

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 cuts through the noise and deconstructs health and fitness with an engineering mindset to help you develop a strong, lean physique without wasting time.Nutrition coach Philip Pape explores EFFICIENT strength training, nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to optimize your body composition. Simple, science-based, and sustainable info from an engineer turned lifter (that's why they call him the Physique Engineer).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 your dream physique.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- 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, and put in the intelligent work, hit that "follow" button and let's engineer your best physique ever!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 14, 2024 • 47min
From Skinny Fat to Strong and Lean (A Step-by-Step Guide) with Adrian McDonnell | Ep 181
Are you struggling with body image? Are you tired of extreme diets? Wondering how to break free from skinny-fat struggles? Join Philip (@witsandweights) and fitness expert Adrian McDonnell as they discuss body image, fitness goals, and industry complexities. Adrian shares insights into common challenges like body dysmorphia and extreme dieting, emphasizing the importance of setting performance-based goals and a balanced approach to fitness. He breaks down the real reasons behind body struggles and offers practical advice for achieving a lean, well-muscled physique. Adrian also opens up about his journey with body dysmorphia, providing strategies for a healthier self-image. With his McLifestyle Coaching Method, Adrian helps clients worldwide transform their bodies and improve performance through personalized online coaching. Today, you’ll learn all about:3:19 Understanding "skinny fat" and its implications6:01 Working out vs. training8:32 Balancing cardio and strength training for optimal results13:43 Tailoring fitness strategies for different experience levels17:43 Addressing diverse fitness goals and avoiding extremes20:41 Strictness vs. flexibility in training and nutrition approaches21:57 Dieting among women and restoration phases25:43 Concept of being "overfed but undernourished"29:59 Adrian’s journey with body dysmorphia35:44 Encouragement to focus on process over outcome.38:34 Impact of social media and fitness industry on body dysmorphia42:19 Importance of growth mindset and fulfillment in accomplishment44:15 The question Adrian wished Philip had asked him46:20 Where to find Adrian46:48 OutroEpisode resources:The Lifestyle Lifters Show (catch Philip on #122)Adrian’s IG: @mclifestylefitness Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 13, 2024 • 6min
The Advice to "Just Move" is NOT Enough for Health and Body Composition | Quick Wits
Just move more. You've heard it a million times as the cure-all for getting in shape, but is this generic advice really enough to transform your physique? Yes, we live in a society that's largely sedentary, and getting people to move their bodies more is certainly a step in the right direction. However, this generic, one-size-fits-all advice to "just move more" completely misses the mark when it comes to actually changing your body composition and building the lean, muscular physique you're after.If your goal is to shed fat and build muscle, simply "moving more" isn't going to cut it. In fact, it's not even scratching the surface of what you need to be doing to transform your body.So what will? Tune into Quick Wits to find out!--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a text message.Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 11, 2024 • 43min
The New Over 50 Roadmap to Lifelong Strength, Health, Muscle, and Longevity | Ep 180
Are you over 50 and wondering how to keep your muscles strong as you age? Are you curious about how your eating habits affect your health? Want to discover the secret to living a vibrant life in your 50s and beyond?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) provides a practical guide to optimizing health and strength for individuals over 50. He highlights strength training as a key strategy in preventing muscle loss and increasing longevity. Philip also talks about nutrition and gut health, including the recommended protein intake and suggested protein sources, as well as the benefit of consuming a variety of fiber-rich and fermented foods. He also touches on how having a positive mindset and staying connected with others are keys to aging well, highlighting the role of support networks in helping you stay on track. So, whether you’re over 50 or planning for your future, this episode has practical tips for living a full and healthy life. Today, you’ll learn all about:3:45 How to avoid sarcopenia and dynapenia 7:39 Strength training tips for individuals over 5011:02 Recommended protein intake and sources for older adults 14:59 The importance of social connection and mindset for longevity21:03 The connection between gut health and age25:37 Fixed vs. growth mindset29:33 Five fundamental principles to create your fitness roadmap41:19 OutroRelated Episode: Ep 177: How Anatomy Impacts Your Gut, Muscle Mass, Hormones, and Health with Justin CottleEpisode resources:Give Bruce and Jan a follow: @bruceandjantrainSend me your question for the next Q&A by voicemail or text.Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS. It’s the only food-logging app that adjusts to your metabolism! Learn about Wits & Weights Physique UniversitySupport the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 10, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: The ONE Change During Menopause to Unlock Fat Loss Forever
