Throughout his bodybuilding tenure, arm development was never a weakness for Jay Cutler. In a recent video shared on Oct. 29, 2025, he detailed how to build the best all-around arms using cable and bar curls.
Jay Cutler cut his teeth in the IFBB Pro League when the size era was at its peak. Before he managed to hoist the Sandow above his head, “The Comeback Kid” took second place six times behind eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman.
Their rivalry is considered one of the greatest the sport has seen. Eventually, Cutler caught up to Coleman in 2006, bringing a winning combination of mass and conditioning to kickstart his reign. However, in 2008, Cutler missed the mark and dropped the title to Dexter Jackson. This paved the way for his epic comeback at the 2009 Mr. Olympia, where he etched his name in history with his iconic quad stomp pose.
Diet and training have changed drastically since his time on top. Despite no longer stepping onstage, Cutler hasn’t let himself go. He remains in spectacular shape at 52 years old, still helping fitness enthusiasts reach new levels inside the gym.
Jay Cutler Shows How to ‘Build the Best All-Around Arms’ With Just 2 Exercises
In the video, Cutler explained that cable curls allow for constant tension on the biceps and limit body momentum.
“How to build the best all-around arms. Now, there’s a couple of movements that I suggest. You can work with a rope or work with a bar on the cable apparatus. The cables allow you that constant tension.
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What I like about this is I’m a little sloppy with my training so I actually swing a little bit in my movements, but with the cables, it keeps me a little more strict.”
As for bar curls, he noted that these allow for better isolation and brachialis activation.
“Remember, bar curls are going to allow you to isolate the bicep, really focus on building the real meat of the biceps, where a rope contraction, you’re going to focus more on the brachialis, so you’re going to focus on more of the side arms, meaning that width from the side and the forearms.”
For the best results, Cutler said to include both in your routine and aim for 8-12 repetitions, though don’t be afraid to execute a little more if it feels right.
“Everyone wants to have a balance between the forearm and the biceps, so I’m suggestive of both in the routine. They hit different fibers, different areas of the arm. You want to have that full development. Focus on the reps, always 8-12 repetitions, sometimes a little more,” he said.
Cutler wasn’t only known for boasting impressive arm development. He also held his own against all-time greats thanks to his complete back width and depth. To achieve his back, Cutler shared that reverse grip pulldowns, reverse grip bent barbell rows, and the seated cable row were critical to his success.
With arms always being a strength, Cutler made history on the Mr. Olympia stage. He believes anyone can build well-rounded arms with these two options.
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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