Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler continues to stack achievements in retirement. In a recent podcast, Cutler discussed his Arnold Classic ‘zigzag’ diet in 2002, overcoming genetics, and opened up on being the latest recipient of the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cutler remains one of the most decorated Open bodybuilders of all time, having displayed unparalleled mass, definition, and willpower throughout his IFBB Pro tenure. Despite a history of second-place performances to Ronne Coleman, Cutler exacted his revenge and set forth his Mr. Olympia reign in 2006 when he shocked the world by dethroning ‘The King.’
In 2008, Cutler surrendered his title to Dexter Jackson, little did he know, that the defeat would cement his legacy. A year later, he returned to the 2009 Mr. Olympia, and even though he was counted out by most of the community, he quad-stomped his way to a victory earning him the nickname ‘The Comeback Kid.’ With time to reflect on his illustrious career, Cutler looks back on what it took to become one of the best Open talents around.
Jay Cutler Opens Up On 2002 ‘Zigzag’ Arnold Classic Diet, & Overcoming ‘Subpar Genetics’ Like Nick Walker
Known for his strict dieting, Cutler used a zigzag rotation of carbs for his 2002 Arnold Classic prep, which would kickstart a run that totaled three titles.
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“I was very strict at that point. I stayed in great shape. So, it was like, it just kind of rolled with it and to be honest, that prep for the Arnold I came in my biggest ever in 2002. But it was the easiest one I’ve ever done. I did no cardio. I did no cardio for ’01 the last 10 weeks Olympia. So, I was on a roll now. So Chris was like, let’s zigzag the rotation of the nutrition,” shared Jay Cutler.
Amid preparations for the 2002 AC, Cutler operated on a low, medium, and high-carb rotation. These measures would pay off as he won that year’s Arnold Classic at 273 pounds.
“I did high, low, medium days of carbohydrates. So, my low days would be 400 grams of carbs, medium days would be like 600, and my high days would be like 800-1000 and we did that cycle leading up.
When you already have a lean body, I just got bigger and bigger and competed at the show at 273.”
Similar to Nick Walker, Cutler used his ‘subpar genetics’ as fuel to improve his physique.
“I chose a fitness level of what I wanted to do. Listen, I believed in it. I took subpar genetics, we know a lot of people with great genetics if we just said hey they had my mentality or Branch Warren’s or Nick Walker’s. Like, think about that.”
According to Cutler, certain people can overcome lackluster genetics with mentality and work ethic. He adds that the most challenging part of bodybuilding was putting on size, a discipline he excelled at.
I’m thinking like the current people that you know their mindset, Hadi Choopan, right? That’s not discrediting anyone don’t get it twisted like I’m leaving out the Dexter’s and the Phil’s. Listen, man, there’s just certain people you know, we’re talking about people with subpar body genetic-wise on people’s opinion.”
“Listen, I thought I had great genetics, structure, and size, I was able to put on size, that’s the biggest obstacle, right? Yeah. I outmuscle people. Nick Walker out-muscles people. He’s not outshaping people. He posts these pictures and he’s got this taper, ‘Oh, that taper.’ Dude, stop. He’s not a taper guy, he’s a mutant.”
Jay Cutler also gave his opinion on becoming the latest figurehead to receive the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award.
“When it comes to getting awards, it’s not the most thing that excites me. I’ve had my time but when I sit back and take it all in, I’m like man, I’m getting the lifetime achievement award this year. When you think of lifetime achievement, does that mean it’s the end? Oh, I’ve already done everything, well, no. I always said even in my 50th I said I’m going to do more between 50-60 than I did before.”
Considering he joins names such as Ronnie Coleman, Flex Wheeler, and Sylvester Stallone, Cutler couldn’t be more honored.
“To stand up there and Arnold to give me this award and I watched Flex do it and Ronnie Coleman get it, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Arnold, Joe Weider, Jim Manion, Cory Everson, the list goes on and on, Reg Park.”
He admits accepting the award will make for an emotionally charged moment.
“The who’s who. It’s going to be an emotional moment for me because I don’t see it until it’s really in my face and then I’m like wow, I did that. I still watch these videos I still watch these training videos and I’m like I did that. I won these shows and I’m like I did that. You become not a fan of yourself but you’re almost in disbelief. I’m that guy.”
Cutler will be in attendance at the nearing 2024 Arnold Classic to accept the award. Concerning the show’s participants, Cutler has been candid about who he believes will walk away victorious. Like the majority of bodybuilders, he has thrown his support behind Hadi Choopan to emerge with gold in Columbus, Ohio.
Don’t miss the second-greatest bodybuilding attraction of the year. The highly anticipated 2024 Arnold Classic will take over the Greater Columbus Convention Center from February 29 to March 3 and will be free to stream.
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