Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler retired, but still trains seven days a week. On March 10, 2026, he broke down his current workout to build front-to-back thickness and a better V-taper.
Throughout the early 2000s, Cutler cemented himself as an all-time great bodybuilder. Though he didn’t boast the greatest genetics of his generation, he always found a way to win. In 2006, he managed to dethrone former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
Before stepping away from the sport, Cutler secured four Mr. Olympia titles and three consecutive Arnold Classic championships. At 52 years old, he’s maintained impressive longevity, labeling the gym a sanctuary. With time to unwind following the 2026 Arnold Classic, he shared his latest training session.
Jay Cutler’s Current Back Workout at 52
Find his exercises from the video below:
- Reverse Grip Pulldown
- Pullover Machine
- Wide Grip Pulldowns
- Seated Cable Rows
- Freedom Rack Barbell Rows
Reverse Grip Pulldown
Cutler credits the reverse grip pulldown as a key exercise for front-to-back thickness and V-taper, two attributes essential for a strong front double biceps pose.
“For me, I’m just really trying to hit the fast-twitch muscle fibers and also the slow-twitch. You see me in a couple of reps, I actually come down, I’m actually squeezing my lats.
Why I love this exercise, I’ve talked about this a million times, the front double biceps, the lats come out. This exercise I really feel it. Not only the thickness front-to-back, but I feel it pull that V-taper.”
Pullover Machine
Next up was the pullover machine. Cutler said to pull with the lats instead of recruiting other muscles.
“What I love about this, it’s the hammer strength pullover machine here. I’m actually using my elbows. You have these pads here that the elbows go on. What I’m trying to do is really try to pull and use the lats without using the hands or anything else,” he said.
Wide Grip Pulldowns
Wide grip pulldowns also helped him widen his lats throughout his career. They remain a staple in his retirement workout routine.
“What I’m going to do is just really, once again, not worry about control as much. Just going to knock out 10-12 reps. Get that good contraction, really try to widen up the lats. I always tell everyone, if you’re trying to build the widest lats, not necessarily the thickest front-to-back, the pull-ups, wide grip something is always the best thing to do.”
Seated Cable Rows
Cutler moved into 140-pound seated cable rows before his finisher.
“Get that squeeze. Remember, 45-60 seconds [of rest in between sets]. It felt pretty heavy.”
Freedom Rack Barbell Rows
He emphasized the importance of tempo throughout freedom rack barbell rows.
“I’m going to do what they call a freedom rack. Speed, speed, speed.”
Beyond exercise selections, Cutler doesn’t underestimate how to structure training. According to the four-time Mr. Olympia, his best results came from a three-on, one-off, two-on, one-off training cycle. This frequency allowed him to recover adequately in between sessions.
Cutler continues to push himself with hard training in retirement. His longevity at 52 is rare, especially as a bodybuilding veteran of the Men’s Open class.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Shares His 1993 Bodybuilder Breakfast of Champions That He Still Follows Today
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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