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
Feb 2, 2024 • 54min
Ep 143: Unique Over 40 Workout Strategies for More Muscle, Energy, and Recovery with Brad Williams
Do you know the fitness principles that can be adapted to the over-40 age group? Discover practical tips to maintain a strong and healthy lifestyle beyond 40!In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) speaks with Brad Williams, host of the Over 40 Fitness Hacks podcast. Philip asked him to come on here to talk about the unique challenges and approaches for the over-40 demographic, when he was honored to be on his show recently. They discuss Brad’s motivations behind focusing on this age group, how fitness principles can be adapted to their age, and common age-related fitness myths. Brad shares his insights on effective training styles, managing stress and inflammation, and optimizing nutrition. Tune in and learn practical strategies for maintaining a strong and healthy lifestyle beyond 40.Over the last decade, Brad has owned and operated three gym locations in Orange County, and oversaw more than 40 independent personal trainers, each with their unique training styles. He built a loyal following and sought-after client/trainer community culture within his gym locations.Post-pandemic, Brad had to focus more on online training and started his fitness podcast called Over 40 Fitness Hacks. The show revolves around Brad’s passion for helping the over-40 crowd fight the aging process while still having a social life.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:17 Why focus on over-40 fitness5:30 Personal fitness and health changes now that you're over 4010:36 Training principles and adjustments for over 4015:05 Common misconceptions or objections to training over 4020:25 General training and programming principles26:54 How to manage inflammation and stress33:42 Mental health and fitness41:08 Counting micros (not just calories/macros)46:16 Muscle gain and strength expectations for 60s/70s49:28 The question Brad wished Philip had asked52:17 Where to find Brad52:48 OutroEpisode resources:Podcast "Over 40 Fitness Hacks" and website www.Over40FitnessHacks.comJoin our free insiders list to receive an EXCLUSIVE bonus interview with Brad on how he uses intermittent fasting, 36-hour fasts, EAAs, and more for his personal nutrition approach (and why)!💪 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
Feb 1, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Best Exercises for the Quads (Lifting for Muscle Series)
Are you looking to build strong, muscular quads? Get ready to squat, press and extend your way to impressive legs.Philip (@witsandweights) shares his favorite 4 exercises for developing powerhouse thighs in this special Lifting for Muscle Series of 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
Jan 30, 2024 • 24min
Ep 142: 5 Foolproof Strategies to Hit Your Macros and Finally Master Fat Loss
Are you struggling to hit your macro targets on an almost daily basis? Is your protein too low or fats and carbs too high during a fat loss phase, making it difficult to hit your target calories without somehow being off-balance or going over? Today, Philip (@witsandweights) reveals five easy-to-follow techniques to help you consistently hit your daily macros! By following these strategies, you can ensure that you meet your macro goals and optimize your nutrition to support your fitness and health goals. Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro3:46 A client shares what strategy worked for them6:28 Balance the bars10:30 Copy your best days13:44 Fill in gaps with protein powder15:54 Smart swaps18:15 Use AI-generated meal plans23:16 OutroEpisode Resources:Download my free Ultimate Macros Guide and High-Protein Recipe PackMacroFactor app – use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to extend your free trial to two weeks💪 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
Jan 29, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Why Half-Tracking Your Diet is Keeping You Stuck
Imagine if your bank statement only reported some transactions and not others. And then you get this huge shock at the end of the month when you see your actual balance. Well, you might be doing the exact same thing with your diet, and then the big shock is oh no, I gained 10 pounds. How did that happen?Just as a partial bank statement leaves you in the dark about your finances, incomplete food tracking can sabotage your health goals. Are those untracked meals keeping you stuck (and in the dark) with your body composition goals?Find out on today's Quick Wits!Mentioned in the episode:MacroFactor app – use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to extend your free trial to two weeks---“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
Jan 27, 2024 • 11min
Weekend Q&A: Body Recomp vs. Bikini or Physique Competition Calories, Macros, and Metabolism
What nutrients are essential for life and can only be found in animal products?The question we're answering is:"Bikini competitions? What is your take on those?I had a coach who competes frequently on bikini competitions. I thought about doing one but then saw what she was doing. Two hours of fasted cardio a day. She also instructed to cut carbs to a minimum like 50g at the most. I think this would make miserable. She said there is no way I can recomp my body if I eat too many carbs. She said I can do five days no carbs then two with 150g or so. Why? She also recommended bunch of supplements. Like BCAAs and Fat Burners. I am not down for that. I only take creatine.My goal is to recomp my body. After having seven pregnancies and four kids, I feel this is a big challenge for me. It is my biggest goal and I want to do it in a sustainable way. Is she right? I can’t recomp my body without cutting carbs? Also, I was eating on a deficit for a too long at 1500 cals because that’s what my coach insisted. I am now eating 1900-2000 a day. I intent to stay here for at least six months before deciding to cut that low ever again."Find out in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode.Mentioned in the episode:MacroFactor app – use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to extend your free trial to two weeks (and support me and this show!)---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
