The Extreme Cost of a Lean, Ripped Body and Visible Abs with Brittany & James Gatewood | Ep 193

What does it ACTUALLY take to achieve a lean, ripped, shredded physique? Join Philip ( @witsandweights ) as he welcomes Brittany and James Gatewood, the powerhouse couple behind the "Macros, Mindset, and Muscles" podcast, for an in-depth conversation about the physical and mental demands of achieving extreme leanness. In this episode, Philip and his guests explore the rigorous journey of bodybuilding and fitness competitions. From the meticulous planning and unwavering discipline to the significant lifestyle adjustments, they lay out the real costs of getting stage-ready. Brittany and James share their personal experiences, including the sacrifices, challenges, and ultimate rewards of pushing their bodies and minds to the limit. Together, they discuss the importance of having a solid lifting foundation and the impact of extreme fitness routines. Brittany started her fitness journey to become healthier for her children, and James began as a "hard gainer" looking to build muscle. Now, they use their expertise to coach and inspire others through Phoenix Transformations. Tune in to discover if you're ready to take on the challenge and achieve extraordinary goals. Today, you’ll learn all about: 2:29 Cost of achieving and maintaining a lean physique 5:06 Setting realistic expectations for fitness goals 7:02 Breakdown of the physical and mental demands of bodybuilding prep 11:47 Prep duration and the role of refeeds and diet breaks in a prep phase 15:02 The impact of metabolic adaptation and the importance of monitoring progress 21:06 Lifestyle adjustments, extreme adherence, and tips for staying on track 25:12 Sustainable practices for long-term leanness 27:36 Tracking progress and making adjustments 30:47 Symptoms and health risks associated with extreme leanness 36:26 Prerequisites for considering a bodybuilding competition 42:34 Long-term health risks of staying very lean 43:55 Real-life client success story and the benefits of a structured plan 45:35 Additional costs and considerations for competing in bodybuilding 48:57 How to connect with Britanny and James 49:36 Outro Episode resources: Get your free meal prep guide (scroll to the bottom of the page) at transformwithphoenix.com . Podcast: Macros, Mindset, and Muscles 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