Jay Cutler Mentors Mike Sommerfeld in Leg Workout

Mike Sommerfeld, the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia runner-up, recently shared insights during a leg workout With Jay Cutler. Furthermore, he trained alongside four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler. Significantly, together, they focused on building strength and refining techniques.

“It feels unreal; since I was 11 years old, I dreamt of being on that Olympia stage, and now I’m really close.”

Sommerfeld drew from Cutler’s extensive knowledge during their session. Also, he shared his secret weapon for success: alternating high-intensity, upper-lower body workouts.

“I gained a stupid amount of muscle,” Sommerfeld confessed. Though he struggles to balance gains and recovery. “[Don’t] focus so much on [lifting heavy],” Cutler advised. “Training should be cycled.”

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Jay Cutler & Sommerfeld’s Leg Workout

The workout followed a specific sequence, with each exercise performed for three sets of 12 repetitions.

Machine Seated Hamstring Curl: 3 sets of 12 reps
Machine Standing Hamstring Curl: 3 sets of 12 reps
Dumbbell Stiff-Leg Deadlift: 3 sets of 12 reps
Lying Leg Curl: 3 sets of 12 reps
Leg Extensions: 3 sets of 12 reps
Leg Press: 3 sets of 12 reps
Walking Lunges: 3 sets of 12 reps
Machine Adductions: 3 sets of 12 reps

During the session, Sommerfeld explained that he transitioned from Open to Classic due to a genetic condition affecting his liver. “I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been,” he proudly stated. “I just need the details.”

Meanwhile, Cutler advised Sommerfeld to continue refining his skills, pointing out, “The guy [Chris Bumstead] you had to knock out is gone.” However, despite Bumstead’s retirement, Sommerfeld remains vigilant. Ultimately, a win at the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, in early March could serve as a significant confidence boost.

Prioritizing Hamstrings

To begin, the duo prefers starting leg day with hamstrings. Additionally, Cutler always kicks off his workout with seated leg curls, which he uses as a strategy to bring 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.

Cutler explained that 12 reps “seem to be [most effective]” for muscle growth. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of consistency with this rep range for optimal results.

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Controlled vs. Explosive Reps

Cutler and Sommerfeld discussed rep tempo during their session. Sommerfeld, for instance, prefers slower reps to reduce injury risk. Furthermore, on the other hand, Cutler favors faster speeds. However, neither approach is inherently superior. Moreover, research suggests that faster lifts combined with slower eccentrics may optimize muscle growth.

Additionally, Cutler focuses on a specific range of motion during leg curls. Furthermore, he believes, is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the exercise.

“I don’t lengthen the [hamstrings] totally; I keep the tension, lock in, pause, and reset.” He doesn’t count reps but almost always subconsciously hits 10-12.

“Remember, the weights don’t matter; it’s all about the feel,” Cutler reminded.

Watch Jay Cutler Mentors Mike Sommerfeld in Leg Workout Below:

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Overview

Mike Sommerfeld, the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia runner-up, recently trained Leg Workout with four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler. Furthermore, during the session, they focused on building strength and refining techniques. Also, Sommerfeld revealed his secret to success: alternating high-intensity, upper-lower body workouts. Moreover, Cutler advised against overemphasizing heavy lifting, recommending instead a cycle-focused approach to training. Additionally, Sommerfeld shared his transition from Open to Classic Physique due to a genetic liver condition, noting that he is in the best health of his life. However, despite Chris Bumstead’s retirement, Cutler urged Sommerfeld to stay vigilant and target a win at the 2025 Arnold Classic. Ultimately, their workout emphasized hamstrings first, with both prioritizing muscle contraction and form over lifting heavy weights.

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.

Featured Image – Jay Cutler Mentors Mike Sommerfeld in Leg Workout – Credit : @Jaycutler, @Mikethebadass (Instagram)