Written by Kyle Hunt | BEXSci.
Fact checked by The SET FOR SET Team
FACT CHECKED
Jay Cutler is a four-time Mr. Olympia winner, bodybuilding legend, and successful businessman. He’s won the Arnold Classic three times, ended Ronnie Coleman’s reign as Olympia champion, and despite being retired, is still one of the most well-known and well-respected names in the industry.
With achievements like this, there’s no denying that Jay Cutler holds the key to multiple secrets to success. But the question remains: Is he willing to share the tips that built his incredible physique and made him one of the best bodybuilders of all time?
Fortunately, in addition to being a top-level bodybuilder, Jay Cutler is an expert willing to share his knowledge with others. And thanks to a collaboration with Trifecta Nutrition, SET FOR SET was able to create a list of interview questions for Jay Cutler to answer, including several inquiries submitted by our email subscribers.
From how he got his start in bodybuilding to his rivalry with Ronnie Coleman to his training secrets for building massive legs, we asked, and Jay Cutler answered.
A Bodybuilding Q&A With Four-Time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler is an inspiration to bodybuilders of all levels, whether you've been lifting for ages or are just starting out. Read on to hear from Jay about how he got his start, where his incredible work ethic came from, and his best training and nutrition strategies.
1. You grew up on a Massachusetts farm and started working in your family's concrete business at eleven. What role did that play in your bodybuilding career, physically and mentally?
I was taught hard work and continuous dedication. I learned the sacrifice for future benefit.
2. When you started lifting weights at eighteen, was the goal to compete in bodybuilding, or was there a different motivation?
I knew from the age of 12 I wanted to be a “bodybuilder,” so when I joined the gym on August 3, 1991, I knew from that moment forward my goal would be to get onto a bodybuilding stage eventually.
3. You were part of one of the best bodybuilding rivalries of all time. What do you remember most about your battles with Ronnie Coleman?
I remember many things. The travel with Ronnie, the magazine hype created, but honestly every time I competed against Ronnie I always believed I could beat him - no BS.
4. When you lost Mr. Olympia in 2008 to Dexter Jackson, how did your training and nutrition change in 2009 in your quest to reclaim the title?
I mainly changed having Hany Rambod take over the off-season and the pre-contest diet. I ate more whole foods than ever and turned up the weights and cardio like never before. I had a great team around me that year to push me back to the title.
5. During your career, you were one of the biggest competitors. What is the key to holding onto muscle while losing fat?
The key to holding onto muscle and trimming fat was the higher protein and low fat diet I followed consistently year-round.
6. You were known for having some of the best legs of all time. What is the secret to building a massive lower body?
The #1 secret to leg size is good genetics, but I would say the squat is the ultimate mass builder for great legs. Put a 2x4 under the heels and squat ass to grass!!!
7. If you were starting bodybuilding today, knowing what you know now, would you change anything with how you handled your training, nutrition, supplementation, or recovery?
I don’t think I would change much. I feel I did everything I needed to be the best and build a brand at the same time.
8. Even at 49 years old, you are looking jacked and healthy. Not every former bodybuilder maintains a good physique in retirement. What is the key to longevity in bodybuilding?
The key is to sleep well, eat well, and not stress. I continue to train consistently. I do not drink or smoke. I live a healthy lifestyle.
9. You were known as a high-volume trainer, even training twice daily at points during your career. How did you determine how much volume to do?
I would choose the volume by the amount of food I ate. The short rest periods are important also. I was a speed trainer - never much ego - just straight sets and nonstop effort.
10. Low carb diets are popular now, but you notoriously followed higher-carb diets during your career. What advantages did that nutrition style have for you?
My body worked well on high carbs. I was very active, and I carried a lot of muscle. I had a great metabolism and I kept most if not all added fats from my regime.
11. You worked with some legends in the bodybuilding coaching world, notably Chris Aceto and Hany Rambod. What makes a great bodybuilding coach?
A great coach will, of course, have experience, but also listen to your feedback and more importantly keep things as simple as possible - no crazy tricks or risky poor decisions.
12. On the outside, it seems like you are always hustling. What does Jay Cutler do in his downtime? Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of fitness?
I don’t have many hobbies outside work. I feel my life is a blessing, so any downtime is spent with my dogs and being at home in my theater.
13. Aside from genetics and body structure, what separates the average pro bodybuilder from becoming Mr. Olympia?
I think you need a very strong mind and belief in yourself if you want to be a Champion. It takes many years of mature muscle, which means constant work in the gym and in the kitchen with meal planning. Rest is also important.
14. What are the biggest changes (positive or negative) that you notice from the supplement industry since you started?
I think there is much confusion on what actually works. We have gotten away from “hard work” equals results. The supplements are exactly what they say. Taken along side a great diet, they can be very beneficial.
15. You were, and still are, known for your dominant quads. What were your top three exercises to build them and how did you go about loading/set/rep range?
- Leg Extensions: 4 sets of 12 reps
- Squats: 4 sets of 12 to 15 reps
- Lunges: 4 sets of 12 reps, each leg
16. What would you consider to be the perfect split and why?
A 2 On/1 Off Split:
- Chest & Calves
- Back, Traps, & Abs
- Off
- Delts & Arms
- Legs
- Off
- Repeat 1
The hardest body parts, legs or back, always follow with a day off. Rest is where you grow your body. Everyone needs rest days.
17. To Mr. Cutler, from a 16 year old: What can I do to bulk? I don't have very much money, nor do I have much time to go to the gym but I go as often as I can. However, I don't see any notable progress since I'm on the lighter side at 165lb 6'3, and it's difficult to get food when there are other mouths in the house. What advice can you give to me, along with any other teenager, on bulking or putting on mass in general, especially without many resources?
You must eat to grow. Make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Make some extra pasta. Eat cans of tuna. Make it happen. If you aren’t eating, you won’t grow. Zero time for excuses. Don’t look back.
Bodybuilding Legend Jay Cutler: Interview Wrap-Up
And there you have it. Whether you are looking for nutrition tips, bulking advice, additional information to help you grow your legs, or simply to glean the wisdom from a legend, there’s nothing better than getting the information straight from a top level bodybuilder like Jay Cutler.
SET FOR SET sends a huge thanks to Trifecta Nutrition for making this interview possible, and another major thanks to Jay Cutler for taking the time to answer our questions.
And if you're looking for additional tidbits, tips, lifting advice, and training and nutrition information from Jay Cutler, you can find even more on his social media accounts and website:
Kyle Hunt
Author