Get Ripped and Gain Muscle at The Same Time? Forget About It

Although it is possible and even likely that everyone will lose fat as a result of building muscle, most of us can forget about getting "ripped" while attempting to maximize muscle gains. This is not possible, at least not without the use of drugs, or superior genetics. Let's find out why.

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First, let's look at two reasons why you must forget about getting ripped while maximizing muscle gains.

1. The best way to be successful at building muscle is to train them against resistance. In order for your muscles to meet that resistance they will need fuel (food) for strength. If you simultaneously cut calories in order to lose fat, you will lose strength as well. The bottom line is; in order to build muscle you must be able to call upon all of your strength, and that requires fuel in the form of food.
2. Food is essential to building muscle. The amount of food that got you through the days before you began strength training won't be enough while you are building muscle. Your body will demand more calories, and you will provide those calories or become too weak to train. What you need when building muscle is extra energy calories (complex carbohydrates). Therefore, you cannot get ripped while gaining muscle.

Now let's look at why you must forget about building muscle while getting ripped.

1. In order to get ripped you must at least cut calories, although cutting calories and performing cardio is the best way to maximize your results. The focus of your caloric reduction must be on carbohydrates, and carbs provide the best energy to your muscles. Cutting carbs is what forces your body to burn its fat stores for energy. So it is unlikely that you will be able to stick to cutting energy-providing carbohydrates while simultaneously lifting heavy weights in order to build muscle, and performing cardio to burn fat.  

That said, the best way to reach your goal whether it be gaining muscle or getting ripped is to focus on one at a time since both will require the manipulation of your caloric intake and therefore prevent the success of the other .