Jan 26, 2024 • 41min
Ep 141: Why I'm Building Muscle Before Losing Fat (And You Should Too)
Do you struggle with your body image when gaining weight to build muscle? How can you cope with the emotional challenges of getting a little fluffy on the way to your fitness goals?Today, Philip (@witsandweights ) gets real and raw about the emotions you might feel about your body when gaining weight to build muscle and getting a little fluffy on the way. Philip shares his journey regarding his body image so that you'll gain some insights and strategies to help you navigate these challenges. Tune in for an honest, heartfelt conversation about embracing strength, inside and out.Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro3:06 Benefit to building muscle first6:44 Motivation for building muscle mass 10:26 Women can build muscle16:29 Your goal and feelings are correct22:40 Challenges when you're bulking28:24 Have realistic goals38:39 Focus on the long-term progress39:44 OutroEpisode Resources:Say hello to Philip on IG @witsandweights 💪 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
Jan 25, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: Best Exercises for the Arms [Biceps & Triceps] (Lifting for Muscle Series)
Want bigger arms? Your biceps and triceps are more than just a show muscles. They are crucial for strength and functionality and critical in almost every lift you perform.Philip (@witsandweights) is breaking down his 4 favorite exercises for sculpting strong and impressive guns in this special Lifting for Muscle Series of 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
Jan 23, 2024 • 25min
Ep 140: The Freedom of No More Cheat Meals (How to Eat What You Love While Losing Fat)
Are you tired of the guilt and restriction of so-called cheat meals? What if you could eat what you want and still be healthy?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) challenges the cheat meal mentality and helps you reframe the language around it. He talks about exploring a more balanced and sustainable approach to eating to help you say goodbye to food guilt and cheat meals and hello to a healthier emotional relationship with food.Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro4:26 What is a cheat meal7:53 Cheat meal as a reward9:21 Increased cravings and binge eating13:31 Flexible dieting16:21 Manageable calorie restriction17:45 Consistent tracking24:23 OutroEpisode Resources:The Podcast Finder – easily search for any topic from all past episodes of Wits & WeightsJoin the FREE insider’s list to get EXCLUSIVE bonus contentBook a FREE call with Philip💪 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
Jan 22, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Jeff Nippard Changed My Mind About This Training Technique
Lots of training concepts come and go. A lot of bro science lore tends to persist and then fade out. There is one concept called long-length partials that seemed suspect until Jeff Nippard brought it up recently and explained how it could be an effective training technique.Philip (@witsandweights) gets into long-length partials on today's Quick Wits!Jeff Nippard’s YouTube video---“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
Jan 20, 2024 • 45min
Bonus Episode: Achieve Food Freedom with THIS Mindset Shift
This conversation is from my appearance on Dai Manuel’s new podcast, The 2% Solution: 30 Minutes to Transform Your Life, where we tackled some of the confusion around nutrition and training. Learn the steps that helped me achieve sustainable food freedom after years of yo-yo dieting. As always, we reveal myth-busting fitness truths and proven mindset shifts for real physical and mental transformation after 40. Dai and I review principles like energy balance and progressive overload to accelerate building muscle and losing fat. Plus, we get into some of my communication techniques for motivating coaching clients toward positive change and self-empowerment.Dai was previously on this show back on episode 97, “The Fun Side of Fitness and Finding Your “Optimal” with Dai Manuel,” so check that out in the Wits & Weights archives.Enjoy my conversation with Dai Manuel!Summary:We challenge the diet industry's fixation on weight loss and embrace the liberating path of food freedom. Together we expose the myths that ensnare us in a cycle of yo-yo dieting and reveal how understanding the principles of energy balance and progressive overload can revolutionize your health after 40. My personal evolution from an engineering mindset to a wellness advocate underscores the power of curiosity and learning in achieving lasting fitness and nutrition goals.Struggle with the concept of aging gracefully? Let's debunk that together. Our discussion delves into the reality that age doesn't have to be a barrier to health. We'll cover how strategic adjustments in lifestyle and nutrition can actually yield better results post-40 than in our younger years. Plus, I'll pull back the curtain on my own daily wellness routine, showing how I juggle being an entrepreneur, family man, and podcaster, all while keeping fitness at the forefront of my life.Finally, we wrap up by drawing inspiration from the empathetic teaching style of Mr. Rogers and exploring the emotional resonance of iconic educators. You'll leave with a practical guide to the '2% Solution', an approach to adding healthful habits into your life rather than restricting them. Whether you're seeking motivation or guidance in your own health journey, this episode promises to empower and educate, offering strategies that cater to the seasoned palette of life after 40.💪 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
