Jacked vs. Shredded — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Jacked refers to a muscular, bulky physique with high muscle mass, while shredded means having a lean body with well-defined muscles and low body fat.
Difference Between Jacked and Shredded
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Jacked is a term that describes a physique characterized by significant muscle mass and size, often emphasizing bulkiness and strength. Those who are jacked appear visibly larger due to increased muscle volume. Shredded, on the other hand, refers to a physique with a low body fat percentage and highly defined muscles. People who are shredded display clear muscle striations and visible veins.
Individuals aiming to become jacked often prioritize lifting heavy weights and consuming a diet that supports muscle growth. Conversely, becoming shredded requires a combination of muscle-building and rigorous fat-cutting strategies through a balanced diet and high-intensity training.
While a jacked physique focuses on maximizing muscle size and strength, a shredded physique prioritizes muscle visibility, often requiring calorie restriction to reveal muscle details. Both physiques are admired in fitness culture but appeal to different aesthetic preferences.
For competitive purposes, bodybuilding and strength training often focus on achieving a jacked physique, whereas physique competitions and modeling often seek those who are shredded.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Muscular, bulky, with high muscle mass
Lean, defined muscles with low body fat
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Muscle Size
Large, emphasizing volume and bulk
Moderate, emphasizing definition
Body Fat
Moderate to low, but not extremely low
Extremely low to reveal striations
Training Focus
Strength training, muscle hypertrophy
Hypertrophy with intense fat reduction
Aesthetic
Bulky, strong appearance
Lean, highly detailed muscles
Compare with Definitions
Jacked
Muscular and bulky, with noticeable muscle mass.
The weightlifter was jacked after months of intense strength training.
Shredded
Lean with clearly defined muscles and minimal body fat.
The fitness model looked shredded for the photo shoot.
Jacked
Achieving high muscle volume through hypertrophy.
He followed a strict bulking diet to stay jacked.
Shredded
Showing muscle striations and vascularity due to low fat levels.
With such shredded shoulders, every muscle fiber was visible.
Jacked
Appearing physically larger due to muscle gain.
His jacked physique made him the center of attention in the gym.
Shredded
Achieving extreme muscle definition through strict dieting and exercise.
His shredded abs were the result of intense core workouts.
Jacked
Possessing impressive strength and power.
The jacked bodybuilder easily lifted the heavy barbell.
Shredded
Aesthetic and conditioned physique from rigorous fitness training.
The shredded athlete appeared ready for the competition.
Jacked
Enhanced in physical capability due to muscle growth.
Her jacked arms showed the results of dedicated weightlifting.
Shredded
Extremely detailed muscle visibility achieved through fat loss.
Her shredded legs showed the results of months of preparation.
Jacked
Very excited or agitated, especially from taking a stimulant.
Shredded
A long irregular strip that is cut or torn off.
Jacked
Having well-developed muscles.
Shredded
A small amount; a particle
Not a shred of evidence.
Jacked
(slang) High on drugs or stimulants.
Shredded
To cut or tear into shreds.
Jacked
(slang) Broken, imperfect, especially when followed by 'up'. (See jacked up)
This computer is so jacked up, I'm surprised it can still turn on!
Shredded
To use a mechanical shredder to shred (paper documents, for example).
Jacked
(slang) Strong and/or muscled.
Wow, that guy is jacked!
Shredded
To make a series of quick turns on a wave or snow, for example, when riding a board such as a surfboard or snowboard.
Jacked
Simple past tense and past participle of jack
Dude, he just jacked my bike!
Shredded
To play fast solos accompanied by special techniques on the electric guitar.
Shredded
Simple past tense and past participle of shred
Shredded
Cut or torn into narrow strips or small pieces.
Shredded
(bodybuilding) Having very pronounced muscular definition.
Shredded
Prepared by cutting;
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced ham
Chopped clams
Chopped meat
Shredded cabbage
Common Curiosities
Does jacked mean stronger than shredded?
Not necessarily, as both can be strong. However, jacked generally implies higher strength due to greater muscle mass.
Can women be jacked or shredded?
Yes, women can achieve both physiques through dedicated training and nutrition.
Is one physique healthier than the other?
Health depends on balanced training and diet, but achieving extremely low body fat (shredded) may affect health.
Do I need supplements to get jacked or shredded?
Supplements aren't necessary but can aid in meeting nutritional needs and fitness goals.
Is it easier to maintain a jacked physique or a shredded physique?
Maintaining a jacked physique is often easier since it doesn't require extremely low body fat levels.
Which physique is harder to achieve?
Both require dedication, but getting shredded usually involves more rigorous dieting and conditioning.
Can cardio help achieve a jacked physique?
Cardio is usually secondary to strength training for muscle gain but can be part of a balanced routine.
Does being shredded mean you're underweight?
No, being shredded means having low body fat while maintaining sufficient muscle mass.
Can you be both jacked and shredded?
Yes, it's possible to have significant muscle mass (jacked) while maintaining low body fat (shredded).
How long does it take to get shredded?
The time varies depending on initial fitness levels and goals, but it requires sustained diet and exercise.
Does weightlifting help with becoming shredded?
Yes, weightlifting is essential for muscle definition, combined with proper diet for fat loss.
Is there a specific diet for getting jacked?
Diets focused on muscle gain include high protein and calorie intake to support growth.
Are jacked physiques common in competitive sports?
Yes, many strength-based sports value jacked physiques for their power and performance.
What type of training helps maintain a shredded physique?
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and resistance training are often key to maintaining a shredded physique.
Does getting shredded impact muscle size?
Sometimes, reducing body fat may cause some muscle loss if not managed carefully.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
