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
Mar 30, 2024 • 28min
Bonus Episode: Forget What You Thought You Knew About Cardio and Strength Training
This conversation is from my appearance on Jen Rulon's podcast, The Everyday Healthy Human.Jen invited me on her podcast to discuss the importance of evidence-based fitness and nutrition, debunk the need for excessive cardio to lose weight, and emphasize the benefits of lifting heavy. You’ll learn about the significance of building habits and non-negotiables in achieving long-term success, and I shared my personal journey and offered advice for those going through a change.Throughout our conversation, we highlighted the importance of focusing on strength, adopting a flexible approach to nutrition, and finding joy in the process of transformation. You'll learn why an evidence-based approach is crucial for navigating the often-confusing world of fitness and nutrition.Enjoy my conversation with Jen Rulon on The Everyday Healthy Human podcast!Episode ResourcesThe Everyday Healthy Human podcast with Jen Rulon 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
Mar 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
Ep 159: Change How You "Train Hard" Forever with Natural Bodybuilder Steve Hall
What does it mean to "train hard"? Is it training to failure, progressive overload, intensity, something else? Find out the answers in today's episode.Today, Steve Hall, the founder of Revive Stronger, a seasoned natural bodybuilder and podcast host, shares his expertise on essential training principles. Philip (@witsandweights) invited him to the show to share his insights on what it means to "train hard" and how to apply scientific research to your training effectively. They discussed reps in reserve (RIR), proximity to failure, minimum effective volume for muscle growth, and more.Steve's journey in the fitness world began after a near-death experience at the age of 20 where he suffered a severe head injury. During his recovery, he discovered bodybuilding, which helped him regain control of his life and ignited his passion for self-improvement.With over a decade of gym experience and years of coaching experience, Steve has definitely made a name for himself in the world of natural bodybuilding, placing second at the WNBF World finals in 2021. Steve's approach to training and nutrition is grounded in the latest scientific research, which he combines with extensive practical knowledge to help his clients achieve outstanding results.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:19 The link between bodybuilding and personal values8:16 "Training hard" for hypertrophy13:56 RIR and proximity to failure vs. other hypertrophy principles19:20 Assessing repetition ranges28:42 Applying research findings to individual training39:43 Assessing and optimizing individual response to training44:52 Full Range of Motion (ROM) vs. partial reps52:22 Developing personal heuristics for effective training59:39 The question Steve wished Philip had asked1:01:35 Where to find Steve1:02:20 OutroEpisode resources:Steve’s coaching and podcast website: revivestronger.comIG: @revivestrongerThe Improvement Season PodcastSupport 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
Mar 28, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Dr. Gabrielle Lyon on Muscle vs. Weight Loss for Metabolic Health and Longevity
When it comes to long-term health, vitality, body composition and avoiding metabolic disease and obesity, there is one thing that matters above all and is a complete game changer...It's NOT weight loss.Forget what you've been told about weight loss being the holy grail of health. This episode is set to revolutionize your perspective on fitness and vitality. There is an unsung hero of our metabolic system that is the key to longevity and disease resilience. For anyone who's been fixated on the bathroom scale, prepare to shift your focus to the real powerhouse of health.Find out what it is on today's 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.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
Mar 26, 2024 • 37min
Ep 158: The Science of Hunger and 9 Hacks to Outsmart Your Appetite (Especially in Fat Loss!)
Why does hunger strike when you're cutting calories? Do you want to know the best way to curb hunger during fat loss?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the fascinating world of hunger, the science behind it, and how it affects your fat loss journey. He talks about the hunger hormones — leptin and ghrelin and how stress and cortisol can make you crave that extra snack. He shares nine practical strategies to help you stay on track and how protein, spices, and water play an important role in these real-life hacks.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:51 Hunger during a calorie deficit4:45 The science of hunger7:46 Cortisol's role in hunger and appetite10:55 Managing hunger with quality of sleep12:34 Influence of the senses on hunger19:22 Nine hunger hacks35:40 OutroEpisode resources:Download Your FREE Hunger Hacks GuideSupport 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
Mar 25, 2024 • 5min
Quick Wits: Food Abundance and The Positive, Nurturing Act of Eating
Don't eat this, don't eat that. Are you sick and tired of all the don'ts when it comes to diet? All the no's and the can't's and the bad's?We're getting rid of all of that. We're going to flip things around and explore additive nutrition. This is a liberating, freeing approach to focusing on what to ADD IN your diet rather than what to cut out...on today's Quick Wits.Wave goodbye to the tyranny of dietary restriction and say hello to a life of nutritional abundance. This episode is your ticket to embracing additive nutrition, a joyous pivot from what you 'can't have' to what you 'can add' to enhance your health and vitality. You will learn about a perspective on eating that celebrates the diversity of foods that can enrich your meals and your life. Today, we're all about enriching your plate with the essentials our bodies crave, from proteins that repair and build muscle, to fibers that bolster our digestive health. It's not just about the food; it's about cultivating a positive relationship with eating, acknowledging it as a nurturing act rather than a source of guilt. Let's revolutionize the way we think about meals, focusing on the satiating power of nutritious choices to naturally replace those less beneficial eats. Join me, and let's transform not just our diets, but our approach to food as the nourishing fuel propelling us toward our goals.--“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.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