Frustrated with menopause belly or the inability to lose weight or fat?This is on the minds of so many women navigating the ups and downs of menopause: how to lose stubborn fat and keep it off during this time of major physiological change.This Thursday June 13 @ 7:30p ET / 4:30p PT:===> REGISTER HERE for the Menopause Fat Loss Over 40 WorkshopYou've probably noticed that your tried-and-true diet and exercise strategies just aren't cutting it anymore (if they ever did). Despite your best efforts, the scale won't budge, your energy is in the tank, and you're starting to feel like your body is working against you.But what if I told you there was a secret weapon in your fat loss arsenal – one that could help you not only shed those pesky pounds but also avoid the loss of bone density, rev up your metabolism, and help you feel like a total badass in the process?Find out what that is on today's Quick Wits.This Thursday June 13 @ 7:30p ET / 4:30p PT:===> REGISTER HERE for the Menopause Fat Loss Over 40 Workshop--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a text message.Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 8, 2024 • 1h 4min
Bonus Episode: Cody McBroom on Body Composition and Training to Balance Physique and Performance
How do you balance getting shredded with peak performance? Can tracking your fitness metrics be the ultimate game-changer in reaching your body composition goals? On this classic episode (a replay of Ep 70), I had Cody McBroom on to share his expertise, his philosophy, and some inside strategies with us for looking like you lift. Cody and I discuss how to use data to reach your goals more efficiently, how to balance training for aesthetics and performance to improve your body composition, and how to overcome plateaus and obstacles along the way. We also get into Cody’s coaching and podcasting experience and how to maintain a balanced life.Cody McBroom is a Trainer, Sports Performance Specialist, and Sports Nutritionist (CPT, PES, CISSN, MNU, PN2) and the owner of Tailored Coaching Method, a world-renowned online fitness and nutrition coaching company. He’s worked with everyone from bikini and physique competitors to TV show actors and numerous WWE stars, but most of all he’s worked with everyday people like you, helping them FINALLY look like they actually lift.You'll learn about the interconnectedness of body, being, balance, and business, showcasing how prioritizing physical health serves as the foundation for personal and professional growth. The message is clear: by taking care of your body, you set the stage for a balanced and fulfilling life. We also tackle the often-overlooked aspect of tracking metrics, whether it’s in fitness, business, or podcasting. Cody and I discuss how keeping tabs on your progress can bust through plateaus and guarantee success. Check out the original episode (including full timestamps and how to connect with Cody) here:Ep 70: Tailor Your Physique for Aesthetics, Fat Loss, Performance, and Health with Cody McBroomSupport the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 7, 2024 • 52min
Ep 179: The Real Reasons Your Scale Weight Fluctuates (It's Not Always Fat Gain) with Louise Digby
What’s the secret behind the fluctuating numbers on your scale? What’s the real deal between weight loss and fat loss? How can you escape the emotional rollercoaster of fat loss and body image?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) welcomes Louise Digby, a registered nutritional therapist and women’s weight loss expert. She dives deep into the real reasons behind scale weight fluctuations, the dangers of scale obsession, and the importance of non-scale victories. Louise shares her insights on the role of hormones in weight management, the problem with restrictive dieting, and the emotional and psychological side of fat loss and body image. She also provides top tips for sustainable fat loss, improving body image, and addressing underlying health issues for long-lasting results.Louise, the founder of The Nourish Method to Lasting Fat Loss, is renowned for her unique approach to health and well-being. She doesn’t advocate for restrictive dieting or superhuman willpower. Instead, she empowers her clients to sustainably lose fat, optimize their health, and rediscover their sparkle.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:18 Reasons for weight fluctuations beyond fat gain9:36 When and what to measure 14:03 Weight loss vs fat loss16:27 Dangers of scale obsession19:15 Hormonal influences on weight27:20 Recommended tests to start with29:40 Problems with restrictive dieting36:00 Emotional aspects and body image40:11 Celebrating non-scale victories43:45 Tips for sustainable progress and positive body image50:41 Where to find Louise51:02 OutroEpisode resources:Masterclass: Learn The 3 Steps to Remove Weight Loss Inhibitors & Activate Weight Loss Accelerators Website: louisedigbynutrition.comThe Thriving Metabolism PodcastIG: @louisedigbynutritionSupport the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 6, 2024 • 10min
Quick Wits: Raising Kids to Eat Well (Lessons from a Dad)
