Jay Cutler's key insights on bodybuilding, particularly regarding training, nutrition, and the importance of a consistent approach

Jay Cutler's key insights on bodybuilding, particularly regarding training, nutrition, and the importance of a consistent approach

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
All right, let's dive into the world of bodybuilding.

(00:02):
And this time, we're focusing on the insights
of a true legend, 4X Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.
Yeah, Jay Cutler.
We're gonna be breaking down this awesome YouTube interview
where he gets really candid about his journey,
his training, and his nutrition.
It's like getting a peek behind the curtain
to see what made him a champion.
I think what's really cool is how Cutler's story,

(00:23):
it's not just about like, you know,
lifting weights and getting big.
It's about like the dedication, the mindset,
the whole package that you need to excel in a sport
as demanding as bodybuilding.
Yeah, absolutely.
And it all started with a spark of inspiration, right?
Cutler talks about being just 12 years old
when he saw a photo of Chris Dickerson,
who was, you know, former Mr. Olympia.

(00:45):
Oh, wow.
And that image, that's what stuck with him.
Can you imagine like having that kind of vision at that age?
Yeah, it's crazy.
It really shows, you know, the power
of those early aspirations,
like having a goal, locking onto it,
and like keeping that vision alive.
But it's interesting, right?
Because Cutler, he grew up on a farm,
and that background, it actually played a huge role

(01:06):
in shaping his work ethic.
So those early years,
they were almost like his first training ground,
but not just for physical strength, right?
It was also building that mental resilience
that's so crucial in bodybuilding.
Exactly, it's like the farm was, you know,
his first gym in a way.
And you can really see that foundation of hard work
as we get into Cutler's like training evolution.

(01:27):
You know, he started out with a powerlifting background.
So his focus was initially all about heavy lifts
and like maxing out his strength.
Okay, so how did he change things up
when he shifted gears
and made that transition into bodybuilding?
He got, well, I'd say incredibly strategic
with his workouts.
Like he talks about how he adjusted his rep ranges.
He started focusing on specific exercises

(01:48):
that, you know, promote more muscle growth.
And he even started paying attention
to the like tempo of his lifts
to really hit those deep muscle fibers.
It's like he went from being a powerlifter
to becoming like a sculptor.
He was really meticulously shaping his physique.
Absolutely, and he really emphasizes the importance
of, you know, sticking to the basic compound lifts.

(02:08):
The ones that work multiple muscle groups
at the same time.
Yeah, exactly, things like squats, deadlifts, bench press,
those were his staples.
He believed in mastering those fundamental movements
to build that solid base of strength and muscle.
Like, you know, he was building a house.
He started with a strong foundation
before adding all the like bells and whistles.
A perfect analogy.

(02:29):
And he was also adaptable, you know.
He could train effectively
in pretty much any gym environment.
He wasn't like reliant on having fancy equipment
or, you know, specific machines.
He knew how to make it work.
So for anyone listening, you know,
if you're feeling kind of intimidated
by these elaborate gym setups
or the latest fitness trends,
Cutler's approach is a really good reminder

(02:50):
that you don't need all that stuff
to build an impressive physique.
You just need to like understand the core principles
and apply them consistently.
Absolutely, and that consistency, man,
that is a theme that pops up throughout Cutler's entire story,
especially when it comes to, you know, his nutrition.
He's actually incredibly open about the fact
that he struggled with nutrition early on,

(03:12):
even calling out like the misconception of bulking.
Right, there's this idea that more is always better,
especially when you're trying to gain muscle.
Yeah, totally.
But Cutler, he stresses the importance
of finding a nutrition approach that's like sustainable,
one that fuels your workouts but doesn't wreck your health.
And he had a very regimented lifestyle,
especially during competition prep,

(03:33):
but he wasn't afraid to, you know,
enjoy his favorite foods in moderation.
So it's like you saying you don't have to deprive yourself
constantly to reach your goals.
Exactly.
It's about finding a balance that actually works for you,
and that's a crucial takeaway for anybody out there
who might be struggling with, like their own diet plan.
It's gotta be something you can stick with,
that gives your body what it needs,

(03:54):
and that lets you enjoy the process.
So we've got the training, the nutrition,
but what about the mental game?
This guy was competing at the top of his game
for over a decade.
That takes serious mental toughness.
Oh, absolutely.
Cutler's mindset is seriously remarkable.
He talks a lot about discipline, mental toughness,
being able to push through like pain and fatigue.

(04:16):
He even mentions using visualization techniques
to stay focused on his goals.
So it's not just about the physical grind.
It's about having the mental strength to stay on track,
be disciplined, and stay motivated,
even when you're completely wiped out.
Precisely.
And he honed that mental game throughout his career,
especially when he faced, you know, setbacks.

(04:36):
Like remember, his first Mr. Olympia competition,
he came in 15th place.
That could have been totally demoralizing.
Oh, yeah.
That's gotta be a tough pill to swallow.
Great, but instead of letting it crush him,
he used that disappointment as like motivation to get better.
Talk about turning a negative into a positive.
He was incredible.
He didn't let that initial setback define him.

(04:57):
Instead, he channeled that energy into improving.
He built a home gym.
He refined his approach.
He just kept pushing forward.
It's a powerful reminder that we all face challenges,
but it's how we respond to them that truly matters.
Absolutely.
Cutler's story is a testament to the power of resilience,
believing in yourself, and never giving up

(05:18):
on what you want to achieve.
OK, so we've talked about his training evolution,
the disciplined approach to food,
and that incredible mental fortitude.
But there's one thing we haven't touched on yet,
his rivalry with Ronnie Coleman.
Ah, yes.
The epic battles between Cutler and Coleman,
I mean, their rivalry, it captivated the entire bodybuilding
world.
What's fascinating is that Cutler

(05:39):
talks about how seeing Coleman's strength and size,
it actually pushed him to train even harder,
to constantly find ways to improve his own physique.
Totally.
It's a testament to the power of having
a healthy competition.
Having someone to measure yourself against
can really push you to new levels.
It's like they were both in this incredible dance, each
pushing the other to become even better.

(05:59):
Exactly.
And it's something we can all think about in our own lives.
Having someone who challenges you,
who pushes you to be your best, can be an incredible motivator
for growth.
So we've got this picture of Jay Cutler,
unbelievably dedicated, strategic about his training
and nutrition, and just mentally unbreakable.

(06:21):
But there's this other side to him that really stands out,
his focus on giving back and being part of the community.
You're so right.
He comes across as so down to earth, accessible,
and genuinely grateful for his fans, his family, his team.
And he's all about mentoring up and coming athletes,
sharing his knowledge to help them succeed.
It's like he's saying success isn't just about what

(06:42):
you achieve as an individual.
It's about lifting others up and contributing
to something bigger.
Exactly.
It's a powerful reminder that success
is amplified when we share it and use it
to create a positive impact.
And speaking of impact, Cutler's story
is just a testament to the power of passion, dedication,
and pure hard work.
He started with a dream.
And through sheer determination, he

(07:02):
became one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
And it's a story that's relatable to everyone.
It's about setting a goal, having a plan,
and then pursuing it relentlessly
with that unshakable belief in yourself.
OK.
We've covered a lot.
But there's one more key thing Cutler emphasizes
that we should highlight, the importance
of having a sustainable approach to bodybuilding.

(07:23):
Yes.
He's very vocal about listening to your body,
knowing when to rest, and avoiding extreme diets
or training that could lead to burnout or injury.
He even mentions taking a year off from bodybuilding, right?
Just to focus on building a house.
Yeah.
Just recognize that sometimes you
need to step back to actually move forward.
It's a really crucial message for anyone
feeling overwhelmed or burnt out.

(07:44):
So it's about finding that sweet spot,
that balance between pushing yourself and taking
care of your well-being.
Exactly.
And Cutler's story shows how that approach
can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.
He didn't just achieve his goals.
He thrived throughout the process.
And he still inspires people with his passion
and his balanced approach to life.

(08:06):
Something that really stood out to me was,
how much Cutler talks about density
when it comes to building that champion physique?
He almost makes it sound like it's the secret weapon
in bodybuilding.
Yeah.
He mentions it a lot.
But what exactly does he mean by density?
I think for some people listening,
maybe they're not super familiar with the term,
can you break it down a little bit?

(08:27):
He's talking about that deep, thick muscular development.
The kind that comes not just from getting big,
but from years of consistent training.
Like, think quality over quantity.
It's the thickness, the fullness of the muscle that really
gives you that sculpted look.
So it's not just about lifting heavy and getting huge.
Right.
There's a nuance to it.
Cutler talks about playing with his rep ranges,

(08:50):
being really strategic with his exercise choices,
and even the tempo of his lifts, all of that
to really target those deep muscle fibers.
It sounds like he was so intentional with every part
of his training.
He wasn't just going through the motions.
Exactly.
And he was a huge believer in sticking
to those basic compound lifts.

(09:10):
Squats, deadlifts, bench press, all the classics.
He thought those were the most important,
because they build a solid foundation of overall strength
and muscle.
So I mean, for people who are listening,
who maybe feel intimidated by all the fancy equipment
and complicated routines they see out there,
Cutler's approach is a good reminder
that you can build an amazing physique without all that.

(09:31):
Absolutely.
He was all about mastering the basics,
building that solid foundation with those compound movements,
and then going from there.
And you know what else?
He was adaptable, too.
He talked about being able to train effectively anywhere,
no matter what the gym was like.
So it didn't matter if he had access to all the latest
machines.
He could make it work.
He wasn't reliant on anything specific.
He just knew how to get it done.

(09:53):
And we can't talk about building a championship physique
without talking about nutrition.
And what's interesting is that Cutler is surprisingly
open about his own nutrition journey.
He even admits to having some early misconceptions about how
to eat for bodybuilding.
He particularly calls out this idea of bulking and stresses

(10:14):
that getting guidance from someone who really knows
their stuff, like a nutrition expert, is crucial.
Yeah, I think that's a common misconception, especially
for people who are new to bodybuilding.
They think you just have to eat as much as possible
to gain muscle.
But it sounds like Cutler's experience shows
it's not that simple.
Yeah, it's way more nuanced than that.
He talked about how crucial consistency is.
Even with his diet, he was super disciplined,

(10:35):
especially during comp prep.
But he also makes a point of saying,
it's got to be a sustainable approach to eating.
You have to fuel your body and support your training,
but not feel like you're depriving yourself
all the time.
So finding that balance is key.
Exactly.
He even shares what he ate for breakfast, which, get this,
included 20 egg whites.

(10:56):
Can you believe that?
Wow, 20 egg whites.
That's intense.
I know.
But he also mentions he enjoys things like pizza, too,
but just in moderation.
It's all about making smart choices most of the time
and having a plan that actually works for you in the long run.
So we've got the training, the nutrition.
But what about the mental game?
I mean, competing at that level for so long,
it just seems like you'd have to have
incredible mental strength.

(11:17):
Totally right.
Cutler's mental game was huge.
He emphasizes discipline, mental toughness, the ability
to just push through pain and exhaustion.
You need all of that to succeed in a sport as demanding
as bodybuilding.
He even used visualization, like picturing his goals
to help him get there.
So it's not just about the physical strength.

(11:38):
It's having the mental fortitude
to stay focused when everything's telling you to stop.
You got it.
And don't forget, his very first Mr. Olympia competition,
he came in 15th place.
That's got to be a tough pill to swallow
when you're starting out.
Yeah, it'd be easy to get discouraged
after something like that.
Right.
But instead of letting that set him back,
he used it to get better.

(11:59):
He took that experience, went back,
and re-evaluated his whole approach.
Wow, talk about turning a negative into a positive.
Exactly.
He's such a great example of resilience.
He didn't let a setback define him.
He learned from it.
That's such a good reminder for anyone listening.
We all face setbacks, but it's how
we choose to react to them that really matters.
Absolutely.

(12:19):
And then, of course, we have to talk about the legendary rivalry
between Cutler and Ronnie Coleman.
It was like this clash of titans.
And it really pushed both of them
to achieve incredible physiques.
Cutler actually talks about how seeing Coleman's strength
and size motivated him to keep getting better.
So, I mean, they were competitors.
But in a way, they also pushed each other to be their best.

(12:42):
Exactly.
It's proof that a little healthy competition
can be a good thing.
Having someone like Coleman to compare himself to,
it gave Cutler something to aim for,
a way to keep raising the bar.
It's like they were both part of this awesome dance, pushing
and pulling each other to new heights.
You got it.
And it's something we can all think about in our own lives.
Having someone who challenges us to be better,

(13:03):
it can really light a fire under us.
So we've got Jay Cutler, dedicated, strategic, mentally
tough, driven by competition.
But then there's this other side to him that's really important,
his focus on community and giving back.
Right.
It's really refreshing, because he's achieved so much,
but he's still super grounded and approachable.

