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

How safe is hormone therapy? What are peptides, and how can they help you improve your health and wellness? Today, I am joined by Kristin Gemme, a board-certified physician assistant with over ten years of experience as a PA and 16 years in the medical field. She is the owner and operator of Ethos Medical Aesthetics and Wellness in Avon, CT, and we connected through my coach and recent podcast guest, Andrew Romeo. Iwanted to bring her on my show to discuss peptides, hormone therapy, medical weight loss, and other ways to complement lifestyle interventions.Kristin is passionate about helping people achieve optimal health through personalized holistic interventions such as skincare, injectables, lasers, PDO threads, and wellness programs. As I mentioned, she is also the host of the Just a Pinch podcast, where she discusses the good, the bad, and the ugly side of aesthetics, fitness, nutrition, and wellness.__________Click here to apply for coaching!__________Today you’ll learn all about:[2:03] Becoming a PA in aesthetic medicine[4:33] Guiding principles in aesthetic medicine and personal wellness[9:07] Peptides and their role in health[13:20] Identifying candidates for hormone therapy and testing methods[20:49] Integrating medical weight loss with holistic health strategies[23:01] Benefits of peptide therapy and the evolution of the field[30:11] Using lab tests to craft personalized health interventions[38:15] Testosterone replacement therapy[44:15] Hormone replacement therapy for women[48:41] Adaptogens and nootropics[50:18] The future of medical aesthetics[1:00:51] Psychological effects and misconceptions with aesthetic treatments[1:12:47] The benefits of getting your bloodwork done[1:14:49] Where to find KristinEpisode resources:Ethos Medical AestheticsJust a Pinch podcastIG: @injectorkristinSupport 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)

For my friends in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving!Ready to conquer the holiday feast without compromising your nutrition goals?If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the abundance of food choices in a big holiday meal, tune in to today's episode of Quick Wits.We will equip you with the strategies needed to navigate the food avalanche that typifies holiday meals. I will guide you through a stress-free approach to indulging in abundant holiday meals and decode the psychological aspect of holiday feasting.Have you ever felt guilty for overindulging during the holidays? We tackle this and more for a guilt-free, stress-free holiday season.---“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🎓 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 your workouts actually making you bigger and stronger? Why do some people gain muscle and strength so much faster than others?Today, we’re diving into the concept of progressive overload—what it is, why it’s important, and how to implement it in your training program.I’ll explain the science behind how it drives muscle growth and strength gains and then provide specific methods for progressively overloading your workouts by increasing weight, reps, sets, intensity levels, and other creative approaches. These strategies apply to all training levels, from beginner to advanced. Finally, I’ll go over how you can use this principle even during a fat loss phase.If you want my free detailed guide on progressive overload that you can download and reference whenever you want, just use the link in my show notes under Episode Resources or go to witsandweights.com/free.__________Click here to apply for coaching!__________Today you’ll learn all about:[2:20] What is progressive overload?[4:01] Stress recovery adaptation[10:06] The four things that occur during adaptation[14:23] The relationship between strength and hypertrophy[18:14] Progressive overload for beginners[23:30] Programming for progressive overload[29:00] Progressing by weight[30:42] Progressing by reps[35:16] Progressing by sets[38:48] Progressing by intensity[46:16] Mind-muscle connection[48:43] Post-activation potentiation[49:30] Accommodating resistance[51:31] Combining the progression variables[53:29] Training during a fat loss phase[59:15] OutroEpisode resources:Free Progressive Overload Guide – https://witsandweights.com/free/progressive-overload-guideSupport 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)

