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
Mar 28, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Muscle vs. Weight Loss for Metabolic Health and Longevity
When it comes to long-term health, vitality, body composition and avoiding metabolic disease and obesity, there is one thing that matters above all and is a complete game changer...It's NOT weight loss.Forget what you've been told about weight loss being the holy grail of health. This episode is set to revolutionize your perspective on fitness and vitality. There is an unsung hero of our metabolic system that is the key to longevity and disease resilience. For anyone who's been fixated on the bathroom scale, prepare to shift your focus to the real powerhouse of health.Find out what it is on today's Quick Wits.--“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 26, 2024 • 36min
Ep 158: The Science of Hunger and 9 Hacks to Outsmart Your Appetite (Especially in Fat Loss!)
Why does hunger strike when you're cutting calories? Do you want to know the best way to curb hunger during fat loss?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the fascinating world of hunger, the science behind it, and how it affects your fat loss journey. He talks about the hunger hormones — leptin and ghrelin and how stress and cortisol can make you crave that extra snack. He shares nine practical strategies to help you stay on track and how protein, spices, and water play an important role in these real-life hacks.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:51 Hunger during a calorie deficit4:45 The science of hunger7:46 Cortisol's role in hunger and appetite10:55 Managing hunger with quality of sleep12:34 Influence of the senses on hunger19:22 Nine hunger hacks35:40 OutroEpisode resources:Download Your FREE Hunger Hacks 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
Mar 25, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Food Abundance and The Positive, Nurturing Act of Eating
Don't eat this, don't eat that. Are you sick and tired of all the don'ts when it comes to diet? All the no's and the can't's and the bad's?We're getting rid of all of that. We're going to flip things around and explore additive nutrition. This is a liberating, freeing approach to focusing on what to ADD IN your diet rather than what to cut out...on today's Quick Wits.Wave goodbye to the tyranny of dietary restriction and say hello to a life of nutritional abundance. This episode is your ticket to embracing additive nutrition, a joyous pivot from what you 'can't have' to what you 'can add' to enhance your health and vitality. You will learn about a perspective on eating that celebrates the diversity of foods that can enrich your meals and your life. Today, we're all about enriching your plate with the essentials our bodies crave, from proteins that repair and build muscle, to fibers that bolster our digestive health. It's not just about the food; it's about cultivating a positive relationship with eating, acknowledging it as a nurturing act rather than a source of guilt. Let's revolutionize the way we think about meals, focusing on the satiating power of nutritious choices to naturally replace those less beneficial eats. Join me, and let's transform not just our diets, but our approach to food as the nourishing fuel propelling us toward our goals.--“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 23, 2024 • 37min
Bonus Episode: Introducing Wits & Weights Physique University
Are you frustrated with a lack of progress, even though you've been working hard? Maybe you've been going to the gym, tracking your food, or trying to improve your diet. In this episode, Philip is going to introduce something to you that's coming out soon that could very well change the way that you approach your fitness journey forever, not just physically, but also mentally, with the principles that we believe in on this show.Tune in to today's bonus episode for all the details behind the new Wits & Weights Physique University (launching in April 2024).Join the pre-sale early notification list hereWhat is Wits & Weights Physique University?WWPU is a game-changing solution for ambitious individuals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond 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.Join the pre-sale early notification list here💪 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
12 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 57min
Ep 157: Bill Campbell on Aggressive Dieting, Dirty Bulking, and Keto Effects on Muscle Building
Dr. Bill Campbell discusses aggressive dieting for rapid fat loss and muscle retention. They explore a study on rapid fat loss through a 14-day protocol, including the importance of resistance training. The podcast delves into upcoming research on rapid fat loss in women and strategies for measuring metabolic rate and protein intake. Additionally, they discuss caloric deficits, weight loss strategies, muscle gain strategies, and the impact of keto diet on body composition and strength.
