The Difference Between Ripped Versus Shredded

There are a ton of terms to describe how your body looks because of lifting, but what do they really mean? There’s a clear contrast between getting ripped versus shredded. While the words sound similar, they represent two entirely different things. So, what’s the actual difference between ripped and shredded?

What Does Ripped Mean?

A ripped body is lean but has visibly defined muscles. To get a good idea of what a ripped guy looks like, imagine an athlete who dedicates himself to working out each muscle equally and regularly. 

It might not be obvious a person is ripped because they’ll be slender with evenly developed muscles. Even though their muscles might aren’t huge, they’re probably close to their peak physical shape. It can require almost constant work and care to stay that way.

What Does Shredded Mean?

A shredded body is full of well-developed muscles that are large and visible. To get to that point, someone has to have low body fat and water weight. Their skin probably will look tight over their muscles. You’ll know you see it when you look at them and immediately know they lift. 

Picture a bodybuilder when you’re thinking of someone shredded. It should be clear at first glance because their muscles should be visible even under their clothes. They’re usually large and bulky, but they don’t have to be.

What’s the Difference Between Ripped Versus Shredded?

The terms sound similar, but the differences are important. A ripped guy will be leaner and have more body fat than a shredded guy. When you think of ripped versus shredded, imagine that athlete versus that bodybuilder. They’re both muscular, but they obviously look very different. 

You’d have to consistently work out and eat well to get ripped. It also means you can’t skip leg day. These guys have equal amounts of muscle all over their bodies, so you’d have to focus on every muscle to be like them. You don’t have to be slim, but it’ll help your muscles stand out if you are. 

You’d have to take your exercise and diet super seriously to get shredded. Your diet would have to sustain you enough to build huge muscles while being strict enough to keep fat low. This is why getting shredded is more of an end goal. You’d have an easier time bulking up with high-calorie intake and only cutting after you’ve reached your peak.

There’s more to being ripped versus shredded than looks. Crucially, they both have differences in effort and maintenance. Most people can get ripped with consistent work and progress, but it’s not as easy to get shredded. 

How Long Until You’re Shredded?

It’ll take you a while to get shredded. You must have low fat percentage even if you’re built well and work out regularly. Everyone should set a different goal for themselves. Men in their twenties should only go to around 10% body fat to stay healthy. As you age, the amount considered healthy rises. By your fifties, you can have about double the amount. 

It’ll take more effort as you age to get shredded. Young guys can keep fat low and be relatively healthy, but older guys should be careful of cutting too much weight. While most can get ripped, not everyone can get shredded.

It can also be challenging to keep such little body fat. It takes long-term lifting and an extremely restrictive diet to get there. Even if you don’t see the results you want, you should still be proud of the work you put in.

How Long Until You’re Ripped?

Getting ripped is easier than getting shredded, but it still takes effort. You’ll have to stay dedicated since ripped guys typically have less than 10% fat. With regular weightlifting and a balanced diet, you could start seeing a change in a few months. Most guys aren’t going to sprout a six-pack overnight, so don’t sweat it if you don’t see noticeable results right away.

It should take you less time to get ripped versus shredded. Almost all guys at any age can stay consistent and eventually see results. Keep in mind that it may be easier than getting shredded, but it is still challenging and will take time. 

How Do They Affect Your Body?

By the time you’re an adult, you’ll have roughly the same amount of fat cells for the rest of your life. You can change their size by eating less or their amount by working out. You can build muscle and lose them without focusing on the percentage. It’s okay to track or be proud of it, but your health should come first.

It’s hard to like fat when it starts pooling around your waist, but you need it to stay healthy. It affects your immune response and insulin sensitivity. On top of that, it protects vital organs and cushions joints. The thing is, you have to lose almost all of it if you want to get ripped or shredded.

Can You Stay That Way?

It might be easier for you to get ripped versus shredded. Since working out consumes fat, having a fair amount can optimize your weightlifting performance. It gives your body something to burn during workouts so you can build the maximum amount of muscle. 

Keep your health in mind when trying to get shredded. Keeping such a low amount can be tough on your organs and joints, especially if you’re seriously lifting. Plus, you might lose future muscle during workouts if you don’t have fat to burn. Remember that it’s pretty much an aesthetic choice that gives bragging rights, so don’t push yourself past your limit to achieve it. 

What Is the Actual Difference?

While they sounded similar at first, ripped and shredded are two very different things. Both are physically impressive, but that’s where the similarities end. They require very different levels of training and maintenance. On top of that, the body types are wildly different. The physique of an athlete is a lot more subtle than a bodybuilder. Ultimately, though, they both take impressive amounts of dedication and hard work.