Every sport has a prime age: when an athlete is at their best. This age varies depending on the individual, the sport, and even the position played. Generally, athletes reach their peak performance in their 20s or 30s.
In bodybuilding, it’s the balance of health, muscle hypertrophy, strength, muscle maturity, aesthetics, and conditioning. Bodybuilders benefit from the experience and the time spent fine-tuning their nutrition and training and understanding their personal nuances of bulking, cutting, and seasonal preparation.
Four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler addressed how bodybuilders hitting their primes has evolved during a morning walk with a friend and his dog in January 2025.
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Prime Age For Bodybuilding
“[Bodybuilders] now look bigger and better in their 30s than in their 20s, where it was reversed back in the early days,” Cutler said. “When we were coming up, everyone seemed super young — Rich Gaspari, Shawn Ray, Eddie Robinson, and even Lee Haney.”
According to Cutler, 31 is the beginning for bodybuilders at the elite level rather than the cusp of their peak. Cutler claimed the Mr. Olympia title at 33 and Ronnie Coleman at 34.
Phil Heath ushered in his dynasty at age 37. Aside from Derek Lunsford, who achieved his first Mr. Olympia win at age 30, the title has continued to go to athletes in their late 30s, including Big Ramy. Shawn Rhoden made history as the oldest champion at age 43. Reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda claimed the crown at age 38.
“It’s the youth versus, I don’t want to say the elder. I retired at 40,” Cutler reminded. “40 is still super young. Lunsford is the young gun going into the 2025 Arnold Classic.”
2025 Arnold Classic Athletes
Cutler sees potential in the Men’s Open roster at the 2025 Arnold Classic, with several rising talents catching his eye. The spotlight remains on the frontrunners: Andrew Jacked, Dauda, and Lunsford.
“There is some really good talent in there that could shake it up a bit. Even Akim Williams, who did well at the end of the 2024 season,” Cutler said.
Per Cutler, plenty of standout athletes are on the 2025 Arnold Classic Roster, including Carlos Thomas Jr., though Cutler believes Thomas needs more time to reach his full potential. Cutler wished Nick Walker would compete in the Arnold Classic instead of focusing solely on the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, as Cutler feels Walker looks impressive.
Why Cutler Became a Bodybuilder
Cutler reflected on gym culture’s evolution and new fitness spaces. Gold’s Gym in Venice was pivotal in shaping his career. Already an iconic destination due to the influence of the film Pumping Iron and legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gold’s Gym was central to the bodybuilding world.
Cutler’s journey via an invitation from Ed Connors, one of Venice Gold Gym’s co-owners. “When I went back and stayed for a month, I saw the action there. That’s when I knew I was going to be a bodybuilder for a career,” Cutler reminisced.
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Featured image: @jaycutler on Instagram
