On February 18, 2025, Jay Cutler explained why hammer curls are the ultimate thickness builder, allowing lifters to increase the size of their biceps from the side. These made a significant difference for Cutler throughout his career, elevating his side poses to a new level.
Jay Cutler is a four-time Mr. Olympia winner, holding many impressive accolades in the sport of bodybuilding. Not only did he secure four Sandow trophies, but Cutler was responsible for dethroning Ronnie Coleman when no one else could.
On top of that, Cutler lost his title in 2008 and won it back in 2009 to become the one and only bodybuilder to ever regain the prestigious Sandow trophy, a feat that has yet to be replicated by anyone else. His comeback was built on focusing on every part of his physique, including his massive biceps.
Jay Cutler Explains Why Hammer Curls Is his Favorite ‘Thickness Builder’ Exercise for Biceps
In a recent YouTube video, Jay Cutler explained why hammer curls are the ultimate exercise for building muscle thickness. He also explained how utilizing this movement enhanced his side poses and was a key part of his success.
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“One of my favorite thickness builders for biceps is the hammer curl. So, I’m going to dumbbell hammer curls alternating. Ideally, this movement, we are going to turn the dumbbells away.
When you go through the motion, instead of the normal way of curling, you know, I’m going to come across the body. This is going to work the thickness.”
In addition, he laid out how this movement helped him improve his side poses because it added thickness to the arms.
“So, all those poses you saw from the side, the Brachialis, they talk about the thickness of those arms, and you know, everyone wants to build bigger forearms, this is going to somewhat isolate those movements but it’s going to help with that thickness,” he shared.
For optimal results, he suggested lifters stick with an 8-12 repetition scheme.
“Still going to focus on 8-12 reps each arm but really feeling the movement. Okay, so good foot position, remember to come across the body, alternating. Great for you guys trying to increase the width of the biceps from the side. Really focus on those forearms.”
Having reached the top of the sport and dethroned the near-unstoppable Ronnie Coleman, Cutler understands exercise mechanics like few others. If you’re hoping to improve the size and width of your biceps, give hammer curls a try!
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