Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters
Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
For skeptics of the fitness industry who want to work smarter and more efficiently to build muscle and lose fat. Wits & Weights is one of the best fitness podcasts for evidence-based nutrition and fitness strategies. We cut through the noise and deconstruct health and fitness with an engineering mindset to help you develop a strong, lean physique without wasting time.Evidence-based nutrition coach Philip Pape explores efficient strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to optimize your body recomp and metabolism. Whether you're focused on weight loss, muscle building, or both, you'll get simple, science-based, and sustainable info from an engineer turned lifter (that's why they call him the Physique Engineer). This show serves both women's fitness and men's health goals, with special attention to strength training over 40 and hormone health.From restrictive fad diets to ineffective workouts and hyped-up supplements, there's no shortage of confusing information out there. Getting in the best shape of your life doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming! By using your WITS (mindset and systems!) and lifting weights efficiently, you can build muscle, lose stubborn fat, and achieve and maintain a lean physique through sustainable body recomp.We bring you smart and efficient strategies for movement, metabolism, muscle, and mindset. You'll learn:- Why fat loss is more important than weight loss for health and physique- Why all the macros (protein, fats, and yes even carbs) are critical to body composition- Why you don't need to spend more than 3 hours in the gym each week to get incredible results with proper hypertrophy training- Why muscle (not weight loss) is the key to medicine, obesity, and longevity- Why age and hormones (even in menopause) don't matter with the right lifestyle- How the "hidden" psychology of your mind can unlock more personal (and physical) growth than you ever thought possible, and how to tap into that mindsetIf you're ready to separate fact from fiction, learn what actually works with evidence-based training and nutrition, and put in the intelligent work, hit that "follow" button 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 (Doc Who Lifts), Eric Trexler (Stronger by Science), Bill Campbell (exercise science researcher), Jordan Feigenbaum (Barbell Medicine), Andy Morgan (Ripped Body), 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, body positivity, best protein powder selection, strength training over 40, women's fitness, men's health, muscle building, body recomp, macros and nutrition tracking
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 18, 2024 • 57min
Microscopic Muscle Growth for Huge Gains (Justin Cottle) | Ep 232
Have your muscle gains stalled? Do you struggle to build muscle as fast as others despite your best efforts in the gym?Philip (@witsandweights) connects with anatomy expert Justin Cottle to dive deep into the cellular world of muscle hypertrophy. You'll learn why some people build muscle faster, what happens inside your muscles as they adapt to strength training, and how understanding these processes can unlock your muscle-building potential. If you want to go beyond the surface level and truly understand how to build muscle efficiently, this is for you.Justin Cottle, a former lab director at the Institute of Human Anatomy, returns to the show to break down the science of muscle fibers, the role of protein synthesis, and how our genetics influence muscle growth.🔔 Make sure to hit “follow” to be notified of more episodes like these!Today, you’ll learn all about:2:02 Cellular differences between hypertrophied and untrained muscle3:37 Breaking down muscle fibers and tissue layers7:15 Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers10:03 The role of protein and amino acids in muscle growth15:30 The connection between carbs and glycogen storage20:22 The three types of muscle tissues24:18 Eccentric vs. concentric contractions and training28:48 Training variation and breaking through plateaus32:44 Genetic variability in muscle fiber composition36:43 Mechanisms beyond individual fiber growth (e.g., hyperplasia)39:09 The importance of rest and recovery for hypertrophy45:30 Role of muscle damage in hypertrophy 49:34 Practical strategies and training methods for lifters52:21 Advancements in muscle growth science55:50 Where to find Justin56:24 OutroEpisode resources:Youtube: @thedissectionroom Substack: @thedissectionroom Instagram: @realjustincottleLearn anatomy faster: kenhub.comRelated episode:How Anatomy Impacts Your Gut, Muscle Mass, Hormones, and Health with Justin Cottle | Ep 177Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 16, 2024 • 19min
Here's Why Your Diet SHOULD Be Restrictive for Fat Loss (Design of Experiments) | Ep 231
"You don't need to restrict your diet to lose fat."How many times have you heard that? Yet you're still not seeing results.Here's the truth: some level of restriction in your diet isn't just helpful – it's essential for achieving your fat loss goals. But it's not about cutting out entire food groups or following a rigid meal plan.Learn how the engineering concept of Design of Experiments (DOE) reveals why smart restrictions actually work better for sustainable fat loss. You'll discover how to create a flexible, effective nutrition plan without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.Rethink everything you know about dietary restrictions and learn how to engineer your perfect fat loss strategy.To support the show, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review (links for Apple and Spotify). It helps others discover the podcast and lets us know what content resonates with you. I will give you a shout-out on a future episode!Main Takeaways:Design of Experiments provides a framework for approaching nutrition systematicallyReasonable restrictions act as helpful guidelines, not rigid rulesThis approach allows for flexibility while still moving you toward your goalsBy gathering data and making informed adjustments, you can optimize your nutrition over timeMentioned in Episode:Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTSMy 3 New Dieting Methods for Smarter, Easier Fat Loss in 2024Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 14, 2024 • 24min
