Jay Cutler and Sam Sulek crush a chest workout and discuss Sam’s future in bodybuilding
In a remarkable meeting of bodybuilding eras, four-time Mr. Olympia winner and bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler teamed up with rising social media fitness sensation Sam Sulek for an intense chest workout that turned heads and inspired fans. The duo combined modern enthusiasm with classic training wisdom, resulting in an informative and engaging session that went beyond lifting weights to include invaluable insights on posing and competition readiness.
Sam Sulek and Jay Cutler Chest Workout
Jay and Sam’s workout was efficient but intense, focusing on quality over quantity in terms of how many exercises they did, but per usual Jay focuses on heavy weight with a moderate rep range (incorporating the infamous 12 reps). Here’s how they tackled the session:
1. Hammer Strength Incline Press
The session began with several sets on the Hammer Strength incline press. This machine is known for its ability to isolate the upper chest while maintaining a natural pressing motion. Both athletes loaded the machine with substantial weight, emphasizing controlled reps and a full range of motion.
Jay, ever the mentor, reminded Sam of the importance of working the correct muscles, helping him push through some of the reps to avoid incorporating the triceps and shoulders too much, so the focus stays on the chest.
2. High to Low Cable Flyes
Next up were high to low cable flyes, a staple in chest training for developing the inner and outer pectoral lines. Jay guided Sam to keep his elbows slightly bent and focus on bringing his hands together in a smooth, arcing motion. The cables provided constant tension on the pecs, allowing them to target the chest from a different angle than the incline press.
Jay highlighted the importance of a good stretch and a quality squeeze on a movement like this, but he also emphasizes that you need to keep the shoulders out of it.
3. Nautilus Incline Press
To further hammer the upper chest, the pair transitioned to the Nautilus incline machine, the plate loaded version. Known for its unique strength curve and biomechanically efficient design, this machine allowed Jay and Sam to push their upper pecs to the absolute limit while keeping their form locked in.
Machines like this are tools to help you safely overload the muscle when your free-weight strength starts to taper off. They help to isolate the target muscle and allow you to get a good workout in even after you have pushed yourself.
Adding Shoulder Work: Standing Lateral Raise Machine
While the primary focus of the session was chest, Jay and Sam couldn’t resist throwing in some shoulder work at the the end of the workout. They hit the standing lateral raise machine to cap off their workout (and their delts), targeting the lateral delts to enhance their physiques’ width and symmetry.
It is crucial to recognize the importance of well-rounded shoulders in bodybuilding, emphasizing how they contribute to an overall balanced appearance on stage. No matter what division you are competing in, when you step out there, judges want to see that V-taper, and strong delts make that possible.
The Posing Room: Jay’s Advice for Sam’s Future
After the workout, the duo moved to the gym’s posing room—a space where bodybuilding aesthetics are picked apart and refined. Here, Jay put on his coaching hat, assessing Sam’s physique and providing detailed feedback on his posing.
Some Key Posing Tips:
- Symmetry and Flow: Jay emphasized the importance of symmetry and ensuring poses flow naturally. He coached Sam on transitioning smoothly between poses, a critical skill for making a lasting impression on judges. He also emphasizes that the judges will make you hold the poses for at least ten seconds, so Sam needs to be conditioned and be able to do that.
- Engagement: Jay highlighted how every muscle group must remain engaged during posing. “Even when you’re showing off your chest, your legs and back need to be active. Everything counts,” he said.
- Stage Presence: Jay reminded Sam that the judges want to see someone who looks like they belong on that stage, and outshines everyone else.
Sam’s Progress and Future Potential
Jay was impressed by Sam’s dedication and development, predicting a bright future for the young athlete. It is also worth noting that when Sam asked for a workout routine, Jay said “whatever you need bro”. Does this indicate that Jay will be Sam’s mentor as he is preparing to step on stage?
A Meeting of Two Generations
This collaboration between Jay Cutler and Sam Sulek was more than a workout; it was a masterclass in training, posing, and bodybuilding mindset. Jay’s wisdom paired with Sam’s youthful drive served as a reminder that the sport thrives on the exchange of knowledge between generations.
For fans of bodybuilding, this session was a treat—a glimpse into the minds of a legend and a potential future star. Whether it’s on the gym floor or the posing stage, Jay and Sam are proving that hard work and passion are timeless.
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