Jay Culter may have retired, but he’s still determined to sport the best physique he can at 51 years old. On February 1, 2025, Cutler explained why wide-grip seated cable rows are the number one exercise for sculpting a tapered physique.
Jay Cutler is a bodybuilding legend who rose to prominence in the 2000s. After painfully taking second place at the Olympia several times, Cutler reached the pinnacle of his career in 2006. He dethroned eight-time Olympia winner Ronnie Coleman, the man responsible for upholding the standard of the Men’s Open for nearly a decade.
Cutler stepped away from the sport competitively in 2013, having acquired four Sandow trophies. Although he hung up his posing trunks, he remains enamored with bodybuilding as well as the sacrifices it takes to boast a next-level physique. Still training seven days a week, Cutler recently walked through why this one exercise is perfect for maintaining a tapered and well-balanced look.
Jay Cutler Explains Why Wide Grip Cable Row Is Essential In His Arsenal for a Tapered Physique
In a recent YouTube video, Cutler broke down why wide grip cable rows are his number one exercise for building a tapered physique.
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“Seated wide grip cable rows. We have a lot of variations. You’ve seen a lot of the close grip, you’ve seen the rope movements, you’ve seen the medium grip but we are going to use a wider grip. I’m going to use this and I’m focusing on really getting that contraction.”
Cutler explained that the wide grip allows lifters to work different parts of their lats and advocated for 12 repetitions.
“Now, this is going to work different portions of the lats. Sometimes when you work a little closer, you’re working middle thickness, whereas this is going to work more of the outer lower portions, 12 repetitions.
Now really, the idea of this is to really keep the chest out, and get that contraction. Kind of like you see us pull on stage, pull that Christmas tree before we pop out that lat spread.”
Without a powerful back, Cutler revealed that he wouldn’t have found as much success on the Mr. Olympia stage.
“Very important: the back movements are the most important exercises. As you know, without a great back, I couldn’t have won many Olympias. Everyone wants to walk around with that v-taper, really show off their wings, and show that their physique is built in the gym and is solid,” shared Cutler.
“Get that good grip in there, nice and wide, remember chest out, try to get that stretch, and [move] back.”
As one of the most accessible and accomplished bodybuilders to emerge from the Open class, Cutler’s knowledge of exercise mechanics is a treasure for the fitness community. The next time you’re aiming to build an impressive taper, give his wide grip cable rows a try!
Watch the full video from the JayCutlerTV YouTube channel below:
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