Bodybuilding

How to Get Shredded?

Published

12 years ago

October 24, 2012

F Kyle

If you are a bodybuilder who works hard in the gym for a long period of time and have achieved great results than inevitably come a time when you want to show your physique at the best way possible. You can have many reasons for this such as a competition, special occasion, to be more attractive for the opposite sex or something else.

Namely, at this moment come to the idea to get your muscles shredded. What does this mean? Shredded it’s a term which defines extremely low body fat level. Surely you have seen bodybuilders whose skin look like cellophane, and you are able to observe striation in every muscle.

So, this is very hard to achieve state and many bodybuilders fail in this attempt, despite they are working hard in the gym for long period of time. Moreover, getting shredded or ripped is recommended at least because the sharp transitions to the fat burning training will provide you the later greater impact of usual training on strength and muscle mass.

So, anyway, you will have to get shredded sooner or later. However, there is one condition, without which the training period of shredded can turn into a real disaster. It is about the passage of the initial phase of the basic set of total muscle mass, which lasts usually from six months to two years.

So, When is the Best Time to Get Ripped?

So, When is the Best Time to get Ripped?

If you successfully passed the initial phase of gaining muscles mass, namely you increase it up to 20 pounds, then it's time to think seriously about getting shredded. In other words, you will work on burning body fat, which can obscure muscle mass.

Read More: When Were Steroids Banned?

It is very important to understand what should be your expectations even after a successful cycle. First, it is important to prepare mentally. Since there will not be less training will, diet is more under control, then hoping to get muscle growth during the shredded stage is not necessary.

You need to set just one goal, and in this case to burn unwanted fat depots. This also applies to gain power performance. In case of malnutrition, and it will be, fighting for those extra pounds is extremely difficult.

More likely you will have to work in a different mode, such as trying to keep the bar's own security record, at least at the same level. This is a difficult job. And how do you deal with it will depend on power rates, with which you will begin to next after shredded stage training.

But that's not all. Confronting the physiological decline in muscle strength, you are going to actively help preserve the maximum percentage of muscle mass in the body. As you have probably realized, this is one of your tasks. So, in order to implement the body fat burning cycle, lasting 14 weeks, you must first do plan, and then follow it with stringency.

Need to determine what level you will get your muscles after this time. The fact is that the precipitous weight loss, practiced among "non-athletes" is absolutely inappropriate for bodybuilders. The reason is quite simple: in case of sharp weight loss disappears not only fat but muscle mass too, all these being accompanied by dehydration.

Based on the fact that the muscles represent protein and water, for the most part, this option cannot be useful to you. It is advisable to plan to burn fat stores at the rate of a 1.1 pound of your own body weight during a week.

That is, during a month you will lose about 4.4 pounds and for 12 weeks only 13,2 pounds or so. In this case, you can be sure that from all lose weight 75-80% were burn body fat and not muscle mass. Be realistic, do not chase ephemeral results.

If your excess weight is clearly greater than the above numbers, be patient, you may need to go through several stages of shredded, mixing each of them with other types of training. In this case, you end up with great muscle build muscle mass and very low percentage of body fat.

What Kind of Diet is Most Advisable to Follow During Shredded State?

What Kind of Diet is Most Advisable to Follow during Shredded State?

To reach the fat burning stage, you need to make some necessary adjustments to your diet. The first thing to do is to organize a calorie deficit, but the deficit has to be small about 250-300 calories. You will have to pay big attention to everything you eat.

.Avoid to exceed this threshold deficit since there is a high risk of triggering muscle mass lost. And sooner or later, the excessive deficit will slow down all metabolic reactions in the body that only slow down the burn of fats. And this is something we do not need at all.

Must Read: Bodybuilding Diet Myths

It is important to exclude openly unsportsmanlike products such as sweets, pastries, fast food, low value in terms of nutrition for a bodybuilder gastronomic masterpieces. It is important to accentuate the complex carbohydrates from cereals, animal proteins, preferably without too much fat.

Necessary body fat is important to obtain from vegetable oils, nuts, and it is not excluded pharmacy fish oil. Even this vegetable oil will be a little bit, but it still will be in your diet. This is needed for the joints and for the whole body, including the normal functioning of the endocrine system.

