Wits & Weights | Fat Loss, Nutrition, & Strength Training for Lifters

Are you feeling overwhelmed with dieting struggles? Do you think you have the right mindset, but it doesn't seem to be working? Discover when mindset isn’t enough and the secret to supercharging it for your health goals.Today, Philip (@witsandweights) brings on Tanja Shaw, a seasoned Functional Health Coach, Kinesiologist, and weight loss expert dedicated to helping women overcome their struggles with food and achieve a healthy weight without obsession. Tanja owns Ascend Fitness + Lifestyle in Chilliwack, BC, and is the voice behind the popular Fit + Vibrant You Podcast. Philip invited Tanja to share a unique perspective on mindset: the idea that mindset is NOT everything. This challenges the popular belief that mindset is everything. They explore the limitations of the “mind over matter” approach and advocate for a balanced strategy that integrates mental and physical health. You’ll learn how thoughts and emotions impact hormonal balance and discover practical techniques to shift your mindset. Tanja brings a wealth of knowledge from her hands-on experience with functional lab testing, personalized wellness protocols, and mindset coaching. She helps her clients thrive by addressing not just what they do but how they think and what they believe about themselves and the world.Find out why mindset isn’t everything and how combining it with an understanding of body science is key to not just achieving but LOVING your health results.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:44 Definition and relevance of "mind over matter" in health and fitness7:19 Practical techniques for mindset shifts22:58 Impact of thoughts and emotions on hormonal balance33:27 Mindset strategies to change and improve stress39:17 The benefits and disadvantages of having an optimism bias44:05 Where is mindset alone insufficient47:28 Predictive biomarkers in functional lab testing and their impact on mindset coaching49:07 The role of outdoor activities in promoting mental and physical well-being52:38 The question Tanja wished Philip had asked53:18 Where to reach Tanja53:45 OutroEpisode resources:Podcast: Fit + Vibrant You Website: tanjashaw.com/Instagram: @tanja_shaw Facebook: www.fb.com/tanjashaw 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)

Want to build serious strength and muscle mass in the most efficient way possible?Today, we're talking about the importance of compound lifts and why they should be the foundation of your strength training routine.Join me on today's Quick Wits as I explain what compound lifts are, why they should be the foundation of your strength training program, and how to prioritize them for maximum results.We walk through the essentials of squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and more, explaining how these multi-muscle group exercises provide the most bang for your workout buck. By engaging multiple joints and muscle groups, compound lifts maximize force and muscle overload, setting the stage for formidable gains in both strength and size. Discover how compound exercises improve your coordination, stability, mobility, and motor control, ensuring that your strength training has real-world applications. We're here to build a foundation for a robust and active life, ensuring that you remain strong and functional at any age. Tune in to fortify your workout routine and your day-to-day resilience with the power of compound lifts!--“Quick Wits” are short mini-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.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)

Have you ever wondered what’s sabotaging your fat loss? Could it be one of these common scenarios? Should you start your fat-loss diet now?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) breaks down the roadblocks to achieving your fat loss goals. He explores the top 15 reasons why dieting may not be the best decision right now. He highlights a range of scenarios that can hinder your fat loss efforts, emphasizing the need to address these factors before starting a calorie deficit. From high stress levels and poor sleep quality to inadequate nutrition and inconsistent training, each reason is thoroughly dissected to guide you toward sustainable fat loss. Philip also emphasizes the importance of mental health, supportive environments, and life events that can influence your success in a dieting phase. He discusses considerations such as hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and significant life transitions, providing a holistic view of the potential challenges you may encounter on your weight loss journey. He encourages you to assess your current circumstances, manage stressors, and have contingency plans ready to navigate challenges effectively. Today, you’ll learn all about:0:00 Intro3:00 High stress levels4:00 Low sleep quality5:03 Poor nutrition8:58 Inconsistent training10:44 Injury or illness12:23 Pregnancy or breastfeeding13:45 Prioritizing mental health15:58 Unsupportive environments17:07 Underlying hormonal imbalances18:13 Nutrient deficiencies19:02 Upcoming major life event21:30 History of eating disorders23:13 Period of intense training25:14 Significant life transition27:20 Medication side effects cause weight gain31:28 OutroEpisode resources:Watch this FREE video on how to setup MacroFactor for body recomp and try MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTSRelated episode:Ep 170: How Fast Should You Lose Weight for Fat Loss?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)

Want to pack on muscle mass but confused about how many extra calories you need?Today, we're diving into a crucial concept for anyone looking to gain weight and build muscle: the 2500 calorie rule. You might have heard of the 3500 calorie rule for fat loss, which states that a deficit of 3500 calories is needed to lose 1 pound of body fat.But when it comes to gaining weight and building muscle, the equation looks a bit different. You see, muscle tissue is much denser than fat tissue, which means that gaining one pound of muscle requires a different calorie surplus than gaining one pound of fat.===> Get the FREE Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint mentioned in the episodeJoin me on today's Quick Wits as I break down the science behind the 2500 calorie rule for gaining weight and building muscle effectively.Or go to witsandweights.com/free for all our free guides.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-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.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)

This conversation is from my appearance on The Healthification Podcast hosted by Kate Galli.Kate invited me on her show to  discuss becoming the strongest, leanest, healthiest version of yourself without dieting. We dug into the common mistakes smart people make when they're not using their wits to build their best body. I shared insights on the importance of minimum effective dose to achieve health and fitness results, and the surprising factors that can increase or decrease your metabolism to make fat loss easier, without restrictive dieting.We also discussed what to do instead of constantly dieting to achieve sustainable results. I provided strategies for busting through weight loss plateaus and how we can work with our human nature instead of fighting against it. We also touched on whether low-carb diets may be holding people back from getting lean.Enjoy my conversation with Kate Galli! Episode resources:The Healthification Podcast with Kate GalliEp 163: The Most Important, Overlooked Secret to Sculpting a Body You'll Love with Kate GalliSupport 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)

