A subject that is often debated is how to build muscle whilst still losing stomach fat. Some people feel it is not possible to get ripped abs this way because the extra calories needed to build the muscle stops you from losing fat. Some, however feel it is possible but it is not very effective.

There is a way however, and this is the secret to knowing how get ripped abs though, whilst gaining muscle tissue at the same time. This can be achieved in such a way that the workouts you perform actually increases the bodies metabolic rate which burns the fat off rather than by calorie deprivation.

Exercises that work and stimulate the muscles into growth whilst at the same time increasing the metabolic load are what is required. It is not possible to go into the gym and exercise individual muscle groups, bodybuilder style, if you want to achieve this. For example, when performing a bench press, you are working the chest and upper body muscles but not utilizing the stabilizing muscles of the legs and abdomen.

An alternative exercise would be a single dumbbell press whilst lying on an exercise or fit ball. The weights used are light, but this way will use the big stabilization muscles in the body while doing one arm presses. This is a great way for working the chest muscles whilst at the same time using nearly all the muscles in the body. Granted, you will not build Arnie sized pecs but you will increase muscle growth and mass whilst at the same time burning fat tissue.

A further workout for the upper body which will increase metabolic load would be to do press ups with the feet elevated on top of the exercise ball. As previously mentioned, all the big stabilizing muscles are used which will leaving you burning many more calories and losing fat without even making any changes to your diet.

With the increase in metabolic rate and stimulation of muscle growth it is vital to have a good nutritional plan in place. Eating at least 5-6 times a day will keep the metabolic rate surging along. Protein in the diet is important for muscle recovery and growth but the extra meals will also help you body to be flooded with fat burning enzymes.

To build muscle it is not necessary to take in vast quantities of protein. The timing of the protein intake is what is more important. The optimum plan is to take in a fast digesting whey protein prior to exercise and then immediately after. This way will ensure that you increase muscle mass and still get ripped abs.

Drew writes articles on how to get ripped abs and writes body building reviews such as the Vince Delmonte fitness review.