(13:24):
He's really grateful for his fans, his family,
and his team.
And he's big on mentoring younger athletes,
using what he's learned to help them reach their goals.
It's like he's saying success isn't just
about what you do for yourself.
It's about using what you've achieved to help others.
Absolutely.
And it's such a powerful message.
We can all make a difference by lifting each other up.

(13:45):
And Cutler's story is a perfect example of that.
I mean, starting from a farm and becoming
a four-time Mr. Olympia.
Talk about an inspiring journey.
It just proves that passion, dedication, and hard work
can take you incredibly far.
And you know what else?
He's got a really important message
about finding a sustainable approach to bodybuilding,
which I think a lot of people struggle with.

(14:05):
Yeah, he talks a lot about listening to your body,
recognizing when you need to rest,
and not going to extremes with your diet or training,
which can lead to burnout and injury.
Exactly.
He even talks about taking a year off from bodybuilding
to focus on building a house.
Sometimes you've got to step back to move forward.
Absolutely.

(14:25):
It's about finding that balance between pushing yourself
and taking care of your well-being.
You got it.
It's about finding that sustainable rhythm.
And that's what Cutler's story shows us.
That approach, it can really lead to long-term success
and fulfillment.
He didn't just achieve his goals.
He thrived doing it.
And he continues to inspire people with his passion
and his balanced approach to life.

(14:47):
So we've talked a lot about Cutler's incredible journey.
But one thing that keeps coming to mind is,
how did his training philosophy evolve over time?
I'm especially curious about that shift from powerlifting
to bodybuilding.
What were some of the major changes he made,
and how did those changes affect his results?
That's a great question.
Yeah, it's really interesting to look at

(15:08):
how his training style developed.
You know, when Cutler first started,
he came from that powerlifting background.
And as you know,
powerlifting is all about lifting the maximum weight.
The goal is pure strength,
not necessarily like building a super aesthetic physique.
Right, so he was all about those big compound lifts,
like squats, deadlifts, bench press.

(15:28):
So when he switched over to bodybuilding, what changed?
Well, bodybuilding is all about sculpting the body,
creating that symmetrical and muscular look.
So Cutler had to make some big changes to his training
to reach those goals.
Like, what were some of the specific things
he did differently?
One of those important changes was to his rep ranges.
In powerlifting, you're aiming for low reps,

(15:50):
maybe one to five reps per set.
And you're focused on lifting the heaviest weight you can.
But bodybuilding typically uses higher rep ranges,
more like eight to 15 reps per set, or sometimes even more.
So instead of focusing on raw power,
he had to switch his thinking to muscle fatigue
and hypertrophy, really pushing those muscles to grow.
Exactly, and he had to become more selective

(16:13):
about the exercises he was doing.
Powerlifting relies heavily on those big compound lifts
that work multiple muscle groups at once.
But bodybuilding involves a lot of isolation exercises
to the ones that target very specific muscles.
So it's like he was adding new tools to his toolbox.
He kept those compound lifts as his base,
but he started adding more isolation exercises

(16:33):
to fine tune certain muscles.
That's a great way to put it.
Like he was an artist adding detail to a sculptor,
constantly looking for ways to refine his physique
and create that perfect balance.
So changing those rep ranges, adding isolation exercises,
and really focusing on the mind muscle connection,
that's how he transformed his body from a powerlifter's build

(16:53):
to that classic bodybuilder aesthetic.
You got it.
And it really shows how important
it is to understand the specific needs of your sport
or your fitness goals.
What works for one thing might not be the best
approach for something else.
It's all about understanding those nuances
and tailoring your training to match.
And Cutler's proof that you can switch gears

(17:14):
between different training styles
if you put in the effort and make the right adjustments.
Now another interesting aspect of Cutler's training
is something he calls tempo.
It's not just about how much he lifted,
it's about how he lifted it.
Like he was really focused on controlling
the speed of his movements.
Can you break that down a bit?
What does he mean by tempo and why was it important for him?

