Jay Cutler Says Fasted Cardio ‘Sets the Tone’ for the Day Despite Ongoing Fitness Debate
Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler has never been shy about sharing the habits that helped him become one of bodybuilding’s all-time greats. One routine he still refuses to abandon is fasted cardio. He argues that its biggest benefit isn’t just fat loss, but the mindset it creates before the rest of the day begins. In a recent YouTube Short, Cutler defended fasted cardio against critics. He said that getting in 30 minutes first thing in the morning helps establish discipline, consistency, and focus.
While sports nutrition research has generally found that total calorie expenditure and diet matter more than whether cardio is performed in a fasted or fed state, many competitive bodybuilders continue to include fasted cardio as a staple during contest preparation. Still, Cutler believes there’s a reason it has stood the test of time.
Jay Cutler Explains Why Fasted Cardio Is About More Than Burning Fat
During the video, Cutler acknowledged that plenty of people disagree with him.
“Fasted cardio is so important.”
He noted that critics often argue cardio after weight training can be just as effective.
“The critics try to come at me and say, ‘You don’t have to do fasted. You can do it post training.’”
For Cutler, however, the value goes beyond physiology. He believes the biggest benefit is the mental momentum that comes from starting the day with movement.
According to Cutler, even a relatively short session changes his mindset for everything that follows.
“That exercise for 30 minutes puts you in a different headspace.”
Instead of viewing cardio as a chore, Cutler encourages people to make it as convenient as possible. This way, it becomes a daily habit.
“That’s why I think it’s super important for people to do. Invest in a treadmill, invest in a bike, invest in a set of stairs, whatever it is.”
Cutler Also Credits the Step Mill During Contest Prep
While Cutler’s latest comments focused on the benefits of fasted cardio itself, he has previously revealed that one of his favorite tools for getting stage lean was the step mill. According to the four-time Mr. Olympia, he often completed 45-minute step mill sessions twice per day during contest prep. He believes the machine made a significant difference in helping him maintain conditioning while preserving muscle.
Cutler has even said the step mill became a staple for many elite bodybuilders, including eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. Rather than racing through sessions, Cutler recommends maintaining a controlled pace. He also advises avoiding the common mistake of leaning heavily on the handrails. This allows the quads, glutes, and hamstrings to do the work throughout each step.
Does Fasted Cardio Actually Burn More Fat?
The debate surrounding fasted cardio has existed for decades in bodybuilding.
Some athletes believe training before eating encourages the body to use more stored fat as fuel. However, others point to research showing that, when calories and training volume are matched, long-term fat loss is generally similar whether cardio is performed before or after eating.
Many coaches now argue that the “best” cardio is simply the one you can perform consistently. For competitive bodybuilders, however, fasted cardio often remains part of contest prep. This is because it fits their schedule, helps regulate daily habits, and allows weight training sessions to be completed later with more energy.
That perspective closely mirrors Cutler’s comments. Rather than claiming fasted cardio is a magic fat-loss tool, he focuses on the routine, discipline, and consistency it creates.
Why Bodybuilders Still Follow the Routine
Cutler has discussed many aspects of his championship preparation over the years, from his legendary nutrition plans to his high-volume training style. Fasted cardio has consistently remained one of the cornerstones of that routine.
For recreational lifters, whether fasted cardio is necessary ultimately depends on personal preference and adherence. Science suggests that total nutrition and overall training matter far more than whether cardio is performed before breakfast. However, Cutler believes beginning the day with movement creates a winning mindset that carries over into every other aspect of training.
As one of bodybuilding’s most accomplished champions, it’s a habit he continues to recommend. Even as the debate surrounding fasted cardio continues, he stands by this approach.
Image embed via Instagram @jaycutler
