In the realm of professional bodybuilding, athletes are constantly on the hunt for recovery techniques that can heal their strained muscles faster, allowing them to get back into the gym sooner. However, when it comes to tried-and-tested recovery methods, former professional bodybuilder Jay Cutler believes in sticking to the basics.

In a recent episode of his YouTube podcast series, Cutler Cast, Jay Cutler candidly shared his experiences with various recovery techniques. What’s more, his revelations could come as a surprise to many in the bodybuilding community.

Cutler’s take on popular recovery techniques

For starters, Cutler made it clear that he never indulged in the popular trend of ice baths. While many athletes swear by the rejuvenating properties of immersing oneself in icy cold water after a rigorous workout, Cutler remains unimpressed. “I don’t do them,” he stated. “I’ve never done them because I feel like that’s what everyone is doing now.” His straightforwardness suggests a hint of resistance to hopping onto every popular trend without personal conviction.

Despite being in an industry where athletes often try myriad methods to accelerate their recovery, Cutler’s reluctance to indulge in ice baths stems from a straightforward reason. He simply doesn’t like being cold. Recollecting an experience with cryotherapy, another sought-after recovery method where individuals expose themselves to freezing temperatures to alleviate muscle soreness, Cutler admitted, “I’ve done it once but I didn’t like it.”

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The conversation then steered toward saunas and infrared treatments. These heat therapies have gained substantial attention in recent years, with many lauding their benefits in muscle relaxation and detoxification. Cutler acknowledged their popularity, saying, “I used to do saunas. I mean I used to go after the gym if your gym has a sauna.” But he also pointed out the fact that many people might not have the luxury of accessing these facilities, especially those training at home.

Preferred recovery methods of Jay Cutler

So, amidst these various offerings of muscle recovery, what does Jay Cutler swear by? His answer was simple: sleep and tissue work. He firmly believes that these two are the cornerstones of any effective recovery regimen.

“Tissue work number one, sleep number one,” Cutler emphasized. Sleep, which is often sidelined in the discussion of recovery, is a powerful tool that works wonders on the fatigued body and mind of the 4-time Mr. Olympia champion.

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Jay Cutler’s insights serve as a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest ones. In an era where athletes have countless recovery options, ranging from ice baths to high-tech infrared saunas, Cutler stands as a testament to the undeniable power of adequate sleep and regular tissue work. After all, personal comfort and tried-and-true methods can trump even the most trending techniques.