Is getting “ripped” a good goal?

Let’s start this topic by establishing two important things. The only reason you should follow a plan that you aren’t really loving is because it drastically improving your health. If you’ve got some health issues you might HAVE to follow a certain routine for health reasons.

Secondly, being "shredded” isn’t healthy, most of the behaviours required to get there for a lot of people aren’t enjoyable, realistic or good for their health. People who are extremely lean don’t have a better quality of life or better life expectancy than those who are just at a healthy weight. Don’t get me wrong, there are outliers who naturally sit and very low BF% without much effort, but if you’re here on this page reading this, that probably isn’t you.

Outside of elite sport the only reason to get really ripped is; you genuinely enjoy the processes and discipline required to get there. That’s it, unless you love doing it, there is no point for most people. Having achieved pretty low body fat percentages in the past, it’s very short lived anyway. The mind-set and commitment to get there leaves you in state where it’s not physically possible to sustain it for very long, so it fades anyway.

If it’s in your heart of hearts to get absolutely shredded, or as an athlete of figure competitor it’s necessary. Absolutely go for it. BUT, certainly don’t idolise it as the pinnacle of health and good habits, because it isn’t. Most aspects of health exist on a spectrum, elite runners and endurance athletes start reducing their life expectancy & supress their immune system. That’s all about elite performance, not health.

Long term physical and mental health sits in that sweat spot, where you’re making good choices most of the time, but step out of routine now and again to let your hair down. You can achieve a great physique in this nice balanced spot.