Today, we're diving into a topic that's near and dear to my heart (and my dinner table): raising kids to eat well. As a father of three, I've been through the food fights, the picky eating phases, and the mealtime meltdowns – and I've come out the other side with a few battle scars and a whole lot of wisdom to share.If you're struggling to get your kids to eat their veggies or try new foods, know that you're not alone. It's a universal parenting challenge, and there's no magic formula for creating perfect little foodies overnight.The good news is, by taking a long-term view and focusing on building healthy habits and attitudes around food, you can set your kids up for a lifetime of nutritious eating – and save yourself a whole lot of stress and frustration in the process.So, what are some of the key lessons I've learned as a dad in the trenches of mealtime warfare? Find out on today's Quick Wits.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a text message.Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 4, 2024 • 41min
Ep 178: Sleep Science - Doing THIS in the Bedroom is Killing Your Fat Loss, Gains, Hormones, & Metabolism
There is one thing you're doing in the bedroom that might be compromising your gains and your health.No, not that. Or that. Not that either. It's...your sleep routine!Do you really need 7-9 hours of sleep? Can you compensate for poor sleep with diet or exercise? What if you could turbocharge your metabolism, balance your hormones, and redefine your body composition with some tweaks to your sleep habits?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) tackles the often neglected aspect of health and fitness - sleep. He goes beyond the usual advice of “get 7-9 hours of sleep” and explores the significant impact of sleep on your body composition, fat loss, and muscle gain. Is it possible to compensate for poor sleep with diet or exercise? How significant is sleep compared to nutrition and exercise? He answers these questions and more, offering valuable insights for busy, ambitious individuals like you seeking to improve sleep quality and quantity. As a bonus, you can access a free guide, “Better Sleep, Better Body,” packed with evidence-based strategies and practical tips to optimize sleep habits for improved metabolism, hormones, and body composition.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:51 The science of sleep6:10 The connection between sleep and fat loss11:26 Sleep and muscle gain16:37 Sleep’s effect on overall health24:48 7 practical tips to improve sleep quality and quantity40:06 OutroEpisode resources:Download the Better Sleep, Better Body guide FREESupport the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 3, 2024 • 6min
Quick Wits: Your Stronger, Better Looking, Healthier Doppleganger in the Multiverse (Nerd Alert!)
Today, we're taking a quantum leap into the realm of science fiction and self-discovery as we explore the concept of the multiverse and how it can help you become your healthiest, most authentic self.If you're a fan of comic books, sci-fi movies, or theoretical physics (and let's be real, who isn't?), you've probably encountered the idea of the multiverse. It's the theory that there are infinite parallel universes out there, each one containing a different version of reality – and a different version of you.But what if we could use this mind-bending concept not just as a plot device for Hollywood blockbusters, but as a tool for personal transformation?What if we could imagine our multiverse counterparts as a way to explore our own untapped potential and reshape our identities?Find out on today's Quick Wits.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-episodes between full episodes to give you an actionable strategy or hit of motivation.If you enjoy these bonus episodes or have feedback on how to make them better, just send me a text message.Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)

Jun 1, 2024 • 21min
Bonus Episode: I'm Imperfect (My Body, My Podcast, My Nutrition, My Fitness) and That's OK
Are you insecure about your body, your fitness, your health, what you eat, your work, the things you do, your life? Is chasing perfection holding you back?We feel like we're being judged all the time, and I wanted to talk about that today and open up about my own imperfections, my own insecurities and how embracing them has been key to my growth. And if you're ready to break free from your chain of perfectionism and start celebrating progress in a new way, listen to this one.In today's unscripted bonus episode, I share my honest thoughts on my own insecurities and the relentless pursuit of external validation, especially in our fitness journeys. Whether you are struggling with body image, fat loss, building muscle, hormones, menopause, aging, injury, or even your personal life (work, relationships, children, family, you name it), I hope this inspires you!A recent 1-star podcast review got me thinking about the delicate balance between letting constructive criticism stop you or fuel you.We dive into the essence of finding purpose in what you do and how continuous self-improvement will make you unstoppable. I share moments from my early career, demonstrating how embracing feedback, even when it's harsh, can propel personal growth. We uncover the power of taking messy action, pushing through setbacks, and reframing our achievements, no matter how small. We discuss the importance of community and accountability in fitness, and how to transform perceived failures into opportunities for growth.Tune in to this special bonus episode to discover how to love the process and celebrate every step of your fitness journey.To help others find the show and spread the message...🤩 Don't forget to leave a 5-star review here!Support the show🎓 Join Physique University for just $27/mo + get a FREE custom nutrition plan with this special link: bit.ly/wwpu-free-plan 👥 Join our Facebook community for Q&As & support👋 Ask a question or find me on Instagram📱 Try MacroFactor 2 weeks free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS (my favorite nutrition app)