Tag: tom platz
Tom Platz Reveals Gastroenteritis Caused Facial Paralysis from Bell’s Palsy: “Recovery Is Challenging”
Golden era bodybuilder Tom Platz is on the mend following a tough bout with Gastroenteritis. In a recent Instagram reel, Platz revealed that the condition caused Bell’s Palsy, temporary paralysis of the muscles in the face. Detroit’s Tom Platz built a statue-esque physique with ruthless training and sheer willpower. He is celebrated today for his […]
The post Tom Platz Reveals Gastroenteritis Caused Facial Paralysis from Bell’s Palsy: “Recovery Is Challenging” appeared first on Fitness Volt.
Tom Platz Says Bodybuilders are Underpaid: ’The Worst Golfer Makes Half a Million’
Bodybuilding legend Tom Platz revolutionized the Men’s Open division with his enormous legs. Despite moving on from professional competition decades ago, he has his finger on the pulse of the sport. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube, Platz argued bodybuilders are underpaid and called for a change in the prize money.
Tom Platz rose to prominence for his refined lower body development in the Golden Era of bodybuilding. He’s widely regarded to have displayed some of the best legs of all time, earning the nickname, ‘The Quadfather.’ While he did not win the Sandow trophy, he was a regular feature of the show with seven Mr. Olympia appearances against the likes of Frank Zane, Franco Columbu, and Lee Haney between 1979 and 1986. Following his retirement, Platz turned into a revered coach to pass on his years of knowledge to the next generation.
Platz continues to train regularly and keeps a high level of personal fitness into his later years. He revealed the legendary calves training plan along with a secret routine that he utilized for building muscle in his heyday in April 2018.
Platz opened up about the two-compound steroid stack he used throughout his prime as well. Given his uncanny natural strength, he preferred to run a minimalist cycle made up of Winstrol and Deca. He later admitted that the crazy vascular look was only possible by taking performance-enhancing drugs.
The 68-year-old disapproved of Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic’s evolution over the years. He argued that Olympia had lost its identity and the AC title no longer held the same reputation it once did. For Platz, he favored competitions like Mr. America, which he believes utilized a more holistic style of judging.
Tom Platz lauded six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates for his incredible career in Oct. 2022. He taught ‘The Shadow’ while conducting training seminars in Europe and noticed his passion for bodybuilding right away. He believes Yates transcended his teachings ultimately en route to cementing a one-of-a-kind legacy.
Tom Platz Says Bodybuilders are Underpaid: ‘We Can Do Better’
In a recent YouTube video, Tom Platz argued bodybuilders are underpaid, drawing a comparison to golf, and calling for a change in the financial rewards offered in the game.
“I think we can do better. Bodybuilding can do better,” said Platz. “The worst golfer on the pro tour makes about a half a million dollars a year. Failure at golf makes a half a million dollars a year. Phil Heath is more rewarded than anybody in history. We can do better. And I think we need to train our young men and women on how to be, how to represent. When I was working with Sergio Oliva Jr. I said go and represent. Put the suit on, put the tie on, and represent your dad. Your dad was the myth, Sergio Oliva.”
Tom Platz’s impact can be felt to this day. His influence goes beyond bodybuilding as other athletes attempt to replicate his insane feats in the training room. Powerlifter Bradon Gulch took on Platz’s legendary 1992 squat challenge of performing 23 reps of 525 pounds and narrowly missed out by two reps.
However, 2023 World’s Strongest Man Mitchell Hooper managed to break Platz’s record by squeezing out an additional rep although the form might have been different. Meanwhile, Platz left fans stunned with a ripped physique update showing off his freaky quads, proving that his dedication to leg training hasn’t waned despite getting older.
Bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest gave fans a look into training with Platz a week ago. He revealed Platz would use techniques like static holds to push himself to the limit in training. Platz’s call to improve pay in bodybuilding shows his undying support for the athletes of the sport.
RELATED: Leg Day Motivation: Tom Platz “I Was Willing To Die For It”
You can watch the full video below:
Published: 28 July, 2023 | 6:11 PM EDT
Lee Priest on Training Legs w/Tom Platz: ‘I Was so Fuc**ng Fried, Thought I Was Having a Heart Attack’
Australia’s Lee Priest remains enamored with the sport following a decorated career. He competed for decades en route to cementing his name as one of the best. In a recent Jujitoine Podcast on YouTube, Priest, joined by Milos Sarcev, opened up about training legs with bodybuilding legend Tom Platz.
