Jay Cutler competed against the best bodybuilders of his era and had to outmatch them in every aspect. So the four-time Mr. Olympia knows everything you need to know about cutting weight to get shredded. The 50-year-old bodybuilding icon answered a question about a popular supplement and its relation to cutting weight in a YouTube short. 

“Should you take creatine while cutting?” was the question Cuter answered. “Definitely! I would suggest that it’s not one of those supplements that I would steer away from,” said the three-time Arnold Classic champion. Creatine has become incredibly popular, from fitness enthusiasts looking to gain muscle to pro bodybuilders preparing for a contest.

Jay Cutler highlighted how creatine will help people who are cutting weight. “You’re going to need obviously the strength and the recovery, and creatine will give you a lot of benefits. Of course, that muscle fullness too,” explained the Comeback Kid. Bulking to gain muscle is a pleasant experience, as a bodybuilder has lots of energy while training and eats in a calorie surplus.

However, cutting weight is the opposite experience. As a bodybuilder continues to cut weight, constantly reducing calories and water intake takes a toll. Cutting results in lower energy in the gym, decreased strength, and even mood disruption. However, Jay Cutler said that creatine helps maintain strength and adds muscle fullness despite losing weight.

“I do cut a lot of my supplementation at least 10 to 14 days out from the competition, so I would definitely use it (creatine) in the cutting phase,” said Jay Cutler. However, anyone trying to replicate the former Mr. Olympia’s cutting methodology may run into a health emergency.

Jay Cutler took things to the extreme

You may be tempted to attempt to follow what Cutler did before appearing on the bodybuilding stage. However, that would be a bad idea, especially if you did it without an experienced bodybuilding coach and nutritionist. If you’re wondering why, then it’s excused that the four-time Mr. Olympia took his cutting phase to the extreme, especially during the final week.

Besides limiting calorie intake, Cutler dehydrated himself on the final days before stepping on stage. The Comeback kid gradually reduced his water intake from two gallons to just a few sips per day before stepping on the Olympia stage. Despite his experience, Cutler confessed that dehydrating himself for a show was “(A) very, very taxing time for me.”

While Jay Cutler recommends taking creatine while you’re cutting, the bodybuilding icon doesn’t suggest that you replicate his or any other champion bodybuilder’s routine.