Intro: The Dumb Question Of – How To Get Shredded?

The three questions I’m most commonly asked are: 

#1 How to get ripped, fast?
#2 How to get ripped on Keto?
#3 How to get ripped in 90 days?

Let’s bench those questions for a moment, because let’s face it. Building muscle and burning body fat is a lifestyle, not a quick fix for fat loss. Body composition is built with habits, and the right habits, including nutrition, are going to give you muscle mass. In this article, I’m not only going to tell you that the “how to get ripped on Keto?” is the wrong question, but I’m going to tell you to eat more. You should never ever be hungry. We’re going to demystify theories about carb cycling – carbs are not the enemy and if you follow my socials, you’ll learn how to lift weights properly, so getting shredded becomes achievable.

2: Strength Coaching Helps You Stay Consistent

Ready to step up your fitness game and reach your goals? If you’re serious about achieving your desired results of getting ripped, hiring a strength coach is undoubtedly what you need to do. But with so many coaches out there, which ones are good, and which ones are full of Sh5@!?i promising that you’ll get ripped in 90 days?

Get ripped in 90 days – Wrong!

First up – What i’ll promise in 90 days is measured improvement. A shift in lifestyle that’s fun, better self confidence, better healthy habits and you’ll feel it in every ounce of your being. Guaranteed. Getting ripped in 90 days is the wrong goal.

So how long does it take? Which muscle groups?  Cardio?

This is where I come in, Chris Zhang, a world-renowned strength trainer. In this article, I’ll take you through the fundamentals of strength coaching and give it to you straight. We’ll cover the key principles and best practices that every coach should follow and help you understand what to expect.


Get Quick Tips That’ll Last a Lifetime

From assessment and program design, to technique, form, nutrition, recovery, motivation and accountability, oh and how to get ripped, consistently – I’ve got you.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced weekend warrior that wants to step it up, this guide is designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical, quick tips that you can use to achieve your goals over a lifetime. Remember the true rewards are in consistency, not a get ripped fast solution.

So, let’s rip into it and explore the world of strength training together!

3: Assessment & Program Design

When it comes to strength training, one of the most important things to look for is proper assessment and program design. According to renowned strength trainer Andrew Lock, “Assessment is the foundation of effective programming. Without assessment, it’s impossible to know where to start or how to progress.”

A good coach will take the time to assess your current fitness level and goals, as well as any limitations or injuries you may have. This information is then used to custom-make a program that fits you as an individual. There’s no way you can achieve your desired results if it’s not personalised.

Strength System founder and head coach, Christian Woodford, emphasises the importance of progressive overload in program design. “To get stronger, you need to gradually increase the demands placed on your body. This is done through progressive overload, which involves gradually increasing the weight, reps, or sets of an exercise over time.”

Having a proper program is fundamental to achieving your goals. So, when selecting a strength guru, you need to hire someone who prioritises proper assessment and program design. As Andrew Lock puts it, “Without a well-designed program, you’re just guessing and hoping for the best.”

4: Exercise Technique & Form

Technique and form are prevent injuries and ensure maximum results and we all know that we’re not here to F%#! spiders. The correct technique is essential to safely and effectively perform exercises. It’s also important to consistently work on your technique because it doesn’t matter how good you are, you’ll derail and there’s always room for improvement.

When searching for an authentic strength training coach, look for someone who also places a high priority on teaching proper form and technique. According to Andrew Lock, “If a coach can’t teach you proper form, find another coach. Poor technique will lead to injuries and won’t produce the results you want.”

Here are some key things to look for in a coach’s approach to exercise technique and form:

Attention to detail – A good coach should pay close attention to your form and provide feedback to help you improve.

Emphasis on safety – Safety should always come first, and a good coach will prioritize proper form to help prevent injuries.

Focus on progression – A coach should help you progress your exercises over time, gradually increasing weight and intensity to ensure maximum results.

By working with a coach who prioritises individualisation, you can be sure that you are getting the coaching you need to achieve your unique goals. A cookie-cutter approach just won’t cut it.

Progressive overload is another important ingredient for anyone looking to build strength and muscle over time.

5: Progressive Overload


Progressive overload means gradually increasing the demands placed on your body during training. This can be done by increasing weight, volume, or intensity over time. By doing so, you force your body to adapt and get stronger. You need to always be challenging yourself, tearing down those muscle fibers in new and more demanding ways if you actually want to surpass the plateau.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when applying the principle of progressive overload:

Start slow – Don’t try to increase too much too soon. Progress gradually over time.

Be consistent – Consistency is key when it comes to progressive overload. Stick to a regular training schedule and gradually increase the demands placed on your body.

Track your progress – Keep track of your progress over time to ensure you are making gains and continuing to challenge your body.

By incorporating progressive overload into your training program, you can ensure that you are continually pushing your limits and making progress towards your strength and fitness goals.

