Muscleman wants to build up Dubai

DUBAI // Jay Cutler, one of the world's leading bodybuilders, is in Dubai to help make it the bodybuilding centre of the Middle East. The US muscleman was the star attraction at Physique Weekend, a two-day seminar on fitness and bodybuilding at Sheikh Rashid Auditorium. The event, featuring displays and discussions, was to promote the sport before the Middle East's first bodybuilding tournament in Dubai next year. Cutler, who weighs 118kg, won the International Federation of Bodybuilders' Mr Olympia title in 2006 and 2007. He was beaten by Dexter Jackson in September. Cutler said it was important for the sport's ambassadors to promote healthful eating and nutrition. Next year's tournament "will bring over all the top guys from the States and hopefully also attract local competitors", Cutler said. Cutler said it was important for the sport's ambassadors to promote healthful eating and nutrition. "In America we face an obesity epidemic and I spend much of the year visiting schools and teaching young people about looking after their body," he said. He spoke of the dedication required to get his body in peak condition for competitions. "I train solidly for four months in preparation for tournaments. I eat seven meals a day, taking in 6,000 calories," he said. "If you break the routine, even for one day, the muscle definition will be lost. By the time of the Mr Olympia final I will have reduced to only three per cent body fat." Cutler will show off his physique at the Indian High School and the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers before returning to Las Vegas. A venue has not been found for next year's Dubai tournament. tbrooks@thenational.ae