Jay Cutler is still helping lifters reach their full potential at the gym. In a recent YouTube video (October 4, 2026), he broke down why aiming for eight reps during each set is the absolute minimum needed for bodybuilding.
Cutler used a high-volume approach to build his physique for the Men’s Open class. His efforts paid off in 2006; he dethroned eight-time Mr. Olympia champ Ronnie Coleman and began a new reign. Two years later, Cutler fell short against Dexter Jackson at the Mr. Olympia. This set the stage for his iconic comeback in 2009, where he solidified his legacy with his signature quad stomp pose.
Cutler still trains consistently in his fifties, but said his goals have changed. His focus has shifted to longevity and mobility instead of muscle building. However, he hasn’t forgotten the rep schemes that helped propel him to the top of the sport.
Jay Cutler Says 8 Reps Is the Minimum You Should Do for Bodybuilding
In the video, Cutler emphasized that eight reps is the least amount bodybuilders should perform during a set:
“I always said that eight reps are the least amount you should do. When you’re getting to eight, you should be feeling a slight burn, the lactic acid build-up, and then, of course, by 12, you should be pretty good, where you’re like okay, I can walk away and get a pretty good burn out of this.”
He went for higher reps at times, but said 10-12 always felt optimal:
“Not to say I didn’t go to 15 or 20 sometimes, but just the rep range around 10-12 reps always felt the best for me. That’s just my preference. You talk to one hundred successful bodybuilders; I bet they would say the same thing,” shared Jay Cutler.
In addition to higher rep ranges, Cutler has used pre-exhaust training to keep his arms defined in retirement. Currently, the four-time Mr. Olympia is sticking with heavier weight and slightly less volume:
“I’m increasing the weight now, and maybe doing a little less volume. I’ve always been a huge volume guy but since we talked about the recovery, and more exercising rather than bodybuilding, as long as it’s not painful on the joints, I just try to go a little heavier because I’m able to do more heavier weights.”
Jay Cutler continues to train seven days a week at 53. He believes maintaining a minimum rep range has been key to his overall growth as a bodybuilder through the years.
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