Jay Cutler, a legendary figure in bodybuilding, retired at the pinnacle of his career, free from nagging injuries. On January 29, 2026, he shared insights on how he balanced rigorous training routines during his prime and transitioned to a lighter lifting style in his retirement, all while maintaining his fitness at the age of 52.
Jay Cutler fought through intense competition to claim the coveted Olympia title in the 2000s, achieving a landmark victory against Ronnie Coleman in 2006. Though he lost the title to Dexter Jackson two years later, he made a triumphant comeback in 2009, defeating both Branch Warren and Jackson to seize the Sandow trophy once more.
Cutler’s last competition was at the 2013 Mr. Olympia, where he finished in sixth place. Since then, he has shifted his focus toward longevity in fitness. While he may lift lighter weights now, he continues to retain lean muscle mass and a well-defined physique. As the fitness landscape evolves, Cutler has opened up about his traditional training methods that shaped his success.
Jay Cutler Talks Old School Two-a-Day Training Sessions and Longevity
In a recent video, Cutler expressed that he still maintains the ability to perform all his classic lifts.
“I’m younger than you now, but there’s nothing I can’t really do right now. Everything is good, knock on wood. You got to stay active. I don’t train as heavy as you do, though. I train with baby weights.”
Reflecting on his training from the 2000s, Cutler noted that workout routines were simpler back then, largely influenced by the methods of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“It was simplified. There weren’t as many routines that you read about. Our rep scheme was all the same; it was a spin-off of what Arnold did,” Cutler explained. “Big eating, big training.”
“I always say it’s what I was taught. Chris Aceto taught me that. I watched all you guys do it here when I came as a kid. If you weren’t training twice a day, you were an outcast.”
To effectively manage his two-a-day training, Cutler meticulously structured his day. He spaced out his workouts by five hours and ensured he refueled and rested in between.
“Five hours in between. The eating was the key. Sleep, so I trained. I’d get up at six in the morning, train by 7:30, first session, go home, eat a meal, nap. Wake up, eat another meal, go back to the gym, 2:30, 3 in the afternoon. Yeah, full-time. Then, go eat two or three more meals, and I was in bed by nine, six to nine,” said Cutler.
While two-a-day training sessions may not be as common today, some bodybuilders still embrace the approach. For example, Mike Sommerfeld trained twice a day in preparation for the 2025 Arnold Classic and won the competition, demonstrating that this traditional method can still yield results.
Even now, Cutler maintains a rigorous training routine seven days a week, continuing to inspire fans with his fitness journey from twice-a-day sessions to lighter lifting in retirement. He proves that progress in the gym is about finding what works best for you and adapting along the way.
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Watch the full video from the Mike O’Hearn YouTube channel below:
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In conclusion, Jay Cutler’s career offers valuable lessons for fitness enthusiasts of all levels. Whether through two-a-day training sessions, maintaining a balanced diet, or adapting lifting techniques in retirement, his journey underscores the importance of personal commitment and a thoughtful approach to fitness. Stay inspired and remember that fitness is about progress, not perfection.
