Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler hasn’t forgotten the tricks he used to reach the top of the sport. On August 4, 2025, he detailed how to execute the dumbbell triceps kickback, a staple exercise in his arsenal that he used to build well-developed arms.
In his prime, it was difficult to pinpoint a weakness in Cutler’s physique. He caught up to eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman in 2006, a signal that he’d long hold the throne. However, Cutler’s title defense in 2008 fell apart at the hands of bodybuilding legend Dexter Jackson.
This set the stage for the sport’s most impressive comeback in 2009. Cutler, despite being counted out, presented the most complete package of his career, exacting revenge on third-place finisher Jackson and Branch Warren. While retirement has changed the way Cutler trains, he still employs many of the exercise selections that helped him build his prime physique.
Jay Cutler Shows How To Build Long Head of Tricep With Old-School Dumbbell Kickbacks
In the video, Cutler laid out how he executes the dumbbell triceps kickback. He leans over the bench to get in position, then pushes the dumbbell back, extending his elbow.
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“We always talk about the long head of that tricep, getting that extension, getting that feel. People have forgotten about the triceps kickback.
It’s very easy with a dumbbell or cable. This exercise is pretty standard. Still going to focus on repetitions. Get a little lean over and kick the dumbbell back.”
He focuses on 10 to 12 repetitions and shared that this exercise can be performed with two arms, depending on preference.
“I sometimes did these two-arm back in the day but I’m just going to focus on 10 or 12 reps really getting that squeeze in the triceps, and then of course, do the opposite arm. I like to lean over doing this a little bit so I can get that extension to really pop that tricep,” shared Jay Cutler.
Training frequency is still a top priority for the four-time Olympia champion. Cutler recently sat down and spoke with Mike O’Hearn about his gym schedule. In his fifties, Cutler revealed that he’s still training seven days a week and calls the gym his ‘savior.’
Triceps were always on the menu for Cutler throughout his career. Even since hanging up his posing trunks, he credits the dumbbell triceps kickback as one of his favorites for building big, complete arms.
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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