(17:34):
He's talking about how fast he does each rep,
but the lifting part and the lowering part.
For example, he might lift the weight really fast,
but then lower it slowly and with control.
So there's a real focus on every part of the movement,
not just getting the weight up and down.
What's the benefit of doing that?
Well, by controlling the speed,
especially by slowing down the lowering phase,

(17:56):
you create more tension in the muscle,
which can actually help it grow more.
It's like you're making the exercise more challenging
by working against your own muscles
as you control the weight.
Exactly, and honestly, this is something anyone
can incorporate into their workouts.
It's about being more aware of how you're moving
and making an effort to be more controlled.

(18:17):
It really sounds like Cutler wasn't just about brute force.
He was smart and strategic about everything he did in the gym.
Totally.
He was always looking for ways to improve,
to push his boundaries,
and to become the best version of himself.
So we've talked about Cutler's journey,
how he trained, and how he changed his approach over time.
But there's one thing about him that really stands out,
and that's his mindset.

(18:37):
Oh, for sure.
Cutler's mental strength is a big part of his success.
He emphasizes discipline, mental toughness,
pushing through pain and exhaustion,
all the things you need
when you're pushing your body to the limits.
He even talks about using visualization,
picturing himself, achieving his goals,
as a tool to stay motivated.

(18:58):
So it wasn't just about physical strength.
He had to be mentally strong too.
Absolutely.
He had this never give up attitude
that was evident in everything he did.
I mean, remember he came in 15th place
at his first Mr. Olympia competition,
which could have been totally discouraging.
Yeah, for a lot of people,
that would have been the end of the road.
But not for Cutler.
He used that disappointment as fuel to get better.

(19:20):
It's all about how you frame those setbacks.
Exactly.
He didn't let it define him.
He learned from it and kept going.
And that's a valuable lesson for anyone.
Setbacks don't have to be the end.
They can be the beginning of something even better.
So how did he develop that mental toughness?
Was it something that just came naturally,
or did he have to work at it?
He describes it as something he built over time, you know,

(19:42):
through years of training, competing,
and facing challenges head on.
He learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,
pushing past pain and tiredness,
and staying focused even when things got tough.
It wasn't just something he was born with.
It was a skill he developed.
Exactly.
And it's a skill that anyone can learn.
It's about strengthening those mental muscles,

(20:02):
just like you strengthen your physical muscles.
And it takes work, it takes time,
but the payoff is huge.
Cutler also talks about how important it was
to have a strong support system.
Yeah, he mentions his trainer, Chris Aceto, a lot.
He wasn't just a nutritionist.
He was a mentor and a friend.
Cutler says he was a huge help,
navigating the world of bodybuilding,

(20:24):
offering encouragement,
and being someone he could bounce ideas off of.
I think it's easy to assume successful people
do it all on their own,
but having mentors can make a real difference.
Totally.
He also points out the importance of training partners,
friends, and family,
those people who are there to cheer you on,
push you, and celebrate your wins.
It's a good reminder
that even when we're working towards individual goals,

(20:45):
having a supportive network can make a huge difference.
It's about surrounding yourself with people
who believe in you, who want to see you succeed.
And it's about giving back too,
being supportive of others.
Exactly.
It's about building those relationships
and recognizing that success is even sweeter
when you can share it.
So we've covered Cutler's journey,
the highs and the lows, his training, his mindset,

(21:08):
but there's one more piece I want to bring up.
His transition from being a competitor
to becoming a mentor and an advocate for bodybuilding.
That's an interesting point.
He didn't just walk away from bodybuilding
after he retired from competing.
He became a really active part of promoting the sport,
you know, attending events and teaching what he knew.
He started his own supplement line,

(21:29):
he worked with fitness brands,
and he became a speaker and seminar leader.
Plus, he was mentoring other athletes,
helping them learn from his experience.
It really shows how much he loves bodybuilding
and how much he wanted to give back to a sport
that gave him so much.
It's a great example of how you can use your passions
and experiences to build a second act in your career,
something fulfilling and impactful.

(21:50):
Totally.
It's about realizing that you can still contribute
even after you transition out of a certain role.
It's about finding new ways to use your skills and knowledge,
to mentor, and to have a positive influence.
And Cutler's story is definitely inspiring
for anyone looking to create a career path they love.
And it's a reminder that your path
doesn't have to be a straight line.