While he might have lacked stature, Lee Priest made up for it on stage with granite conditioning, huge arms, and freaky fullness. In addition to winning multiple Pro titles, Lee Priest pushed some of the sport’s most elite at prestigious competitions like the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. He gave eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, Dexter Jackson, Kevin Levrone, Chris Cormier, and many others tough battles during his tenure.
Before settling into retirement, Priest claimed a pair of victories in 2006 at the NOC New York and the PDI Night of Champions. He came back in 2013 for his final competition, which saw Priest leave the sport on top with a big win at the NABBA Mr. Universe. Priest remains a beloved figure in the sport despite his controversial nature.
Tom Platz, on the other hand, is a golden era bodybuilder known for his remarkable lower body strength and defined legs. His intense workout methods have been lauded for generations. Platz helped shape many competitors after him, such as six-time Olympia winner Dorian Yates, who attended some of Tom’s teaching seminars years ago.
‘He Was Demented & You Had to Go With Him’ – Lee Priest Looks Back on Training Legs with Tom Platz
Priest, a popular member of the Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, distinctly remembers a gruesome leg training session with Platz. Hours after the workout, Priest said he thought he was having a heart attack in the middle of the night.
“When I trained with Tom, Tom Platz, we would always mainly stick around four or five plates and just really rep them out. You know, Tom was crazy on static holds, whether it be leg press, hack squat, go halfway, hold it, then he would start pulling on the fucking thing, saying, ‘Go back up Lee, come back down.’ I’m thinking, fucking hell, have you ever trained with Tom, Milos?
When he went to that place in his mind, you’re like, ‘Oh fucking hell.’ He just went demented and you had to go with him. I’d get home that night and wake up in the middle of the night thinking I’m having a heart attack because my nervous system is so fucking fried from doing legs with Tom. I’d wake up in a sweat at 1 o’clock, like, ‘I’m having a heart attack, this is it, I’m fucking dying,’” shared Priest.
Sarcev shared his experience training with Platz as well. He said Platz eventually jumped on top of the machine he was using to make the workout more difficult.
“One time, he was coming to the Coliseum Gym and I was finishing calves. Here it is, from the door, he’s coming in. He saw me, okay. I’m on the seated calf. He didn’t even say hello right? ‘You’re doing my set, he says. I’m doing your set, what is it?’ I had two plates on the seated calf, he put another one, then put another one, put another one, as many as – shit – then he jumps on it, you know,” shared Sarcev.
“Something as simple as dumbbell laterals. I’ll do my set, Tom does his, he’d be like this and get lower and lower five minutes later, [he’s barely moving] he’s still going,” added Priest.
Priest remembers asking Tom to make a comeback, but Platz would always say he couldn’t compete again because he’d have to adopt a ‘crazy’ mindset.
“I used to say to Tom make a comeback, he said, ‘Oh Lee I couldn’t. If I got in that mindset I’d just go crazy.’ I couldn’t do it,” said Priest.
“He was doing with Monica Brant some cover shoot. Legs, were exactly like they were back in the day,” said Sarcev.
“In Gold’s Gym he had his green belt on doing squats. His legs had the shape, but as soon as he flexed them, they doubled in size, it’s like what the fuck?” Priest said.
Priest on Being Marked Down for Bloated Stomachs in Bodybuilding: ‘Certain People Were, Other People Weren’t’
According to Priest, the IFBB Pro League announced a rule discouraging bloated stomachs and bubble guts back when he was competing.
“Remember, because we were all competing back then when the judges brought out that rule, ‘If you have a bloated stomach, you’re going to be marked down, you’re going to be marked down.’ Certain people were marked down other people weren’t. To be bigger, everyone was like I got to get bigger, I got to get bigger.
So really, back then, there were a lot of great Classic Physique bodybuilding, the judges just let it go too far and ruined it. So, if they just judged how they are meant to judge, they would have gone to those grotesque bloated stomachs and shit. If someone has a bloated stomach, and you put him in seventh, that’d be like, ‘Fuck. I got to fix this problem. I can’t come in like this or I’m not going to place well.’ But if you give them first or second, they’re not going to change how they look,” said Lee Priest.
“Think about this: how can you let yourself as a bodybuilder get the bubbly gut, big stomach, how can you let yourself? It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to get bigger because once you see this is coming up, I say you have to do something about it,” said Milos Sarcev.