Are you dreaming of having the perfect glutes? Have you ever wondered how your diet and genes influence the shape of your butt? Ready to find out the most effective workout routines and strategies to sculpt your dream glutes?In this exciting episode, Philip (@witsandweights) welcomes Sue Bush, the co-owner of Physique Development, a certified personal trainer, fitness nutritionist, and competitive physique athlete. Sue, a co-contributor to the March issue of Body By Science, joins Philip to discuss a topic that’s sure to interest many - how to develop a shapely, firm, and functional butt. She explains why we’re so fascinated with glutes, the benefits of glute development beyond aesthetics, and the most effective strategies for optimal results. Sue also shares insights on the role of nutrition, genetics, and individual response in glute development, providing practical tips for different ages and equipment availability.Sue’s journey in the fitness industry began in 2017, and she has since earned multiple certifications and competed in physique competitions for four seasons. With her passion for empowering women to prioritize their health and fitness, Sue specializes in helping individuals make sustainable lifestyle changes that align with their goals and schedules. Together with her husband, Alex Bush, and the rest of Team PD at Physique Development, Sue is committed to leading, educating, and inspiring generational change through the power of health and excellence.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:24 Why we love butts8:12 Benefits of glute development13:03 What to prioritize (training, nutrition) and how genetics play a role19:23 Approach to training (exercises, programming, and individual response)27:23 Training intensity and execution36:05 The importance of logging and taking videos42:53 The impact of exercise selection in glute training53:30 Training over 40 in the context of back health55:41 The question Sue wanted Philip to ask and her answer1:00:55 Where to find Sue1:01:30 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @suegainzVideo: How To Select Your Weight to Train with REAL IntensityFREE 4-Week Glute ProgramPhysique Development podcastSupport 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)

Is walking exercise or not? Does it even matter?Today, we're tackling a recent controversy sparked by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, who made waves on social media by claiming that walking is not exercise. As someone who's always preaching the importance of strength training for building muscle and transforming your body, I wanted to weigh in on this topic and offer some perspective.Join me on today's Quick Wits as I share my thoughts on why this question might be missing the point entirely, and why strength training should be your top priority for physique development anyway.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-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.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)

What is the sweet spot between shedding fat and preserving muscle? How can diet breaks and refeeds help you achieve your fat loss goal? Is rapid fat loss the secret sauce to fine-tuning your physique?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) uncovers the truth about the ideal rate of fat loss, exploring the full spectrum of approaches from slow and steady to rapid and aggressive and everything in between. He explains the pros and cons of each strategy, highlighting the benefits you gain from each approach. He discusses how to incorporate diet breaks and refeeds for optimal results, providing you with practical strategies for long-term, sustainable diet management that will leave you feeling motivated.Whether you’re a beginner looking to lose your first 20 pounds or an experienced dieter aiming to get shredded, this episode serves as a valuable guide. Philip aims to give you a clearer understanding of how to navigate your weight loss journey, emphasizing the importance of making informed, strategic choices for your individual goals and lifestyle.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:25 How fast CAN you lose weight without losing muscle mass12:37 The benefits of the slow and steady approach16:39 The conservative fat loss approach22:17 Incorporating diet breaks for mental and metabolic benefits24:32 The standard fat loss approach34:47 Incorporating refeeds, not cheat days, for the mental break37:39 The mini-cut or aggressive approach45:41 The micro-cut or rapid fat loss approach54:23 How to choose the fat loss approach that is right for you1:00:00 OutroEpisode resources:Learn about Weights Physique University (now open for enrollment at a new, more affordable bi-weekly price)Related episodes:Ep 104: Fat Loss vs. Weight LossEp 116: 7 Lessons from My Rapid Fat Loss Micro-Cut (Aggressive Dieting is Not for Everyone!)Ep 156: How to Lose 1000 PoundsSupport 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)

Is the pursuit of being skinny the key to happiness?We're diving into the complex relationship between the desire to be thin and the pursuit of happiness. In our appearance-obsessed culture, it's easy to fall into the trap of equating being skinny with being happy. But here's the thing: this oversimplification often leads us astray when it comes to setting and achieving our physique goals.We'll explore this common misconception, discuss the importance of body composition over scale weight, and I'll walk you through the powerful "5 Whys" technique to uncover your true motivation for your physique goals on today's Quick Wits.--“Quick Wits” are short mini-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.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)

Today we are answering two questions from the community. One from a powerlifter who has the dilemma of trying to maintain strength for some upcoming meats, but without gaining too much fat and a long time, and the other from a food tracker concerned about taking a break from logging and worried about regaining all the weight.Here are the two questions:1. How should you adjust your nutrition for an upcoming powerlifting meet?John is preparing for two powerlifting meets and wants to maintain strength without gaining excessive fat. He's currently at 200 pounds with 22-26% body fat and tracks his food intake. Given his goals and current stats, what nutrition approach would be most suitable for his upcoming meets?2. What to do if you stop tracking because your adherence is slipping but you're afraid of regaining your weight back?Valerie has been tracking her food intake for over a decade, most recently using MacroFactor for six months. Despite losing 7 pounds, her adherence is slipping, and she's considering taking a break from tracking. She's concerned about potential weight gain and seeks advice on how to approach this new phase while maintaining protein intake and regular workouts.Get the answers in today's Weekend Q&A bonus episode.---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!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)