6: Nutrition & Recovery

Section 5 of our guide to the fundamentals of strength coaching focuses on the importance of proper nutrition. As the saying goes, “you can’t out-train a bad diet”. No matter how hard you work in the gym, if your nutrition is lacking, you won’t see the results you’re after.

Here are some key nutrition principles to keep in mind:

A. Eat enough calories – To build muscle and get stronger, you need to be in a caloric surplus. This means consuming more calories than your body burns on a daily basis. Yes, eat more!!

B. Prioritise protein – Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. Aim for at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight each day.

C. Don’t forget about carbs and fats – Carbs and fats are important for providing energy and supporting overall health. Don’t neglect them in your diet.

D. Recovery and sleep are essential – Your’e overloading your body, stressing the muscle fibres and your nervous system. Recovery is needed so those fibres can repair, and part of that recovery is ensuring that you’re getting enough sleep.

As Andrew Lock notes, “Proper nutrition is the foundation for success in strength training. It’s important to fuel your body with the nutrients it needs to perform and recover.”

By focusing on proper nutrition and healthy sleep, while ensuring that you are consuming enough calories and nutrients to support your training, you’ll be in the zone for maximising your strength and muscle-building potential. Heavy weights don’t lift themselves, and poor perfoomance stems from nutrition, regular training and sleep.

7: Communication & Client Relationships

Alright, let’s get real here – enough fuc%in@ around. You’ve been training for a while, you’ve got some gains, but really, you’re just average. You don’t know how to push through to the next level. You need a strength coach, ideally me! I can help you break through that plateau and smash the back outta your goals. Lucky for you, I’m right here, available and ready to make it happen.

First off, don’t just hire the first coach you come across on Instagram, even if it’s me. Do your research, read reviews, and check their qualifications. See how much they’re actually lifting? Are they walking the walk? Look for someone who is certified, experienced, and has a track record of helping people achieve their goals.

Secondly, make sure you vibe with your coach. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them, so it’s important that you get along and communicate well. A trainer who understands your personality and training style can be a game-changer , and a little banter along the journey never hurts.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions and be clear about your expectations. A good coach will listen to your goals and tailor a program to suit your needs. So, go ahead and be picky. Find the coach who suits you best and watch your gains skyrocket.

8: Motivation, Accountability & Tracking Your Progress

Motivation and accountability are two of the most important factors when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. Myself, Andrew Lock Strength and Strength System, all understand this, and that’s why we all place such a strong emphasis on helping our clients stay motivated and accountable throughout their fitness journeys.

We all know how hard it can be to stay motivated, especially when life gets busy and the couch looks oh-so-comfortable. That’s why having a personal trainer or coach can make all the difference. They provide you with the support and encouragement you need to keep pushing yourself, even when it feels like the last thing you want to do.

And when it comes to accountability, well, let’s just say that it’s hard to skip a workout or indulge in that extra slice of cake when you know that your coach is going to be checking in on you and kicking ass later. It’s like having a personal cheerleader who’s always there to make sure you stay on track. I’ll even dress up in a little mini skirt for you if that’s your thing 🤢.

So, if you’re struggling with motivation or finding it hard to hold yourself accountable, consider working with one of us. Remember, every little bit of progress counts, so keep pushing yourself and never give up on your goals!

9: Business and Professionalism

Ahhh, the final section, we made it! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you’re almost a certified strength training guru. But wait, there’s more! Section 7 is all about the importance of rest and recovery. Yes, I know, it sounds like I’m trying to kill your buzz, but trust me, rest days are just as important as your training days, if not more important.

Here are some key takeaways:

  • Incorporating active recovery, such as stretching or light cardio, can aid in the recovery process and reduce soreness.
  • Rest days allow your muscles to repair and grow stronger, leading to better performance in the long run.
  • Adequate sleep is crucial for recovery and overall health. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
    Proper nutrition, including protein and carbohydrates, can also aid in the recovery process.
  • There’s no quick fix, it requires a lifestyle change that can be maintained. It’s not a diet. Diet;s are temporary.


    So there you have it, folks. Don’t be afraid to take a day off and let your body recover. And remember, rest days are just as important as your training days. Keep up the good work, and happy lifting!

Now reach out, make contact, and we’ll change your life. stop Fu$K8ng around.

Chris Zhang

Chris Zhang has 15 years experience as a top-level personal trainer and an ISNN qualified sports nutritionalist. After spending the better part of 5 years, frustrated and confused about not getting optimum results, he found a better way and channeled his expertise as a strength coach. Chris is 36 years old and currently benches 220 kilograms. He's a world-class, online strength coach and is passionate about helping real-world people breaking out of the cycle of failure that the fitness industry has created. Chris tells it straight, and couples nutrition with practical advice, and provides tailored gym programs and diets for individuals. He works with senior-level executives, he trains senior military and emergency service personnel.

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