Safety during weightlifting has remained one of Jay Cutler‘s top priorities on and off the stage. In a recent YouTube video, Cutler explains why he doesn’t bench press due to the potential injuries it can cause to the pec and shoulder joints.
The bench press is one of the big three lifts, alongside deadlifting and squatting. Even though the lift is immensely popular among gym-goers of varying experience levels, the movement comes with its fair share of risks, as Cutler points out.
Jay Cutler was a trailblazer in the IFBB Pro League, shining bright on stage with a complete physique, complemented by a huge chest. However, en route to building a one-of-a-kind legacy, Cutler never considered bench pressing a key exercise for growth or for his overall development as a bodybuilding icon.
Jay Cutler Explains Why Bench Pressing Is The Worst Exercise
According to Cutler, he removed flat bench pressing from his training routine early in his career because they often caused pec tears.
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“I took flat bench pressing out once I got — I want to say in the money. Once I started to financially support myself through bodybuilding, I couldn’t take the chance of a flat bench because everyone I know that’s done a flat bench has torn their pec on the bench press, okay? Everybody.”
Moreover, the Massachusetts native highlighted that the bench press is the ‘worst’ exercise for your shoulder joints.
“Eventually, I mean the muscles get so tight you get so much density there. The tissue people just don’t get the therapy enough. And honestly, it’s the worst exercise for your shoulder joints is the bench press barbell,” said Jay Cutler.
Even though flat bench pressing wasn’t an integral part of Cutler’s training routine, he still can appreciate incline bench press and other variations. He recently discussed how to navigate bench press plateaus when you aren’t seeing the results you’re looking for. Cutler believes focusing on 15-20 reps with lighter weight could yield better muscle growth.
Aside from Jay Cutler, fitness expert and coach Jeff Nippard has detailed his five-point checklist for a perfect bench press. He believes arching your back during the movement is key to the proper execution of the technique:
“First, set up your arch. For bodybuilding, create a slight curve in your upper back by tucking your shoulder blades in while puffing your chest up. For powerlifting, a bigger arch can help you move more weight just make sure that your feet, glutes, upper back, and head are all planted.”
There’s no denying that bench pressing can be dangerous, especially if there is no spotter available. Cutler refused to take any chances early on in his bodybuilding career and it appears those decisions have paid off well. At 50 years old, Cutler is enjoying retirement with no injuries and boasts incredible longevity.
Avoiding pec tears and rotator cuff injuries are among Jay Cutler’s top reasons for steering clear of bench pressing. As one of the best to ever compete in the Men’s Open, fans and lifters alike can learn from Cutler’s career and exercise selections.
RELATED: YouTuber IShowSpeed Narrowly Escapes Injury on Bench Press: ‘I Almost Died’
Watch the full video from the JayCutler TV YouTube channel below:
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