(22:11):
You can change direction, redefine your goals,
and find new ways to make a difference.
And speaking of change,
one thing I find really inspiring is how Cutler
has focused on personal growth and self-discovery.
It's not just about building a physique.
It's about building a mindset, a character,
and a life that's in line with his values.
He talks about how bodybuilding taught him a lot about

(22:33):
discipline, perseverance, setting goals,
and believing in himself.
And he learned about pushing his boundaries,
physically and mentally,
and discovering what he was truly capable of.
And he's open about the fact that there were challenges,
setbacks, and moments of self-doubt,
times when he questioned whether he could actually
reach his goals.
But he didn't give up.
He learned from those tough times,

(22:55):
and he came out stronger
and with a deeper understanding of himself.
It's a great reminder that going after your dreams
can be a powerful way to grow and learn about yourself.
It's not always easy,
but through those difficult moments,
you discover what you're really made of.
Absolutely.
It's about embracing those twists and turns in the road
and using them to shape who you are.
It's about testing your limits

(23:17):
and realizing what you're capable of.
Now let's talk about a key aspect of Cutler's approach
that often gets overshadowed.
The power of visualization and believing in yourself.
He talks about how he visualized his goals,
whether it was winning a competition
or achieving a certain physique.
He truly believed he could do anything he set his mind to,
and that belief was a driving force for him.

(23:38):
It's so true that what we believe about ourselves
shapes what we can achieve.
Right.
If you believe you can do it,
you're more likely to put in the effort
and make the right choices.
But if you're full of self-doubt,
you're more likely to get in your own way.
And Cutler is living proof that positive thinking
and believing in yourself can make a huge difference.

(23:58):
It's a reminder that we can shape our own reality.
When we focus on what we want and believe we can achieve it,
amazing things can happen.
Now on the more practical side of things,
Cutler talks about the importance
of having a sustainable approach to training and nutrition,
something you can stick with for the long-term.
He's big on listening to his body, knowing when to rest,
and avoiding those extreme diets or training plans

(24:21):
that can lead to burnout or injuries.
He even mentions taking a whole year off from bodybuilding
to focus on building a house.
He understood that he needed to take care of other things
in his life and give himself a chance to recharge.
And that's so important.
Achieving your goals, especially big long-term goals,
requires a sustainable approach.
It's about pushing yourself,

(24:42):
but also taking care of yourself.
It's about finding that balance.
And sometimes taking a break or stepping back
and reassessing can actually help you
move forward more effectively.
It's about understanding that your body
is an amazing machine,
but it needs time to rest and repair.
Now let's talk about something Cutler emphasizes,
the importance of developing a strong mind-muscle connection

(25:05):
when you train.
Yeah, he talks about really focusing
on the muscles he's working,
like feeling them contract and work.
He even visualized the muscle growth he was aiming for.
He was all about being present in his workouts,
really feeling his body and using his mind
to enhance his physical performance.
So it's not just going through the motions,
it's about consciously connecting with your muscles

(25:27):
and visualizing the results you want.
Exactly, and this is something anyone can use,
no matter what type of training you do,
whether it's weights, running, yoga, even just walking.
It's about being present, feeling your body,
and using your mind to boost your performance.
It's amazing how connected our minds and bodies are,
and Cutler really understood
how to use that to his advantage.

(25:47):
Now let's touch on something
that's often overlooked in bodybuilding,
the importance of community and giving back.
Cutler always expresses gratitude
for the support he received from fans, friends,
and other bodybuilders throughout his career.
Yeah, he's really appreciative of all the people
who encouraged him and believed in him.
And he's all about paying it forward,

(26:07):
mentoring other athletes and sharing what he's learned.
He talks about the importance of being down to earth,
relatable, and sharing both his struggles and his triumphs.
He sees himself as part of a community,
not some untouchable figure.
Exactly, it's about those connections we make,
the support we receive, and the impact we have on others.
It's realizing that we can achieve more together,

(26:29):
supporting each other along the way.
And it's about using your influence,
no matter how big or small,
to inspire others and make a positive impact.
Okay, so we've talked about the importance of community,
but another thing that stands out about Cutler
is his dedication to his goals
and his relentless perseverance.
Absolutely, he faced a lot of challenges
from his early days at Mr. Olympia

(26:50):
to dealing with injuries and self-doubt,
but he never let any of that defeat him.
He used it all as motivation.
He had incredible drive,
and he never lost sight of his goals.
And it's a great lesson for everyone.
The road to success is rarely easy.
You're gonna hit bumps, there will be obstacles,
and times you question yourself,
but it's our ability to keep going to learn

(27:11):
from our mistakes that determines
whether we reach our goals.
And Cutler's story is inspiring
for anyone facing their own challenges.
It's a reminder that setbacks aren't the end.
They can be a chance to learn and grow.
Exactly, it's about that resilience,
that belief in yourself,
and that never give up attitude
that helps you achieve your dreams.
It's a good reminder that success
isn't just about getting to a certain point,

(27:33):
it's about the journey itself,
the lessons you learn, the challenges you overcome.
And speaking of journeys, Cutler's story shows
how sometimes things like timing and a bit of luck
can play a role in achieving your goals.
Oh, absolutely.
He acknowledges that while he worked incredibly hard,
there were also things outside of his control
that lined up in his favor and helped him along the way.

(27:55):
He talks about meeting the right people at the right time,
how the world of bodybuilding was changing
in ways that benefited him,
and how he was ready when certain opportunities came along.
It's like sometimes things just fall into place.
It's recognizing that success
isn't always just about what we do,
it's also about the circumstances we find ourselves in.
And sometimes, yeah, a little bit of luck.

(28:17):
And sometimes, you know, those setbacks
or missed opportunities can lead you in a direction
that turns out to be even better.
It's about being open to the unexpected
and trusting that you'll end up where you're supposed to be.
Okay, so we've talked about a lot,
Cutler's training, nutrition, mindset, business skills,
the importance of mentors and community.
But one last crucial thing I wanna bring up

(28:37):
is his emphasis on recovery and preventing injuries.
That's so important and so many people overlook it.
It's easy to get caught up in training hard
and pushing yourself, but Cutler really emphasizes
the importance of listening to your body
and taking time to rest.
Yeah, he talked about sleep, managing stress,
and making time for things like stretching,
foam rolling, and massage.

(28:58):
He wasn't afraid to take breaks from training
when he needed them.
He knew that rest and recovery weren't weaknesses.
They were crucial for staying healthy
and being able to train consistently.
It's about finding that balance, pushing hard,
but also being smart and taking care of your body.
Right, our bodies are amazing,
but they need time to heal and recover.
You can't go all out all the time.

(29:18):
Cutler's approach to recovery is a great example
for anyone, no matter what your fitness goals are.
Absolutely.
So we've really gone deep into the world of Jay Cutler.
What are some of the biggest takeaways for listeners
to apply to their own lives?
One of the most powerful things we can learn from him
is the importance of having a vision,
a clear goal that you're working towards.

(29:39):
He had that image of Chris Dickerson in his head,
and that helped him stay focused and dedicated.
So what's your vision?
What are you striving for?
That's a great question.
Once you have that vision, Cutler shows us
that it takes dedication, hard work, and consistency.
There's no magic solution, whether it's bodybuilding
or anything else you want to achieve.

(30:00):
You have to show up every day, put in the work,
and stick with it, even when it gets tough.
He also highlights the importance of adapting.
Being open to changing your approach,
depending on what your body needs
and how you're responding to training.
What worked for Cutler at one point
might not have been the best approach later on.
Right, so don't be afraid to try new things, experiment,
and figure out what works best for you.

(30:21):
And don't forget about building a strong support network.
Whether it's a mentor, a coach, training buddies, friends,
family, having people around you who believe in you
makes a huge difference.
Totally.
Cutler is a great example of how those relationships can
help you succeed and make the journey more enjoyable too.
And finally, remember to enjoy the process.

(30:43):
It's not just about the end goal.
It's about the whole experience.
Find ways to make what you're doing
something you look forward to.
Because when you enjoy it, it's less of a struggle
and more about growth and self-discovery.
It's about those challenges, those victories,
and using your experiences to help others.
Jake Cutler's journey is really inspiring.
He shows us what you can achieve with hard work, dedication,

(31:06):
and a commitment to excellence.
And it's a reminder that we all have the potential
to do amazing things when we set our minds to it,
believe in ourselves, and never give up.
Well said.
That wraps up our deep dive into the world of Jake Cutler.
We hope you found his insights as awesome and inspiring
as we did.
Until next time, keep learning, keep growing,
and keep diving deep.