Chest growth was never an issue for bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler. On April 8, 2026, he broke down why you should stop locking out on the chest press if you’re after the best pump possible.
Jay Cutler built an all-time great résumé in the Men’s Open class. In 2006, he finally dethroned Ronnie Coleman at the Mr. Olympia. Fans expected him to dominate the division for years, but a motivated Dexter Jackson took Cutler’s crown in 2008.
“The Comeback Kid” returned a year later with a chip on his shoulder and quad-stomped his way to victory. Before leaving the sport, he secured four Olympia titles. While Cutler has stepped away from competing, sculpting a world-class physique remains a priority.
Jay Cutler Says Stop Locking Out on Chest Press If You Want the Best Pump Possible
In the YouTube video, Cutler shared that he doesn’t worry about the weight on the chest press. He aims for 45-60 seconds of rest in between sets, keeping constant tension on the pecs.
“Really, just get that contraction, go through the motion like I said. The rest times are 45-60 seconds. We’re not worried about the weight as much but we want to work on the best pump possible. Just kind of position yourself, get in there, and remember: keep that constant tension.”
He doesn’t lock out at the top of each repetition because it can recruit more triceps.
“If you notice, I don’t come out and lock at the top. I’m not bringing my triceps in as much. Really just try to get that contraction,” Jay Cutler shared.
Conventional wisdom can go far in fitness, but sometimes experience edges it out. Jay Cutler recently unpacked how even bad form on barbell curls can produce results. Above all else, he said it’s best to focus on executing the movement over sheer weight.
“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.”
Cutler continues to shape the next generation of talent with proven workout tips. He believes focusing on the pump and avoiding a full lockout sets the best foundation for progress.
RELATED: Jay Cutler Breaks Down His Exact Leg Press Setup for Building Bigger Frontal Quads
