Categories: Fitness

Jay Cutler’s Leg Training

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.

More Bodybuilding Content

Reference

  1. 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.

Fitness Fusion HQ

Recent Posts

2025 Sampson Showdown Pro Wellness Show

2025 Sampson Showdown Pro Roster The 2025 Sampson Showdown Pro is scheduled for Saturday, March…

2 hours ago

7 Common Causes of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH): Causes and Types 1. Idiopathic PAH About half of PAH cases…

2 hours ago

Losing your job is bad for your health, but there are things you can do to minimize the harm

Pathway to Illness When people lose their jobs, they do have real problems. Typically, for…

3 hours ago

Coffee enemas probably won’t detox your system – they’re more likely to cause you serious damage

What do King Charles and Gwyneth Paltrow have in common? They've both at one point…

8 hours ago

2025 China DMS Pro Bodybuilding Show

2025 China DMS Pro: A Look Ahead China's First Show of the 2025 Bodybuilding Season…

9 hours ago

Sara Davies reveals how she dropped three dress sizes and admits her weight loss

Sara Davies Reveals How She Dropped Three Dress Sizes and Why She Will Never Be…

11 hours ago