Jay Cutler’s training: variety with a rep-focused approach

SportLocation Fitness Desk · 14 Oct 2026

Jay Cutler moves through a varied gym session, talking through exercise choices and repetition targets as he trains.

Jay Cutler’s session moves from machine work to free weights, but the thread running through it is attention to the target muscle and a clear repetition count.

At the seated leg curl, Cutler describes using the machine in his early training days and says he aimed for 12 repetitions. The sequence then shifts through cable work, curls and a glute kickback, for which he gives a target of 10 or 12 repetitions on each leg.

That range of movements is the point: the footage moves between single-muscle machine exercises and loaded barbell work rather than dwelling on one lift. Cutler’s commentary repeatedly returns to controlled reps and muscle contraction. He also identifies the front squat as a favourite exercise, with the bar held across the front of his shoulders.

The session’s final image is that front-rack position: elbows forward, arms crossed and the bar settled across his shoulders.