Jay Cutler doesn’t just carry the legacy of a four-time Mr. Olympia title—he carries the memories of a golden era in bodybuilding and fitness culture.
In a recent episode of his candid Jaywalking series, Cutler took a stroll through time, revisiting the days of inspirational action heroes, the iconic energy of Gold’s Gym Venice, and the evolution of the bodybuilding scene today. His reflections—layered with laughter, insight, and plenty of behind-the-scenes stories—offer a rare look into what shaped him and how the sport has changed.
“When people ask me why I got into bodybuilding, I always say Arnold. But truthfully, it was more about Stallone. The Rocky series, First Blood—those movies made me want to look a certain way,” Cutler said.
Jump to:
- Where did the muscle-bound movie stars go?
- When going to the movies was an event
- Today’s top physiques: shifting to the international stage
- The heart of bodybuilding: Gold’s Gym Venice
- Inside the shop: protein, camaraderie, and video game battles
- The contrast with today’s generation
- Upcoming shows and Cutler’s next appearances
- Legacy and motivation in the digital era
Where did the muscle-bound movie stars go?
In a time when action stars were practically carved out of granite, Jay and his co-host found themselves reminiscing about an era that made muscular physiques aspirational.
They mentioned Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Van Damme—men whose on-screen presence was as jacked as it was commanding. Today, only a few actors seem to carry that torch.
“Jason Statham’s not bad,” Cutler said. “Chris Hemsworth has the Thor look. But you don’t really see guys like that anymore.”
Aside from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who has largely defined the modern action hero physique, there’s a noticeable drop-off in actors whose bodies alone inspire fans to hit the gym.
“Back then, those bodies made you want to train,” Jay added. “Today, it’s just different.”
When going to the movies was an event
The conversation shifted into another corner of nostalgia: movie theaters. Jay shared how he used to go often, especially before the pandemic.
“I had the AMC pass. Paid around 20 bucks a month, and I could see like 12 movies—IMAX, whatever. It didn’t matter,” he said. “It was a great deal.”
But like so many other social rituals, the pandemic reshaped that habit. Now, with home streaming dominating, even big releases feel muted.
“It’s all changed. Everything’s just right there on your TV now,” Cutler noted. “I feel like the industry kind of passed us.”
Today’s top physiques: shifting to the international stage
Cutler remains deeply involved in the bodybuilding world, and his commentary on current athletes reflects both respect and realism.
This weekend’s Detroit Pro and Brazil Pro events came up, with Good Vito expected to make an appearance in Brazil.
“He’s a big dude with a small waist. Great lines,” Cutler commented. “Chris is training him—he’s got real potential.”
Derek Lunsford, who placed third at the last Mr. Olympia, was another key topic. Jay admitted he already knew Derek would be guest posing in Pittsburgh.
“I think he just wants to make a point. After finishing third, he’s on a mission,” Cutler said. “That loss probably hit hard. Kind of like when Dexter beat me in ’08.”
The discussion turned honest as Jay reflected on the reality of being off during a show and the sting of losing.
“If you’re off, the judges won’t forgive you. I know that feeling. I was off in 2008, and it hurt.”
Still, he believes Derek’s determination is real—and he expects a strong comeback.
The heart of bodybuilding: Gold’s Gym Venice
No conversation with Jay Cutler is complete without a mention of Gold’s Gym Venice. It’s more than a gym—it was a mecca.
“That place changed my life,” Cutler said. “I saw Arnold’s poster when I was 19. I said, ‘I have to be on that wall.’”
He later got his own photo up there, but not without effort. Jay explained how he paid out of pocket to have the image blown up and approved by management.
“We didn’t want to wait,” he recalled. “We even changed the image once, gave the original to Scotty. The third version, the quad stomp, never made it because of the quarantine.”
He also noted how the gym has evolved—somewhat away from its roots.
“They don’t even have Big Ramy on the wall. It just kind of stopped,” he said. “Back then, it meant something. You made it when you were up there.”
Inside the shop: protein, camaraderie, and video game battles
Before his days of digital content and global appearances, Cutler ran a nutrition store in Venice. It was more than retail—it was a clubhouse.
“Everyone came over and hung out. Chris Cormier would be there all day—train, tan, lunch, back to train again.”
The best-selling product? Protein—especially five-blend formulas like the ones Jay compared to ISS’s Pro M3. Max Muscle was a fan favorite.
And when it wasn’t busy, the store turned into a battleground for Fight Night, the boxing video game. Jay and Chris went head-to-head constantly.
“We’d go at it. I got so good I told him, ‘You pick my fighter and yours—I’ll still win.’ He got so mad,” Cutler laughed. “But yeah, it was about 50/50.”
Jay’s deep dive into the good old days offered a glimpse of a tight-knit fitness culture that revolved around more than just reps and supplements.
The contrast with today’s generation
While Cutler embraced gaming in those slow hours at the shop, he didn’t grow up with consoles the way kids do now.
“We had Nintendo, Game Boy, but we weren’t allowed to sit around all day,” he said. “Too many chores, too much concrete work.”
He compared it to today’s youth, like a family member who games deep into the night on weekends.
“It definitely gets addicting. But we were outside, moving, working.”
Upcoming shows and Cutler’s next appearances
Jay’s schedule is booked solid. He’s got appearances at:
- FIBO
- Cutler Classic Las Vegas
- Cutler Classic Boston
- DMV (May 10)
- Montreal (May 19)
- New York Pro (late May)
- Nashville (end of May)
“Bakersfield was wild. Tents, lines—it felt like the old days,” he said. “We put a picture up from my Instagram just to show the crowd.”
He’s also back on YouTube, ramping up training videos and gym content, with a recent arm workout already live.
“We’re staying on track,” he said. “Dave’s happy, back in the gym.”
Legacy and motivation in the digital era
As bodybuilding evolves—with fewer iconic posters on the wall and more attention online—Cutler remains focused on adapting. He’s still deeply connected to his roots, but he’s also aware of what drives fans today.
“People still tag me in pictures from Gold’s Venice,” he said. “It’s cool to know it meant something.”
And for those who dream of making it, whether on stage or on a wall in Venice, Jay’s story is a reminder of what dedication, vision, and legacy can build.
“That wall… that was the goal. Right next to Arnold. That’s what drove me. That’s what made it real.”
Jay Cutler may not be chasing trophies anymore, but his impact—and his insight—still shape the future of bodybuilding.