Mar 23, 2024 • 37min
Bonus Episode: Introducing Wits & Weights Physique University
Are you frustrated with a lack of progress, even though you've been working hard? Maybe you've been going to the gym, tracking your food, or trying to improve your diet. In this episode, Philip is going to introduce something to you that's coming out soon that could very well change the way that you approach your fitness journey forever, not just physically, but also mentally, with the principles that we believe in on this show.Tune in to today's bonus episode for all the details behind the new Wits & Weights Physique University (launching in April 2024).Join the pre-sale early notification list hereWhat is Wits & Weights Physique University?WWPU is a game-changing solution for ambitious individuals in their 30s, 40s, and beyond who take action but refuse to settle for a mediocre physique. This cutting-edge semi-private group coaching program is designed to help you shatter plateaus, build muscle, and burn fat like never before.World-class courses on nutrition and training, coupled with a Done For You Nutrition Plan, monthly workout programs, live group coaching calls, and a thriving community of like-minded individuals, will provide you with the tools, support, and accountability you need to achieve a truly remarkable transformation.Say goodbye to restrictive diets, boring workouts, and endless plateaus, and hello to the strong, lean, and healthy body you deserve. Stop spinning your wheels.Your dream physique is finally within reach.Join the pre-sale early notification list hereSupport 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
12 snips
Mar 22, 2024 • 57min
Ep 157: Bill Campbell on Aggressive Dieting, Dirty Bulking, and Keto Effects on Muscle Building
Dr. Bill Campbell discusses aggressive dieting for rapid fat loss and muscle retention. They explore a study on rapid fat loss through a 14-day protocol, including the importance of resistance training. The podcast delves into upcoming research on rapid fat loss in women and strategies for measuring metabolic rate and protein intake. Additionally, they discuss caloric deficits, weight loss strategies, muscle gain strategies, and the impact of keto diet on body composition and strength.
Mar 21, 2024 • 12min
Quick Wits: The Fat Loss Protocol for Shedding Pounds Without Sacrificing Muscle
Want the secret to designing a fat loss diet that preserves muscle while shredding pounds? Today we break down the key components of a well-designed fat loss plan, including the calorie deficit, protein intake, strength training and recovery.We're going to walk through a hypothetical client's journey, complete with the numbers, and discover the power of using a special trick...instead of strict targets that can really trip people up, there's a special approach we like to take that makes it more accessible and more sustainable, so you can adjust your plan as your metabolism adapts. Get the knowledge you need to create a sustainable, effective fat loss protocol tailored to your goals and preferences. Get you FREE copy of the March 2024 Issue of Body By Science by joining our Insiders List --“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.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
Mar 19, 2024 • 45min
Ep 156: How to Lose 1,000 Pounds
What would it take to lose 1,000 pounds? Find out the surprising truth about dieting and discover a radically different, evidence-based approach to transforming your body composition. In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) talks about breaking the cycle of dieting and weight regain, strength training, and mindset shifts. It is not another quick fix or fad diet but a method that prioritizes long-term results through evidence-based approaches, focusing on body composition rather than simplistic weight loss goals. Philip touches on the societal trend of repetitive dieting attempts and weight fluctuations, shedding light on the struggles individuals face in maintaining sustainable results. He talks about the dangers of perpetual dieting and yo-yo weight cycles, emphasizing the importance of preserving muscle mass during weight loss. He also discusses the significance of strength training and muscle building for overall health and body composition.Today, Philip also introduces the upcoming launch of Wits & Weights Physique University, a dynamic semi-private group coaching program meticulously designed to elevate your fitness journey. This experience is tailored to empower you with personalized nutrition and strength training strategies. 🎉 Pre-Sale Alert! Be among the first to secure your spot at an exclusive pre-sale price! Join the pre-sale list now and receive priority access to join Wits & Weights Physique University. Just 10 spots will be available before the price goes up.👉 Join the Pre-Sale ListDon’t miss this opportunity to transform your physique and enhance your well-being.Today, you’ll learn all about:4:27 Wits & Weights Physique University10:50 The truth behind dieting cycles15:00 Weight loss vs. fat loss16:31 Breaking free from traditional dieting21:24 The importance of body composition24:53 Put a plan in place27:15 Improving body composition through strength training31:05 Training has to be hard, and reframing your mindset43:17 OutroEpisode resources:Join the Wits & Weights Physique University Pre-Sale ListBody by Science Monthly Research Review (Dr. Bill Campbell)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
Mar 18, 2024 • 10min
Quick Wits: Are Six-Pack Abs Really Made in the Kitchen? 5 Steps to a Strong, Shredded, Core
What is the secret to sculpting eye-catching six-pack abs? It is not just about dieting. Abs can be made in the kitchen to an extent, but in this episode we are going to dive into 5 practical strategies that we use in our evidence-based coaching to help clients achieve a strong, shredded and functional core.Get you FREE copy of the March 2024 Issue of Body By Science by joining our Insiders List --“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.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
