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
Jun 22, 2024 • 15min
Q&A - Is Bulking and Cutting REQUIRED (vs. Body Recomp) for a Great Physique? | Bonus Episode
Can you transform your physique without the traditional bulk and cut cycles? Or is this possible with body recomposition at maintenance calories?Today we have a question from from Wyatt about whether you can only make progress with your physique while bulking and cutting rather than attempt body recomposition. He also asks whether there is a difference between staying at maintenance calories and body recomp.In this episode, we explore how new or detrained lifters might benefit from this approach and the limitations of its effectiveness. We also hit on food tracking, protein intake, and training intensity, while considering the emotional and social implications of constantly oscillating between bulking and cutting phases.We then tackle the pros and cons of the bulking and cutting method for physique development, establishing healthy habits during a maintenance phase, obsessive behaviors and stress, especially for those susceptible to yo-yo dieting, and time-efficient muscle gains. These questions are from the Friday LIVE Q&A in the free Wits & Weights Facebook community. Just post a specific question relevant to your unique, individual situation and have it answered in these live Q&As.👉 Experience it yourself by joining the FREE Wits & Weights Facebook group.Episode resourcesEp 136: How to Maintain a Lean Physique Year-Round (Without Cuts or Bulks)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
Jun 21, 2024 • 51min
The Truth About Ozempic and Other Weight Loss Drugs with Amy Wilson | Ep 183
Diet myths got you stuck? Struggling to lose weight NO MATTER WHAT you try? GLP-1 drugs: Magic bullet or risky business?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) brings on Amy Wilson, a Board Certified Geriatric Pharmacist, a certified fitness professional, and a certified nutrition coach, for an engaging conversion on GLP-1 weight loss drugs. Amy's mission is to empower her clients to take control of their bodies and minds without feeling tied down by the scale. In this episode, they explore the root causes of obesity and weight gain, as well as the origins and current use of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and others for diabetes and weight loss. Tune in to learn about the pros and cons of these drugs and discover practical lifestyle perspectives for managing these conditions. They also share the secret sauce to achieving your health goals, providing you with actionable steps to take control of your health.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:19 Amy's journey from pharmacist to fitness and nutrition coach5:53 The rising obesity, its root causes, and weight gain10:05 Debunking dieting myths and the concept of body fat set points12:56 Reversing the effects of dieting at any age14:04 Introduction to GLP-1 drugs: a new approach to weight management20:25 Long-term impact of GLP-1 drugs and the importance of maintaining muscle mass22:11 A safe way to use GLP-1 drugs for weight management28:01 Discussion on the impact of lifting weights and proper nutrition on weight loss32:16 Effective dosage and the varying responses to weight loss drugs36:19 Initial steps for starting a health journey42:33 How to be metabolic flexible or a fat burner44:54 Walk after meals to manage your blood sugar47:02 What questions did Amy wish Philip had asked49:10 Where to find Amy50:07 OutroEpisode resources: Website: amykwilson.com– send a message that says “witsandweights” to get the free 5-Day Fat Loss Blueprint (recipes)IG: @thenutritioncoachpharmacist Related episode:Ep 171: Big Butts, Strong Butts, We Love Them All! How to Train Your Glutes with Sue BushSupport 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
Jun 20, 2024 • 6min
Creatine is Not Just for Lifters (Benefits Beyond Performance) | Quick Wits
Creatine is not just for lifters and bodybuilders anymore. Join me on today's Quick Wits as I dive into the incredible benefits of this very powerful supplement and reveal why it should be a staple in just about everyone's supplement cabinet, from athletes to aging adults and everyone in between. While it's true that creatine has long been a staple in the muscle-building world, thanks to its ability to boost strength, power output, and lean mass gains, the benefits of creatine go way beyond just building bigger muscles.In fact, the more research that comes out on this incredible compound, the more it becomes clear that creatine is something that pretty much everyone should be taking, regardless of their age, gender, or fitness goals.Find out why 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📱 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
Jun 18, 2024 • 50min
How to Allocate 1200, 2000, & 3000 Calories in Your Meal Plan (Plus Hit Your Protein!) | Ep 182
Is your meal plan optimized for your fitness goals? Are you struggling to follow your diet plan because it is too restrictive? Are you looking to maximize your muscle growth and boost your energy?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) provides an evidence-based, comprehensive guide that cuts through conflicting information about meal planning and macro setting. He shares a blueprint that covers the essential aspects of setting up your meal plan for success. By following his recommendations, you will recover faster from your workouts, see changes in the mirror and on the scale, and optimize fat loss, muscle gain, performance, and overall health. Whether you are cutting, bulking, or maintaining, this episode will equip you with the necessary knowledge to structure your nutrition and achieve your fitness goals.Today, you’ll learn all about:4:35 Energy balance essentials7:48 Calculating maintenance calories11:55 Protein and 1,200 cal meal planning tips14:55 How much fat and carbs you need in your diet17:45 Nutrient-dense 1,200 cal breakdown20:04 Sample 1,200 cal day meal plan26:21 Macro management on a 1,200-cal diet 28:15 Transitioning to and sustaining a 2,000-cal plan36:27 3,000 cal plan for muscle building43:03 Hunger management at higher calories44:48 Episode takeaways48:12 OutroEpisode resources:Join my email list and tell me you want my free meal planning guide (with foods by macro, sample meal plans, and foods sorted by protein density)Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS. It's the only food-logging app that adjusts to your metabolism!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
Jun 17, 2024 • 9min
Is "Sustainable Dieting" an Oxymoron or the Key to Lasting Results? | Quick Wits
Sustainable dieting. Is that an oxymoron or is it the key to lasting results?Today, I reveal the hard truth about why dieting itself can never be truly sustainable and share a more flexible, realistic approach to achieving your physique goals for the long haul.Sustainable dieting is the notion that you can somehow achieve your fat loss goals by finding a way of eating that you can stick to indefinitely, without ever feeling restricted or deprived.I get the appeal. We all want to believe that there's a magic formula out there, a perfect diet that will allow us to effortlessly shed fat, build muscle, and maintain our dream physique, all while enjoying our favorite foods and never feeling like we're missing out.But here's the harsh reality: dieting, by its very nature, is not sustainable. And anyone who tells you otherwise is either lying to you, or lying to themselves.Find out a different approach 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📱 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
Jun 15, 2024 • 34min
A Busy Dad's Unscripted Guide to Fatherhood, Fitness, and Family | Bonus Episode
Can you really balance fitness, family, and personal well-being without dropping the ball on any of them?Join me for a special Father's Day weekend bonus episode where I share my raw, unscripted journey as a father of two daughters attempting just that. From the everyday joys and hurdles of fatherhood to practical tips on integrating health and fitness into a busy lifestyle, this episode is packed with my real-life experiences. Whether you're a dad or simply striving to harmonize your health and family life, this conversation is for you.As we age, maintaining an active lifestyle becomes even more crucial. Learn about my personal fitness approach and teaching kids healthy habits through leading by example and staying active together. From the role of sleep and self-care to balancing extreme fitness lifestyles with family commitments, this episode provides some much-needed guidance for fathers and anyone committed to lifelong health and well-being!Share your questions and stories on fatherhood by sending me a text 👇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
Jun 14, 2024 • 48min
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📱 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
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📱 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
Jun 11, 2024 • 44min
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📱 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
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📱 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
