The question of whether short people get ripped or achieve visible muscle definition more easily than taller individuals is an interesting one, and there are a few factors to consider.
First, muscle size and its visibility are influenced by the surface area over which the muscles are spread. When a short person and a tall person gain the same amount of muscle mass, it may appear more pronounced on the shorter individual simply because the added muscle is distributed over a smaller frame. Think of it as wrapping a fixed amount of clay around two different sized objects: the smaller object will likely have a thicker layer.
Additionally, when it comes to weightlifting and resistance training, shorter individuals often have a mechanical advantage. Shorter limbs can mean shorter ranges of motion, which can sometimes allow for more efficient lifting and potentially quicker strength gains. This doesn’t mean short people are inherently stronger; it just means that biomechanically, certain exercises might be more favorable to them.
That said, getting “ripped” isn’t just about muscle gain. It’s also about body fat percentage. Having visible six-pack abs requires not only muscle development but also a low enough body fat percentage to reveal the muscles beneath. This aspect isn’t necessarily easier for shorter people. Both short and tall individuals can store fat, and the challenge of reducing body fat to the point where muscles, especially abs, are prominently visible remains consistent across different heights.
However, when shorter individuals lose weight, even a small amount can be more noticeable than in taller individuals. For example, if someone who is 160 cm (5’3″) tall loses 3 kg (6.6 lbs), it might be more visually evident compared to someone who is 190 cm (6’3″) tall losing the same weight.
While there are some advantages that shorter individuals might have in terms of muscle visibility and biomechanics, it’s not necessarily “easier” for them to get ripped. Dedication, consistent training, and a proper diet are key, regardless of height.