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

If you're looking for six pack or eight pack abs, we've got you covered today, which is all about those core muscles.Philip (@witsandweights) reveals his top 4 exercises for sculpting your abs (sit-ups and planks are NOT on the list) in this special Lifting for Muscle Series of 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

How can you overcome feeling aimless and frustrated with recovery issues in your training, especially over 40 with a family?The question we're answering is:"I am a 46 year old mom and have been weight training since May 2022, focused on body recomp with at least one muscle building phase last spring. I have never done a fat loss phase. I have slowly but steadily put on muscle and lost body fat.I have loved weight training and getting stronger and I also have loved stepping away from restrictive diets (and the requisite binging that accompanied them) and the fasting that I had done in the past. My macros have fluctuated a bit over time. I think I'm right about at maintenance, maybe a little bit of a deficit since I am very very very slowly dropping the weight. However, my arms constantly feel sore and inflamed and I feel stiff and creaky and it is starting to make me dread upper body days. I actually have backed off training these last few weeks, dropping down to just 2 days a week of training and sometimes even only doing one set of everything because I just feel inflamed and weak. I haven't been able to do anything related to my biceps in months--I just skip those exercises entirely.  I guess I just feel a little aimless at the moment and a little frustrated by this recovery issue and would love to re-focus."Find out 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📱 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

How did Josh York transform a simple idea at his parents’ dining room table into a global fitness phenomenon? What practical strategies can you learn from Josh about strength training, muscle building, and fitness optimization?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) talks with Josh York, the dynamic founder and CEO of GYMGUYZ, a mobile in-home fitness training provider with over 150 locations across 30 states and three countries.Discover the journey behind GYMGUYZ's rise to a global fitness brand and their unique in-home training model. You'll learn about Josh’s intense personal health regimen and how he balances everything, his views on the fitness industry, and practical strategies in the world of strength training, building muscle, and optimizing your fitness.From a simple idea at his parents' dining room table, Josh catapulted GYMGUYZ into an international fitness phenomenon, featured on the Inc. 500’s list of fastest-growing private companies. His journey has redefined the fitness landscape with GYMGUYZ's innovative mobile in-home training model, bringing personalized fitness solutions to your doorstep.Josh also has what some might call an insane daily routine, sleeping just 4-5 hours a night, with a rigorous 4 am workout followed by a sauna session and a 27-degree cold plunge. As a motivational speaker and author, Josh lives a life fueled by passion and purpose, inspiring others with his journey and embodying the ethos of pushing boundaries and reimagining possibilities.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:21 Creating GYMGUYZ and the concept behind it6:22 How to get started7:48 Strength training, programming, equipment11:00 Where is it available11:20 Personal routine including sleep as the "enemy"15:16 Your workout/nutrition, general philosophy of fitness19:25 Consistency, motivation, staying positive23:27 Balancing personal/business28:05 Opinions on the fitness industry now and into the future31:24 How to connect with Josh31:47 OutroEpisode resources:Josh's podcast: Fuel Your Drive podcastWebsite: gymguyz.comInstagram: @gymguyzYoutube: @GymguyzFacebook: @GYMGUYZSupport 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

To round out the lower body, we are hitting the glutes and calf muscles today (something for everyone)."I like big butts and I cannot lie..." 🎶🤣 Philip (@witsandweights) reveals his top 4 exercises for building strength and definition to get a big butt and big calves in this special Lifting for Muscle Series of 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

What really happens to fat when you lose weight? Where does the “stuff” go? How does it leave your fat cells and then your body?In today’s episode, Philip (@witsandweights) unravels the super-interesting, complex, and surprising journey of how your body burns fat during weight loss. From the moment you hit a calorie deficit to the result of a slimmer waistline, tune in as we decode the metabolic processes and bust common myths about fat loss.Today, you’ll learn all about:04:57 Exploring how the body burns fat during weight loss07:19 Fat cell mobilization and the role of hormones11:45 Fatty acid oxidation and energy18:10 Water and CO2 loss20:02 Weightloss through strength training and exercise25:01 Common fat loss myths debunked31:18 Practical takeaways for successful fat loss34:33 Free guides on fat loss35:44 OutroEpisode resources:Join the free Wits & Weights Facebook community for support, live trainings, live Q&A, free challenges, exclusive workshops, and more!Get our free fat loss guides hereEpisode 40: Everything You Need to Know About Fat Loss (Simple Strategies for a Fitter, Leaner Body)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

Have you ever felt guilty for focusing so much on your own fitness goals? Or could dedicating time to your fitness journey be the ultimate act of altruism? Today we'll dissect the seemingly selfish act of prioritizing personal health and reveal how it's actually a cornerstone of generosity. This episode shatters the guilt often associated with a rigorous health regimen and reframes your workouts and meal prep as acts of love—both for yourself and for the people in your life. By embracing fitness, you're not just sculpting a better you; you're ensuring you can play a supportive role in others' lives for years to come.Let's get real about the ripple effect of personal well-being. Learn how being physically and mentally fit equips us to be more present, energized, and focused for our loved ones. It's the safety demonstration principle brought to life; you've got to secure your own health before you can fully assist those around you. And it's not just about now—it's about fostering a future where you're less of a burden and more of a boon to society. Tune in and transform your perspective: caring for yourself is the most selfless gift you can offer to the world. Stay strong, and remember—looking after number one benefits everyone.---“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

