Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler hasn’t forgotten the training gems that helped him conquer the sport. On Nov. 20, 2025, he broke down how to perform the behind-the-back lateral raise for boulder shoulders.
Cutler’s shoulders were always a strength when he competed actively. After six runner-ups behind Ronnie Coleman, Cutler finally took the Mr. Olympia throne in 2006. Despite losing the title two years later to Dexter Jackson, he returned better than ever in 2009, solidifying his legacy with his iconic quad stomp.
Ultimately, Cutler left the sport with four Sandow trophies. Bodybuilders often lose the mass and conditioning they were known for, but the 52-year-old star hasn’t. He still trains seven days a week and eats clean, making him one of the most well-rounded ambassadors the sport has seen. In addition to analyzing the Men’s Open today, he always makes time for exercise demonstrations.
Jay Cutler’s Behind-the-Back Lateral Raise for Bigger Shoulders
In the video, Cutler spoke on incorporating the behind-the-back lateral raise into his shoulder routine.
“Shoulder exercises that I feel I brought into existence, especially when I was training, I had some of the best shoulders up onstage. The behind-the-back lateral raise.
A lot of people do the front and they get a lot of momentum, sometimes they bend a little bit. Behind the back, you get that pull, the shoulder actually pulls down,” he shared.
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He favors this exercise because it forces more strictness and isolation work on the shoulder.
“What is ideal about this is it’s a little more strict, it’s a little harder, you can’t go as heavy, but you also get a lot more isolation from the shoulder.
Everyone is looking for those round shoulders, whether you’re a competitive person, whether you’re just a lifestyle person, when you wear clothes, you want to have that nice cap to the shoulders.”
For optimal results, Cutler recommends sticking with 8-12 repetitions.
“This exercise, performed with the right repetition range, always 8-12 is going to be very beneficial in your shoulder routine.”
Cutler isn’t the only established bodybuilder to offer some unique shoulder training secrets. Recently, Lee Priest opened up about starting workouts with rear delt movements to save the shoulders. He explained that it can prevent shoulder pinching and discomfort.
Cutler utilized a handful of under-the-radar exercises to etch his name into history. He believes the behind-the-back lateral raise with an 8-12 rep scheme is money when it comes to shoulder growth.
RELATED: Jeff Cavaliere Reveals The 3 Greatest Rear Delt Exercises for Massive Shoulders
Watch the video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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