Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler may not be quad-stomping his way to Olympia titles anymore but he still makes time to share his proven strategies with fans. In a recent YouTube video shared on October 31, 2024, Cutler explained how to use the hack squat to bring out striations and effectively build the outer sweep of the quad. He also shared his leg workout routine.
Jay Cutler‘s bodybuilding career goes down in history as one of the most inspiring. After taking second place a handful of times on the Mr. Olympia stage, he reached the pinnacle of his career in 2006. He toppled Ronnie Coleman, signaling new beginnings in the Men’s Open division. Cutler dropped his Olympia title to Dexter Jackson in 2008 only to win it back in a historic performance at the 2009 Mr. Olympia, where he cemented his legacy with his iconic quad stomp pose.
Cutler left the sport with four Mr. Olympia titles. To this day, he shares the methods and techniques he used to solidify his name among the best champions bodybuilding has witnessed. If you’ve wondered how he crafted such a dominant lower body, then pay attention to his advice below.
Jay Cutler Reveals His Key Exercise to Bring Out Striations and Popping Quad Sweeps
Jay Cutler credited the hack squat as his favorite exercise for building the quad sweep, which gives the legs a more 3D appearance with added thickness and width.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“My favorite exercise to build the outer sweep. So you want to build the outer sweeps of the thigh. We talk about the quad stomp, we see those striations on the outer leg. That is key. To build that outer sweep, you really got to get your feet in a position where you can see the hack squat is built at an angle, the platform.”
He says the angle of the movement makes it ideal for growing this section of the leg, adding that there’s ‘nothing tricky about it.’
“So you’re really targeting those quads, especially the sweep. Nothing tricky about it. It’s just the angle of movement to really get that contraction work in the outer head. Focusing on the repetitions going through and having that nice control,” he shared.
Cutler’s pro tip: avoid excessive weight until you’re confident you can handle it safely.
“Remember, you’re not going to go absolutely crazy with the weight until you get strong enough to. Going through the reps, really getting that squeeze, targeting those outer quads to create those sweeps and of course, quad stomp Olympia titles.”
Cutler’s Leg Workout
Check out his exercise selections below:
- Seated Machine Leg Curl
- Standing Leg Curl Machine (unilateral)
- Dumbbell Stiff Leg Deadlift
- Walking Lunges (w/barbell)
- Lying Leg Curl Machine
- Machine Leg Extension
- Inverted Leg Press
- Smith Machine Squat – (finishing movement)
Cutler gave some advice while performing seated machine leg curls.
“When you train legs, always comes from your glutes and hamstrings. For some reason, when I’m in a seated position I seem to get that good stretch and then I come down and curl where sometimes people like doing leg curls, for me I like the seated.”
According to Cutler, quad training has always been easier for him thanks to top-tier genetics.
“I’ll roll into some quads after this. Pretty amped up now. So halfway through the workout. Quads are a little easier for me because like I said, genetics.”
Jay Cutler hasn’t missed a beat in retirement at 51 years old. He recently walked through his shoulder workout blueprint, offering expert insights, tips, and techniques for building up the muscle. Judging by his latest physique updates, his methods are irrefutable.
If you’re aiming to improve your quad sweeps, try Cutler’s favorite hack squat exercise. He urges lifters to control the weight, target the quads, and focus on the squeeze for the best results.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Icon Jay Cutler Shares Protein-Packed Treat Day Breakfast
Watch the full video from the Jay Cutler TV YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
