It Feels Unreal: Mike Sommerfeld’s Olympia Journey
It feels unreal; since I was 11 years old, I dreamt of being on that Olympia stage, and now I’m really close. The 2024 Classic Physique Olympia runner-up Mike Sommerfeld opened up recently during a leg workout with four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler.
Sommerfeld tapped Cutler’s wealth of insights and revealed his secret weapon: alternating high-intensity, upper-lower body workouts.
Cutler & Sommerfeld’s Leg Workout
The exercises were performed in the following sequence for three sets of 12 repetitions.
Prioritizing Hamstrings
The duo prefers starting leg day with hamstrings. Cutler begins every workout with seated leg curls — his hack for bringing up weak hamstrings. Likewise, Sommerfeld shared his strategy, “The moment my brain connects, and I feel a good contraction, I [stop and increase the weight],” he shared.
Controlled vs. Explosive Reps
Cutler and Sommerfeld debated rep tempo. Sommerfeld trains slower to prevent injuries; Cutler prefers faster rep speeds. One isn’t necessarily better, though a faster lift and slower eccentrics are shown to optimize muscle growth.
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Reference
- Wilk M, Zajac A, Tufano JJ. The Influence of Movement Tempo During Resistance Training on Muscular Strength and Hypertrophy Responses: A Review. Sports Med. 2021 Aug;51(8):1629-1650. doi: 10.1007/s40279-021-01465-2. Epub 2021 May 27. PMID: 34043184; PMCID: PMC8310485.
Conclusion
Sommerfeld isn’t lowering his guard, with a win at the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, in early March boost his confidence.
FAQs
Q: What is the secret to Sommerfeld’s muscle gain?
A: Alternating high-intensity, upper-lower body workouts.
Q: What is the preferred rep tempo for Cutler and Sommerfeld?
A: Cutler prefers faster rep speeds, while Sommerfeld trains slower to prevent injuries.
Q: What is the focus of their leg workout routine?
A: Starting leg day with hamstrings, with seated leg curls and prioritizing slow and controlled eccentrics.
Q: Why did Sommerfeld switch from Open to Classic Physique?
A: Due to a genetic sickness that affects his liver.
