.Throughout our conversation, we highlighted the importance of focusing on strength, adopting a flexible approach to nutrition, and finding joy in the process of transformation. You'll learn why an evidence-based approach is crucial for navigating the often-confusing world of fitness and nutrition.Enjoy my conversation with Jen Rulon on The Everyday Healthy Human podcast!Episode ResourcesThe Everyday Healthy Human podcast with Jen Rulon 💪 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

Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 3min
Ep 159: Change How You "Train Hard" Forever with Natural Bodybuilder Steve Hall
What does it mean to "train hard"? Is it training to failure, progressive overload, intensity, something else? Find out the answers in today's episode.Today, Steve Hall, the founder of Revive Stronger, a seasoned natural bodybuilder and podcast host, shares his expertise on essential training principles. Philip (@witsandweights) invited him to the show to share his insights on what it means to "train hard" and how to apply scientific research to your training effectively. They discussed reps in reserve (RIR), proximity to failure, minimum effective volume for muscle growth, and more.Steve's journey in the fitness world began after a near-death experience at the age of 20 where he suffered a severe head injury. During his recovery, he discovered bodybuilding, which helped him regain control of his life and ignited his passion for self-improvement.With over a decade of gym experience and years of coaching experience, Steve has definitely made a name for himself in the world of natural bodybuilding, placing second at the WNBF World finals in 2021. Steve's approach to training and nutrition is grounded in the latest scientific research, which he combines with extensive practical knowledge to help his clients achieve outstanding results.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:19 The link between bodybuilding and personal values8:16 "Training hard" for hypertrophy13:56 RIR and proximity to failure vs. other hypertrophy principles19:20 Assessing repetition ranges28:42 Applying research findings to individual training39:43 Assessing and optimizing individual response to training44:52 Full Range of Motion (ROM) vs. partial reps52:22 Developing personal heuristics for effective training59:39 The question Steve wished Philip had asked1:01:35 Where to find Steve1:02:20 OutroEpisode resources:Steve’s coaching and podcast website: revivestronger.comIG: @revivestrongerThe Improvement Season Podcast💪 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