Mar 21, 2024 • 12min
Quick Wits: The Fat Loss Protocol for Shedding Pounds Without Sacrificing Muscle
Want the secret to designing a fat loss diet that preserves muscle while shredding pounds? Today we break down the key components of a well-designed fat loss plan, including the calorie deficit, protein intake, strength training and recovery.We're going to walk through a hypothetical client's journey, complete with the numbers, and discover the power of using a special trick...instead of strict targets that can really trip people up, there's a special approach we like to take that makes it more accessible and more sustainable, so you can adjust your plan as your metabolism adapts. Get the knowledge you need to create a sustainable, effective fat loss protocol tailored to your goals and preferences. Get you FREE copy of the March 2024 Issue of Body By Science by joining our Insiders 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
Mar 19, 2024 • 44min
Ep 156: How to Lose 1,000 Pounds (The Psychology of Sustainable Fat Loss)
What would it take to lose 1,000 pounds? Find out the surprising truth about dieting and discover a radically different, evidence-based approach to transforming your body composition. In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) talks about breaking the cycle of dieting and weight regain, strength training, and mindset shifts. It is not another quick fix or fad diet but a method that prioritizes long-term results through evidence-based approaches, focusing on body composition rather than simplistic weight loss goals. Philip touches on the societal trend of repetitive dieting attempts and weight fluctuations, shedding light on the struggles individuals face in maintaining sustainable results. He talks about the dangers of perpetual dieting and yo-yo weight cycles, emphasizing the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss. He also discusses the significance of strength training and muscle building for overall health and body composition.Today, Philip also introduces the upcoming launch of Wits & Weights Physique University, a dynamic semi-private group coaching program meticulously designed to elevate your fitness journey. This experience is tailored to empower you with personalized nutrition and strength training strategies. 🎉 Pre-Sale Alert! Be among the first to secure your spot at an exclusive pre-sale price! Join the pre-sale list now and receive priority access to join Wits & Weights Physique University. Just 10 spots will be available before the price goes up.👉 Join the Pre-Sale ListDon’t miss this opportunity to transform your physique and enhance your well-being.Today, you’ll learn all about:4:27 Wits & Weights Physique University10:50 The truth behind dieting cycles15:00 Weight loss vs. fat loss16:31 Breaking free from traditional dieting21:24 The importance of body composition24:53 Put a plan in place27:15 Improving body composition through strength training31:05 Training has to be hard, and reframing your mindset43:17 OutroEpisode resources:Join the Wits & Weights Physique University Pre-Sale ListBody by Science Monthly Research Review (Dr. Bill Campbell)💪 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 18, 2024 • 10min
Quick Wits: Are Six-Pack Abs Really Made in the Kitchen? 5 Steps to a Strong, Shredded, Core
What is the secret to sculpting eye-catching six-pack abs? It is not just about dieting. Abs can be made in the kitchen to an extent, but in this episode we are going to dive into 5 practical strategies that we use in our evidence-based coaching to help clients achieve a strong, shredded and functional core.Get you FREE copy of the March 2024 Issue of Body By Science by joining our Insiders 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
Mar 16, 2024 • 1h 13min
Bonus Episode: Midlife Hormones, Macros, and Muscle for Women Over 40
This conversation is from my appearance on Karen Martel’s The Hormone Solution Podcast.Karen invited me on her podcast to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities women over 40 face when it comes to nutrition, fitness, and hormonal health. We covered a LOT of relevant topics, like common diet myths and personalized strategies to help women maintain energy, muscle mass, and metabolic health as they age. You’ll learn the importance of body recomposition and get some practical advice on optimizing workout routines to maximize results while minimizing time spent in the gym.You’ll hear about the role of macros in women's health post-40, the flaws in the "eat less, move more" mantra, and the benefits of strength training for managing insulin resistance. We also discussed the importance of nutrient timing, electrolyte balance, and tracking progress using metrics beyond just the scale. We talked about some amazing clients who combined proper nutrition with lifting weights, and how this holistic approach can improve your health dramatically in midlife.Enjoy my conversation with Karen Martel!Episode ResourcesThe Hormone Solution Podcast with Karen Martel 💪 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 15, 2024 • 57min
Ep 155: 6 Steps to Rebuild Your Strongest, Healthiest Body Over 40 with Brian Gryn
Can you regain your energy and strength while losing inches to turn back the clock by 10-15 years or more?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) speaks with Brian Gryn, host of the "Get Lean, Eat Clean" podcast, author of "The Stepladder System," and the go-to guy for men over 40 who want to improve their health.Like Philip, he shares no-nonsense, practical fitness and nutrition advice. In this episode, Brian shares his six steps for rebuilding your strongest, healthiest body after 40. He shows you how to find clarity, tackle stress, and make sleep your secret weapon for fat loss and muscle gain. They also discuss nutrition myths, meal timing, and intermittent fasting, plus effective strategies for training smart, given your recovery capacity and joint health.Brian is one of the good ones in the industry. He cuts through the noise, avoids fads and quick fixes, and gets real results. He's been in the health industry for almost 20 years, coaching middle-aged men on how to build strength and healthy habits they can use for the rest of their lives.Brian has a background in Functional Diagnostic Nutrition. He is in the business of making health transformations tangible, focusing on what really works over the long term. Today, you’ll learn all about:2:53 Personal connection that led to the principles6:33 Clarity in health goals and its impact on motivation and adherence9:34 Journaling to align the mindset and setting a baseline16:00 Managing stress in busy lifestyles, including stress reduction techniques like meditation22:03 What to do when stress levels are high24:38 The role of sleep in fat loss, muscle gain, and performance, including quality improvement tips29:12 Core nutrition principles32:19 Intermittent fasting insights38:16 Debunking nutrition myths41:10 Meal timing effects on metabolism and energy44:06 Training strategies for men over 40, focusing on joint health and balancing various activities52:05 The question he wished Philip had asked55:12 Where to find Brian55:40 OutroEpisode resources:Brian's Podcast: GET LEAN, EAT CLEANWebsite: briangryn.comIG: @brian_menshealthThe Stepladder System – https://www.stepladdersystem.com/💪 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