This conversation is from my appearance on Brian Gryn’s podcast, Get Lean, Eat Clean, where we discussed so many topics related to over-40 fitness and sustainable results.Learn the step-by-step formula that helped me reveal my best body and energy after 40. Learn how flexible dieting, evidence-based training, and proper carb intake fuels workout performance. Discover why most people struggle to build muscle and end up spinning their wheels. Plus find out my #1 tip to transform your health, physique, and mindset for good.By the way, Brian will be on the show next month so make sure to subscribe to Wits & Weights to get notified when the episode comes out.Enjoy my conversation with Brian Gryn!Episode summary:Unlock the secrets to a sustainable fitness and nutrition plan post-40. We're talking about tangible steps, like the art of food and exercise tracking, while indulging in the flavors you love. Muscle mass takes center stage in this health crusade, proving it's a formidable opponent against obesity. And if you're looking for a sign to start lifting, this is it—backed by scientific savvy and spiced with real-world success stories.The gym journal debate is settled here, and I'm dishing out the details of my muscle sculpting regimen crafted by coach Andy Baker. Feel the burn but also learn the quintessential role recovery plays—because muscle isn't just built on sweat alone. Sleep, nutrition, and the clever use of technology or good old pen and paper become your allies in the quest for gains. And for those who ever doubted the might of machines in your workout or demonized carbs as the villain of your diet story, prepare for some myth-busting that could just reshape your fitness journey.Finally, weave exercise into the tapestry of your daily life, no matter the time crunch. Be inspired by tales of incremental triumphs, like the woman whose life was changed by mastering the art of standing up from a couch. It's about celebrating the small victories that snowball into a lifestyle transformation. Hop aboard the fitness 'bug'—it's an infectious ride that elevates your health and spirit, step by step, rep by rep. Join us for an episode that's more than a listen—it's the first stride towards your best self.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

Have you ever wondered how to maximize muscle growth while saving time? Tune in as Bryan Boorstein reveals intensity techniques that’ll transform your workouts!Today, Philip (@witsandweights) is joined by Bryan Boorstein, the mastermind and training genius. His extensive knowledge of training methods takes center stage as he delves into captivating topics. From lengthened partials to maximizing metabolic stress and from intensity techniques for efficient workouts to ideas for leg movements in a limited home gym, Bryan shares insights that will elevate your fitness game.As a true “Renaissance Man” of health and fitness, Bryan’s training approach seamlessly integrates elements from bodybuilding, powerlifting, and athleticism. His content and coaching exude knowledge, nuance, and infectious passion, all aimed at helping YOU optimize your physique and performance.With 25+ years of training experience, Byran collaborates with top athletes. As founder of Evolved Training Systems and Paragon Training Methods, he offers goal-oriented online programs for strength, physique, and skill development. Bryan co-hosts the Eat Train Prosper podcast, sharing practical strategies on nutrition, training, mindset, and lifestyle. His philosophy blends science, experience, and intuition for effective workouts.Today, you’ll learn all about:3:20 Lengthened partials - Bryan’s take9:06 Failure training vs. effective reps - resolving the debate15:59 Failure vs. submaximal training24:21 Metabolic stress techniques - favorites and periodization30:33 Strength vs. hypertrophy training35:43 Building legs without machines49:32 Optimizing cardio for muscle growth58:09 Basic specialization approach1:02:20 The question Byran wished Philip had asked1:04:19 OutroEpisode resources:Instagram: @bryanboorstein – Tons of programsSupport 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

The hamstrings are the often overlooked powerhouse behind your lower body. Last week we talked quads. Today we're going to talk about the hammies.Philip (@witsandweights) reveals his 4 go-to exercises for building strength and size in your hamstrings in this special Lifting for Muscle Series of 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

How do you overcome the demons of yo-yo dieting and negative body image? How can strength training be a gateway to a better physique and mindset?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) sits down with Isis Alvarado, a long-time member of the Wits & Weights community and a fitness and health enthusiast with a 15-year journey marked by personal struggles and triumphs, which is exactly what they talk about today. Isis isn’t just a fitness enthusiast;  she’s a warrior who has battled and triumphed over yo-yo dieting and negative body image. As an adult, she broke free from the chains of restrictive eating, discovering the world of strength training and evidence-based nutrition. This wasn’t just a physical transformation but a mental and emotional one. Her story is about resilience, solid information, and transformative impact.  In their conversation today, you’re not just going to hear another transformation story. You’re going to learn the real, tangible strategies that Isis used to overhaul her relationship with food and her body. You’ll discover how strength training can be a gateway to a better physique and mindset. Most importantly, you’ll learn how to apply these lessons in your own life, breaking free from the myths and misconceptions that hold you back in your fitness journey.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:57 Childhood environment and its impact on health and body image5:42 Experiences with yo-yo dieting and beliefs about genetics7:52 Early adulthood decision to stop dieting and relationship with food15:32 Catalyst for shifting to strength training and changing fitness approaches19:03 How the right information led to significant results in less time         28:44 Influence of strength training on physical, mental, and emotional well-being34:46 Shifting food relationship from restriction to flexibility40:24 Strategies for finding reliable, evidence-based fitness information50:57 Impact of fitness journey on personal relationships, career, and goals53:54 Practical advice for listeners starting their health journey57:56 Future goals in fitness, health, and helping others1:00:47 What question did Isis wish Philip had asked1:04:19 How to connect with Isis1:05:36 OutroEpisode resources:Join the Wits & Weights Facebook group (where you can also connect with Isis Alvarado!)Ep 141: Why I’m Getting Fluffy Before I Get JackedSupport 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