How to Find Fitness Motivation When Nothing Seems to Work | Ep 230
Are you having trouble staying motivated with your fitness goals? Do you start strong, only to lose momentum after a few weeks? Are you wondering why discipline and willpower never seem to be enough?Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the psychology of motivation and the hidden forces that drive our behaviors. You’ll learn why relying on willpower isn’t a sustainable strategy and discover seven types of motivation to help you stay on track long-term. From internal motivators like intrinsic enjoyment to external motivators like social support, Philip covers how to identify your primary drivers and create an environment that fosters lasting motivation. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to reignite your passion, this gives you the tools to build systems for success that don’t depend on fleeting discipline. Find out how to use multiple sources of motivation to crush your goals without relying on willpower alone.📋 To learn how to reframe your goals and implement them, even when you’re not “motivated,” so you can finally be consistent with your fitness and nutrition, join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.Today, you’ll learn all about:1:19 Holly's (listener) question2:29 Why willpower isn’t enough for long-term motivation4:15 Seven types of motivation explained9:00 A client's story about motivation14:14 How to identify your primary motivators17:10 Tips for creating a motivating environment19:15 How action can spark motivation and using the "motivation wave"22:04 OutroEpisode resources:Join my email list here or at https://witsandweights.com/email and reply to ask for my free “Action-Oriented Goals” guide.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 12, 2024 • 13min
Bonus Q&A - More Protein vs. More Carbs, Is Creatine Worth It for Muscle?
We're answering 2 questions from the Wits & Weights Facebook group:Should I lower my protein to get more carbs (or vice versa), especially during a muscle-building phase?Does creatine really make much of a difference for performance and muscle growth if you're at least 80% dialed in with everything else?Join our Facebook group and get YOUR question answered for free in our Friday #AskPhilip live Q&A!Have you ever wondered how balancing protein and carbohydrates while in a caloric surplus can impact your muscle growth and workout performance? This episode tackles that burning question as we explore the delicate dance between medium and high protein levels and what it means for muscle protein synthesis, satiety, and recovery. Whether you're using the Macrofactor app or simply curious, learn how to maximize gains while balancing protein and carbs for the best balance between muscle growth, recovery, and performance.We also dive into creatine supplementation, discussing its potential benefits both inside and outside the gym.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 11, 2024 • 56min
The 5 Stages of Fitness Over 40 (Allan Misner) | Ep 229
Allan Misner, a fitness expert and host of the 40 Plus Fitness Podcast, shares his journey and insights on transforming health after 40. He breaks down the five critical stages of fitness, emphasizing the importance of mindset shifts and sustainable practices. Allan discusses navigating challenges, balancing workouts, and developing long-term visions for health. Discover how to redefine your fitness journey with practical strategies and motivation techniques tailored for midlife success!
Oct 9, 2024 • 16min
Why Bodybuilders and Marathon Runners Train SO Differently (Critical Path Method) | Ep 228
Are you training for the wrong outcome?Are you working hard, going to the gym, but things aren't quite lining up for your physique and body composition goals?Imagine a fitness plan where every effort counts, and nothing is wasted. Learn how the Critical Path Method (CPM) explains why bodybuilders and marathon runners have such contrasting approaches and how you can determine where on that spectrum YOUR goals are so you can save time and be more efficient with your fitness.Discover:How to identify your fitness "critical path"Why doing less can often lead to better resultsHow to eliminate time-wasting exercises from your routineThe power of laser-focusing on what truly matters for your goalsWhether you're aiming to build muscle, lose fat, or improve endurance, this episode will help you optimize your training for maximum results with minimum wasted effort.Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes. Main Takeaways:The Critical Path Method reveals why different physique goals require different training approachesFocusing on your "critical path" activities can accelerate progress while reducing overall workloadRegularly reassessing your critical path is key as your fitness journey evolvesEliminating wasteful and unnecessary activities is often as important as adding the RIGHT activities to your plateSupport the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 7, 2024 • 22min
7 Surprising BMR Facts (Your Metabolism Isn't Broken) | Ep 227
