Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler is still training seven days a week in retirement. On March 30, 2026, he shared why strict form on barbell curls isn’t necessary for growing the best biceps.
“This is your sign to stop listening to the form police and start growing!”
Cutler’s bodybuilding career took off quickly. After taking runner-up behind Ronnie Coleman at the Mr. Olympia a handful of times, Cutler reached the top of the sport in 2006. However, in 2008, Dexter Jackson prevented him from having a long reign at the Mr. Olympia.
The setback fueled one of bodybuilding’s greatest comebacks. Cutler showcased a new level of condition and fullness at the 2009 Mr. Olympia and reclaimed his title. Before calling it a career, he secured the Sandow trophy four times. While training has changed since he was a 260-pound mass monster, he still builds his biceps just as he did during his prime.
Jay Cutler Argues Strict Form on Barbell Curls Isn’t Necessary for Big Arms, Says ‘Feel the Exercise’ for Best Results
In the YouTube video, Cutler shares that he always feels his exercises, even when his form isn’t the most strict. Just like bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, getting the weight up was most important, with form often coming second.
“Remember, I’m not the most strict when I do my curls. I always talk about being the form king, and I just really feel the exercises. It doesn’t matter. You watched Arnold train in Pumping Iron. You’ve seen, it was whatever it took to get the weight up. Remember, I was throwing around crazy weights, and I always feel my movements.”
For maximum results, Cutler said to focus on a solid foot base and quality contraction while keeping the tension on the biceps:
“Good foot base, get that nice contraction, keep that tension on the biceps,” explained Jay Cutler.
“I know there’s a lot of critics that talk about how you train, what’s the right and wrong way? I can promise you, I’m feeling every movement but like I said, this is the exercise. If you’re not performing these in your workout routine, you’re missing.”
Whether it’s arms, chest, or legs, Cutler has workouts to spur growth. He recently broke down his exact leg press setup for building bigger frontal quads. He shared that the leg press was a foundational exercise that helped him sculpt world-class legs.
At 52, Cutler remains in tremendous shape, and his arms looked massive while attending the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio. When it comes to barbell curls, he stressed that it takes more than form to grow impressive arms.
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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