Can you have too much protein?We answer that question in today's episode!We're exploring the optimal protein range for muscle growth, shedding light on the balance between protein, fats, and carbs, and debunking the myth of protein-induced kidney damage. This episode is all about achieving dietary balance, ensuring you're nailing your minimums without neglecting other vital nutrients in the pursuit of protein. So, if you're looking to strike the right dietary balance, support your training, and boost your overall health, this is an episode you won't want to miss!---“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🎓 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's REALLY holding you back from achieving your fitness goals? Is a short-term focus on "weight loss" setting you up for long-term failure?Today, I'm extremely excited to welcome to the show Mike Millner, a high-level nutrition coach and a business coach who has a gift for understanding the personality-based needs of his clients and where people are in their journey. In this episode, Mike and I unpack the DNA of success to understand why so many of us fail at hitting our health and fitness goals. Transformation goes beyond calories in and calories out, all the way to the hidden barriers that hold us back. We're talking about the mental game. This is a 'how-to-crush-your-goals-and-redesign-your-identity’ conversation.Coach Mike has experienced the highs and lows of dieting and fitness and has learned how to overcome the psychological barriers and challenges that prevent most people from achieving their goals. He is the founder of Peak Optimization Performance or POP and the voice behind the top-rated Mind Over Macros podcast, where he shares his insights and expertise on nutrition, training, and, most importantly, mindset. He aims to help as many people as possible navigate life as healthy individuals in a sustainable and enjoyable way.__________Click here to apply for coaching!__________Today you’ll learn all about:[3:01] The moment his mindset shifted to confidence[5:25] Mental vs. physical transformation[8:17] Energy balance and CICO in long-term goals[13:18] "Grit" vs. willpower in goal setting[16:01] Top psychological barriers to fat loss[18:21] Use of SMART goals and other theories[23:23] Mental cycles, like training cycles[26:35] How "mental diet" affects physical health[30:01] Fear of success in fitness[34:59] Power of language and self-talk[39:16] Gratitude and positive psychology[42:30] Short-term wins vs. life-long habits[45:35] Mindset in muscle building[48:21] What would Mike be doing if he didn't become a fitness coach[50:33] Where to learn more about Mike and his work[51:21] OutroEpisode resources:Mike's podcast – Mind Over MacrosIG - @coach_mike_millnerSupport 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 stuck in a fitness rut, repeating the same workouts and meals without any joy?What if there were a way to keep your routine without surrendering to monotony?In this episode of Quick Wits, I share my story of finding balance between discipline and boredom, in both the gym and the kitchen. I’ll show you how routine can be enjoyable, productive, and far from monotonous.We'll examine the psychological aspect of movements and the importance of recognizing when a routine becomes too stressful or hinders recovery and needs a switch. We delve into how introducing variety, whether it's changing your squat movements or adding novelty to your meals, can be the antidote to monotony. After all, we are human beings who crave a bit of fun and change.Tune in to learn this powerful distinction between routine and monotony to help you build sustainable practices.---“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🎓 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 link between cholesterol and muscle growth?Today, we will explore whether increasing dietary cholesterol can promote muscle growth and strength gains. In several studies, higher cholesterol intake has been linked to increased lean mass and strength, potentially by improving muscle cell integrity and boosting repair signaling pathways. We know that dietary cholesterol does not negatively impact blood cholesterol or heart disease risk, though stay tuned for one thing in your diet that might. Today is all about the muscle-building side of cholesterol.__________Click here to apply for coaching!__________Today you’ll learn all about:[2:37] Myth on the effects of dietary cholesterol[5:12] Dietary cholesterol and muscle gain[13:40] The effect of higher cholesterol intake[15:01] The effects of statins[16:01] Lower cholesterol intake of vegetarians[17:45] Sources of cholesterol[23:30] OutroEpisode resources:Join the Wits & Weights email listMeno Henselman's article “Is cholesterol the forgotten anabolic?”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)

If physical health is your top priority, then why aren't you allocating your most VALUABLE asset to it?And no, it's not money.Listen to today's episode to find out what it is!---“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🎓 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)

Do you know how to adjust your diet and training based on your needs and biofeedback? Do you know the role of protein in body composition?Learn more about this and more from today’s guest, Dr. Eric Helms! Fresh off of earning his WNBF Pro Card, he joins me for the second time despite his busy contest schedule. The last time Eric was on the show, we discussed balancing strength and physique goals, programming for lifters at different experience levels, self-determination theory and motivation, and optimal protein sources.Eric Helms is a titan in the bodybuilding and nutrition world. He is a researcher, author, and coach specializing in physique and strength sports. Eric has a PhD in strength and conditioning and is a competitive natural bodybuilder and powerlifter.  He co-founded MASS Research Review and is the Chief Science Officer of 3D Muscle Journey.Today, we’re going to get caught up on his recent exploits in the bodybuilding world and then dive into some of the nuances of nutrition and training, from levels of tracking and flexible dieting to macro splits to mini-cuts. We’ll also get into training volume, autoregulation, and whatever else we have time for.__________Click here to apply for coaching!__________Today you’ll learn all about:[2:09] Update on contest season[16:08] Levels of diet tracking from beginner to advanced[26:33] Tracked approach towards a fat loss journey[32:36] Diet tracking from intermediate to athlete or competitor level[38:20] Very high protein and low carb strategy[45:52] Two-year nutrition cycle structure for moderate experience  [52:30] Ratios for cutting or maintenance[55:56] Evaluating training to optimize for muscle gain[58:21] Finding the individualized training volume[1:02:47] Where to find Eric[1:04:01] OutroEpisode resources:Ep 72: Balancing Strength, Physique, Recovery plus Animal vs. Plant Protein with Eric Helms3DMJ Vault –Bodybuilding Program Design to learn how to build your own customized training splitIG – @helms3dmjSupport 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 felt judged or guilty for wanting to look better and improve physique?Well, you don't have to.We explore the journey of physique transformation, debunking societal stigmas and affirming it as a valid health goal. We delve into the mental resilience, discipline, and self-love that accompany this transformative journey, emphasizing that it's not just a physical, but also a mental shift.Stay tuned as we reveal inspiring client success stories that underscore the emotional and psychological impact of a physique transformation, including a heartwarming story where a client's success was acknowledged not by numbers or weights, but by loved ones noticing their improved physique.Remember, it's your body, your rules, and you have every right to strive for a physique that makes you feel confident and empowered. Don't miss out on this empowering message of self-love, acceptance, and the strength of mind over body. Listen in, keep lifting, keep learning, and keep transforming!---“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🎓 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)