Is your metabolism holding you back from achieving your fitness goals? Do you ever wonder why your progress slows down despite your best efforts? Why do some people seem to burn more calories than others, even at rest?Philip (@witsandweights) uncovers 7 surprising facts about your basal metabolic rate (BMR) that will completely change how you think about fat loss, energy, and fitness. You'll discover how factors like body composition, organ size, and even athletic habits play a huge role in your metabolism. From the truth about aging and its impact on BMR to debunking myths about metabolic adaptation, you'll learn practical insights to help you work with your body's natural processes and achieve better results. Whether you’ve been feeling stuck or frustrated, understanding your BMR might be the key to unlocking your fitness goals.🎞️ To learn how to download and setup MacroFactor for free so you know your exact metabolism for any body composition goal, watch this video or go to https://youtu.be/HTOmVtR9UZw (don’t forget to use code WITSANDWEIGHTS to try it for free!)Today, you’ll learn all about:2:48 Fact 1: The wide range of normal BMRs5:34 Fact 2: How organ size impacts BMR7:22 Fact 3: Allometric scaling of metabolism9:11 Fact 4: Athletes' secret metabolic advantage13:11 Fact 5: How BMR changes with age14:35 Fact 6: Metabolic adaptation during fat loss18:07 Fact 7: BMR and PCOS misconceptions21:20 OutroEpisode resources:The MacroFactor BMR SeriesRelated Episodes:Bigger Isn't Always Better for Strength or Metabolism (Scaling Laws) | Ep 195Carbs Aren't the Problem (Keto, Paleo, Bioenergetic, and Pro-Metabolic Diets) | Ep 224Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 5, 2024 • 5min
Weird Q&A - Survive on Protein Only, Spicy Foods Burn Fat, Sleep Less Perform Better?
The last "Weird Q&A" was so popular we're doing another one!In Weird Q&A, I answer 3 offbeat questions about health and fitness (nutrition, training, mindset).If you like these episodes, send me a text message!Today's questions:If you could only choose one macronutrient to focus on for the rest of your life, which would be the most important for physique and health?Does eating spicy foods actually boost your metabolism enough to aid in weight loss?Is it possible to train yourself to need less sleep and still maintain optimal performance and health?Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Build an Aesthetic Physique Without Destroying Your Mental Health with Laurin Conlin | Ep 226
Do you feel trapped by obsessive dieting and constantly analyzing your body? Are you sacrificing your mental health in the pursuit of fitness goals? What if you could build an aesthetic physique without losing your peace of mind? Philip (@witsandweights) takes us to the intersection of fitness and mental health with IFBB bikini pro and mental health advocate Laurin Conlin. They discuss how to break free from obsessive behaviors and anxiety around food and exercise, especially in the highly competitive world of physique sports. Laurin shares her journey and the mental costs of chasing the perfect body, offering practical strategies for overcoming food-related anxiety and adopting a more flexible, mentally healthy approach to fitness. Laurin Conlin is an IFBB bikini pro, owner of Redefine Healthy Brands, and host of The LoCoFit Show podcast. She holds a Master’s in Exercise Science and is pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Laurin’s expertise bridges the gap between physical health and mental wellness, making her a unique voice in the fitness industry.📱 Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment, designed to fine-tune your strategy, identify your #1 roadblock, and give you a personalized 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes. https://witsandweights.com/free-callToday, you’ll learn all about:3:28 The shift from rigid to flexible dieting and its psychological impacts6:52 Why food awareness is crucial but can become an obsession10:01 How childhood behaviors shape our relationship with food21:22 The mental toll of competitive physique sports31:46 Why most people need more muscle before considering competitions41:57 The balance between food awareness and obsession49:33 Self-reflection and its role in sustainable fitness54:44 Laurin’s plans to integrate fitness and mental health counseling100:39 Where to find Laurin 101:53 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @laurinconlinYouTube: @LaurinConlin Website: redefinehealthybrands.comThe LoCoFit Show Podcast: redefinehealthybrands.com/podcasts/ Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
Oct 2, 2024 • 20min
Ignoring THIS Energy Source Is Killing Your Strength and Stamina (Power Systems) | Ep 225
Are you neglecting a crucial energy system in your workouts?Discover how the engineering concept of Power Systems can be applied to your training (building strength and muscle as well as cardio and endurance) and how to make the most out of the sources of energy within your own body.This episode reveals why training all three of your body's energy pathways is necessary if you want to break through plateaus and build more strength, stamina, and overall fitness.Learn how to design workouts (and program your week) to tap into each system efficiently for improved performance and faster results. To get your free "Cardio for Lifters" guide and optimize your training, join our email list at https://witsandweights.com/email (then reply to ask for the guide)Main Takeaways:Your body has 3 main energy systems, each important for different aspects of fitness.Neglecting any system, especially THIS often-overlooked system, can hold you back and kill progress.Balancing your training across all energy systems leads to improvements in both strength and stamina, increasing your metabolic flexibility and overall physical prowess.Support the show📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram
