Now, let me just say one thing before I give you the answer. Competitive bodybuilders have multiple tricks they use to get insanely ripped just before a competition. Maintaining that "insanely ripped" state would be very unhealthy for many different reasons. I'm not going to go into them today, but when you set your muscle building goals, keep them realistic.
Now, muscle definition (getting ripped) is a result of two main things. The first is enlarged muscles. Muscles that have been exercised and strengthened will get bigger and harder. When this happens your skin will start to stretch making your muscle more visible. The bigger your muscles get, the more definition you will see, to a certain extent.
I know what you may be thinking. You can't get ripped by simply exercising. You're right. Building muscle is just one half of the puzzle. You can have big muscles and still lack definition if you have a layer of fat covering them up. In order to truly unveil your hard earned muscle you need to burn the fat that hides it.
Yes, you can get some results doing just one or the other, but if you want the best results possible - do both! Big muscles just aren't as sexy with a layer of fat over them and puny muscles with little fat aren't all that sexy either.
Depending on where you are now with your muscle building will determine what you need to do now in order to achieve maximum definition. If you feel you already have good size, start with a good fat burning diet and workout program that will allow you to maintain muscle as well.
On the other hand, if you don't have the size you truly desire, I would recommend staying on a muscle building diet and lifting program and worry about burning the fat later.
"But wait Jim, I have been on a muscle building program for months and have had very little muscle growth. What's my problem?"
If you are having trouble bulking up or losing fat chances are that you need to find a program that works for you. Not all bodies respond to the same workout and/or diet. You need to identify your body type and find a program that is specific to it for maximum results. How do you do that? Well, that is for another article.
Bottom line - if you want to get ripped, focus on growing your muscles first. When you feel you have your ideal size then burn the fat. You just can't do them both at the same time (as much as you might like to). Add to that consistent effort and patience and you will have a body you can truly be proud of.