What Should your Workout include in Order to get your Muscle Mass Ripped?

What Should your Workout include in Order to get your Muscle Mass Ripped

It is believed that a calorie deficit, potentially leading to a reduction of fat, can be achieved by increasing the duration of training. In particular, previously such results were achieved by a transition of all strength exercises to 18-20 repetitions. But as time passed, it became clear that a long period of training leads to a more significant loss of muscle mass.

Therefore, in case of making changes in a training program, they should not be radical. It is best to stay in the same mode of repetitions up to 8-12. But, nevertheless, adding innovations to your workout routine is highly recommended.

Constantly struggling with falling down working weights to each workout you have to combine supersets at your sole discretion. Maybe it will be one or a pair of supersets, and maybe the whole exercise will be linked to this principle, it is not so important. And supersets can be both for a target muscle group, and for the relatively distant muscles.

The main thing is the rest period between different approaches has to be minimized, ideally - no more than 30 seconds, and a superset even less. It is clear that in this case, the working weight will fall, and muscles will not have time for a full recovery. In short, the training program has to be focused on power endurance.

In order to spur fat burning effect is necessary to include to the final of training some aerobic exercise. It should not be extreme, 20-30 minutes is quite enough for this. That is, the intensity of aerobic exercise should resemble undulating process, with the recession in the beginning, middle and end of the session.

A good example of aerobic exercise could be bicycle races. You should not include aerobics at the beginning of strength training. When the cardiac load comes after anaerobic, fat burning effect will be more noticeable, because they have to work in conditions of low blood sugar.

Which, of course, will cause the body to burn fat stores it, and relatively quickly. Of course, to achieve this goal will require some time. Usually, 20-30 minutes three to four times a week would be enough.

Check out our review on: The Ripper Fat Burner Review – Must Read Before You Get Your Hands On It!

What About Supplements, are They Useful in an Attempt to Burn Body Fat?

<span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span>
As for supplements that stimulate fat burn process can be used following products that contain carnitine, caffeine in combination with aspirin. Keep in mind that you have to use them only as a supplement, strictly following the recommendation of the manufacturer.

If you have problems with the lining of the digestive organs, then you have to exclude aspirin completely. Caffeine known for its features to mobilizes the psyche is appropriate. But it has to be consumed in adequate quantities and only in the training days in the morning and an hour before workout.

As anti catabolic products, which allow you without risk to resist loss in muscle mass, use BCAA, amino acids, but, again, in the doses that are registered by the manufacturer, based on your weight. Excessive doses of amino acids may also lead to the breakdown of the digestive tract, which minutely affects the overall performance of the shredded process in general. Also, take amino acids with a meal in the morning, before and after training.

Since training in a state of malnutrition and heavy exercise program requires much patience, it is important to set yourself in advance that for next 12 weeks you will have strength collapse, mood changes and the desire to eat plenty temporarily banned products, as well as disrupt the character of the selected split. Naturally, all of this must peacefully be swept aside, as the main and the real prize ahead-very well looking athletic figure.

Share on Social Media

Up Next

Speed of Exercise Execution

Don't Miss

How to Increase Concentration During Workout?

F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

Comments

Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

Published

3 days ago

March 1, 2025

Sane

Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

Check Out Our1 4 Weeks Quality Strength & Lean Muscles

Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

Click Here to Buy SynthaTrope By SynthaPharma

Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

With your FB Plus subscription or active FB Plus Pass, you now have access to 124 weeks of our most popular workout programs, which typically sell for $10-$30 each. Additionally, our popular 4-week Meal Plan is included. This is on top of the 38 Challenges and Programs that are already available to Plus members.

We've also introduced a new feature that many of you have requested. To assist you in choosing your next program, you can now preview each day of any program from its detail view. This feature lets you see all the included workout videos and content before you schedule it, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

Share on Social Media

Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

6 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Must Read: Piracetol Review Benefits and Side Effect

Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

Click here to buy 1-Test Cyp/DHB 100 by Dragon Pharma

Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

Related Article: T3 Application in Building Muscle Mass

Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Share on Social Media