In a resurfaced video from the Cutler Cast podcast, four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler candidly shared his amazement after observing the eating habits and training routine of the late bodybuilding icon Nasser El Sonbaty. Cutler recalled an instance in 1995 when he emerged victorious at the Tournament of Champions in California. Meanwhile, Nasser appeared as the guest poser just three weeks prior to the eagerly awaited Olympia competition.

During the podcast, the 4x Mr. Olympia enthusiastically shared his encounter with the Professor’s remarkable physique, and couldn’t conceal his amazement at the immense size of the bodybuilder, despite being far from competition-ready. “I couldn’t believe how big he was,” Cutler remarked.

Jay Cutler’s surprise encounter: Nasser El Sonbaty’s unconventional pre-Olympia routine

Following the triumphant Tournaments of Champions, the Comeback Kid made his way to Gold’s Gym in Venice, California, for a photoshoot. To his astonishment, he discovered El Sonbaty steadily cycling on a stationary bike. Furthermore, what truly grabbed the former Olympia’s attention was the bodybuilding legend’s presence at their Cheesecake Factory dinner the previous night, where he enjoyed not just one, but three slices of cheesecake. This came as a surprise because the Olympia competition was only three weeks away, and contestants usually maintain strict diets to reach their optimal physical state.

Additionally, the former IFBB pro discovered that Nasser had incredibly spent two to three hours cycling at Gold’s Gym on that very day. This fact greatly surprised him, as the suggested cardio duration for bodybuilders typically does not surpass an hour. As Cutler thought about the late bodybuilder’s seemingly conflicting approach to nutrition and training, his amazement only increased.

The Enigma of El Sonbaty: A tale of unorthodox preparation and surprising achievement

The 59-year-old veteran highlighted the importance of El Sonbaty’s unconventional routine. “it kind of shocked me you know number one he’d go eat cheesecakes three weeks off from the show,” the retired professional bodybuilder exclaimed. Furthermore, witnessing him undergo an intense three-hour cardio session was truly extraordinary. “We are not supposed to be on more than an hour at a time.”

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Cutler’s astonishment grew even more upon discovering the 1999 Arnold Classic Winner’s performance at the Olympia. In spite of his unusual methods, the Enigma of bodybuilding surpassed expectations and achieved an impressive third-place finish. Consequently, the bodybuilding community was left amazed as El Sonbaty displayed his outstanding physique on the Olympia stage.

Cutler’s narration of the event offers an intriguing look into the world of professional bodybuilding, showcasing the diverse methods athletes use to reach their objectives. El Sonbaty’s unconventional decisions not only defied the norm but also proved that a standard, one-size-fits-all formula doesn’t exist for achieving success in the highly competitive world of bodybuilding.

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