In bodybuilding, the back is the foundation of your overall structure. Width, thickness, detail, and density all come together to create the kind of silhouette that wins titles. Dorian Yates' massive back popularized the term, "bodybuilding shows are won fromthe back," and that philosophy was just as important to Jay Cutler.

After all, when you’re standing next to monsters like Ronnie Coleman and Phil Heath, your back can’t just be good; it has to be unreal. And that’s where his “most necessary” back exercise was born. Here's how that movement helped him build a back that could stand next to two legends.

Jay Cutler Reveals His Secret Weapon: The Wide-Grip Seated Cable Row

Three days ago, Cutler shared a video on Instagram breaking down the exercise he considered essential during his Mr. Olympia run. Jay said: “One of my most necessary and most important, and favorite exercises when fighting for the Mr. Olympia title was the wide grip seated cable row.”

He explained that while many bodybuilders use a close grip for mid-back thickness, he needed width and, more importantly, lower-lat flare.

Jay continued, “I always wanted that wide back, and I felt like the lower lats were really important, especially in those back poses when I was battling Ronnie Coleman or Phil Heath or Martinez," said Cutler.

The four-time MRr. Olympia also explained that he "wasn’t always blessed with the best genetics for that (back)," when going up against Coleman. The King, on the other hand, had one of the most massive and conditioned backs in bodybuilding, ever. In fact, many fans would argue that no one tops Coleman's 2003 back. So Cutler broke down why the wider grip mattered:

• Helps target the lower lats
• Builds the Christmas tree area
• Adds power to rear delts and rhomboids
• Creates sharper back poses on stage

Jay also gave training advice: “The back is one of those body parts you have to hit from a lot of different angles. Always focus on the reps. I was always doing at least 12 reps… Go heavy, but control the weight and feel the contraction.” added the man who dethorned Coleman.

So tell us what you thought of Jay Cutler's hack to lower lat growth? Will you try out the variation next time in the gym? And while you're at it, tell us who you believe had the best back in Olympia history.

Written by

Amanjeet Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi