Though training looks different today, Jay Cutler and Rich Gaspari still lift with intensity. In an Instagram post on May 14, 2026, they reflected on how working out has changed since their prime.
Jay Cutler stands tall as one of the most successful Mr. Olympias of all time. He dethroned Ronnie Coleman in 2006, earning his spot in bodybuilding history. Two years later, Dexter Jackson took the Sandow trophy from Cutler, setting the stage for an unforgettable comeback.
At the 2009 Mr. Olympia, Cutler showcased his quad stomp pose and reclaimed gold. He’s since retired but still trains seven days a week, maintaining impressive muscle mass and conditioning. Meanwhile, Rich Gaspari has also looked after his fitness in retirement.
The 1989 inaugural Arnold Classic champ still influences the current bodybuilding landscape. From coaching to nutrition and training advice, Gaspari always lends a helping hand to competitors and gym-goers eager to improve their physiques. With time to reflect on their careers, Cutler and Gaspari touched on major training changes they’ve made beyond the stage.
Jay Cutler and Rich Gaspari Discuss What Changed Most About Training After Retirement
In the video, Cutler reflected on his training intensity in his prime, pointing back to when he was squatting 500 pounds. Nowadays, the bodybuilding icon squats around 135 pounds. This approach has helped Cutler maintain size despite lifting lighter weights.
“To go back to how we used to train when it was super intense, we feel like we train intense for our age, but is it really impressive when you used to see me squatting 500 pounds and now I’m squatting 135. The legs are still big. Everyone is like I can’t believe you train that light and you still maintain size,” said Jay Cutler.
Gaspari explained that he also adopted a similar approach and has kept his size:
“That’s what I kept doing. I kept size training a lot lighter,” Rich Gaspari shared.
“It makes you think, damn, did I really need to train like that?” Cutler added.
Despite stepping away from the stage, Cutler still keeps tabs on the Men’s Open class. He recently offered reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford ab training advice for his title defense. Additionally, he warned that Lunsford needed full legs ahead of the massive event.
Training might look a little different, but Cutler and Gaspari still make it work. They believe lighter weights have helped them retain their size in retirement.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Reveals His #1 Delt Movement for Maximum Size and Roundness
