Jay Cutler revealed why he doesn't do benchpress. He says it's.

Weightlifting safety remains one of Jay Cutler's top priorities on and off the stage. In a recent YouTube video, Cutler explains why he doesn't do the bench press because of potential injuries to his pectoral and shoulder joints. The bench press is one of the three basic exercises along with the deadlift and squat. Although this lift is extremely popular among gym-goers of varying experience levels, it does, as Cutler points out, carry some risks.

Jay Cutler was a pioneer in the IFBB professional league and shone on stage with a complete physique complemented by a huge chest. On the way to building a unique legacy, however, Cutler never considered the bench press as a key exercise for his growth or for his overall development as a bodybuilding icon.

Jay Cutler explains why the bench is the worst exercise

Cutler says that early in his career, he eliminated straight bench presses from his training routine because they often caused chest muscle tears.

"I scrapped flat bench presses as soon as I got money. Once I started bodybuilding for a living financially, I couldn't take risks on benching because everyone I knew who did benching tore a pectoral muscle doing it, okay? Everybody."

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Příspěvek sdílený Jay Cutler (@jaycutler)

Moreover, the Massachusetts native stressed that the bench press is the "worst" exercise for shoulder joints.

"And honestly, the worst exercise for your shoulder joints is the bench press dumbbell," Jay Cutler said.

Although straight bench presses have not been an integral part of Cutler's training routine, he can still appreciate incline bench presses and other variations. He recently talked about how to tackle the bench press when you're not seeing the results you're looking for. Cutler believes that focusing on 15-20 reps with lighter weight could yield better muscle growth.

In addition to Jay Cutler, fitness expert and trainer Jeff Nippard also detailed his five-point checklist for the perfect bench press. According to him, the key to proper execution of the technique is arching your back during the movement:

"First, set your arch. In the case of bodybuilding, create a slight arch in your upper back by tucking your shoulder blades inward while inflating your chest. For powerlifting, a larger arch will help you transfer more weight, just make sure your feet, glutes, upper back and head are planted."

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Příspěvek sdílený Jay Cutler (@jaycutler)

There is no denying that benching can be dangerous, especially if there is no supervision. Cutler refused to take any risks early in his bodybuilding career and it seems that those decisions have paid off. At 50 years old, Cutler is enjoying an injury-free retirement and boasts incredible longevity.

The main reasons Jay Cutler avoids bench pressing include avoiding pectoral muscle tears and rotator cuff injuries. Fans and weightlifters can learn from Cutler's career and exercise selection, as he is one of the best to ever compete in the Men's Open.

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