Even at 68 years old, Tom Platz hasn’t slowed down his leg training. He still pushes at the gym with the same principles he adopted as a bodybuilding star. Earlier this month, Platz showed why age is just a number with a jacked quad physique update.
Platz’s energy and training techniques are difficult to replicate, as was his iconic 525-pound squat record for 23 reps. However, reigning World’s Strongest Man and Arnold Strongman Classic champion Mitchell Hooper broke Tom’s record in May by a single rep.
To this day, Tom Platz remains an influential figure in bodybuilding. His attention to detail and tenacity inside the gym turned him into a one-of-a-kind talent. Priest, who had the benefit of learning from Platz, was blown away by his training practices.
RELATED: Lee Priest Says Remove ‘Useless’ Divisions & Backs Arnold Schwarzenegger Over Chris Bumstead
You can watch the full video from the IFBB AMA YouTube channel below:
Published: 20 July, 2023 | 6:50 PM EDT
Tom Platz, 68, Shows Off Jaw-Dropping Ripped Quads in Latest Update
“The Quadfather” Tom Platz still maintains remarkable leg development at 68 years old. In an Instagram post, Platz showed off his quad definition to celebrate his recent birthday.
Platz was known for his powerful and sculpted legs as a Pro during his career. He built a following for himself in the AAU circuit. At that time, Platz began to showcase unique and diverse training methods, which inspired countless athletes after him. He honed his craft inside the famous Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, California.
Some notable athletes have taken valuable lessons from Platz’s mentorship. Even six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. Platz remembers teaching Yates about his training and diet during a seminar decades ago and he was happy to see ‘The Shadow’ take his teachings to heart.
In addition to his intense training techniques, Platz proved successful on stage, having claimed the Mr. Universe crown in 1980. Throughout an active tenure, Platz shared the stage with heavy hitters of past eras such as seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger and eight-time winner, Lee Haney.
A trailblazer of advanced leg training, Platz proved himself in and out of competitions. His popularity only grew after taking part in a squat contest against Fred Hatfield in the 90s, but he came up short. He later got revenge at the 1992 ‘The Great American Squat Off’ where he and Hatfield found success.
During the event in Essen Germany, Platz achieved a major feat when he squatted 525 pounds for 23 reps. He did this in a direct showdown with Hatfield, who managed 11 reps with the same weight. However, Platz’s legendary squat record was broken in May by the reigning World’s Strongest Man, Mitchell Hooper. Hooper completed 24 reps of 525 pounds.
Tom Platz Turns Back Clock With Impressive Quad Update for 68th Birthday
Check out Platz’s quad update below:
People online were blown away by Tom Platz’s legs.
Instagram @tomplatz
Fans respect Tom for his transparent nature regarding all aspects of the sport, including performance-enhancing drug use. Having competed in the Golden Era, Platz said he took the ‘very minimum’ and utilized a two-compound cycle, which consisted of Winstrol and Deca-Durabolin. While Platz admits he could get shredded without the use of anabolics, he emphasized that they were necessary for athletes attempting to achieve a ‘saran wrap look’ in his heyday.
Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger has also come out and talked about his Mr. Olympia-winning cycle. The 75-year-old icon stressed that he only used two compounds as well, which he said were testosterone and Dianabol.
According to other bodybuilding veterans, the steroid dosages have changed drastically since their last time on stage. Rich Gaspari who competed mostly in the 1990s, said athletes depend on drugs more than hardcore training nowadays. Meanwhile, Lee Haney has mentioned that Open competitors are ’60 pounds overweight’ because they’re consuming too much food.
This wasn’t Tom’s first quad update. He’s taken considerable measures to maintain muscularity and fullness in his lower body despite getting older. In April, he gave fans a sneak peek at his ‘work in progress.’
RELATED: WATCH: Tom Platz Shares His Secret To Historic Calves in Q&A
While the sport has certainly undergone changes since Platz’s era, he still treats his training sessions the same. His latest update serves as motivation for fans given that leg training is widely considered to be one of the most taxing forms of exercise.
Published: 6 July, 2023 | 5:47 PM EDT
Mitchell Hooper Breaks Tom Platz’s 1992 Legendary Squat Record With 24 Reps of 525 Lbs
Canadian strongman Mitchell Hooper is one of the fastest-rising strength sports athletes around. He’s coming off a historic first-place performance at the 2023 Worlds Strongest Man, held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. In a recent YouTube video, Hooper broke bodybuilding icon Tom Platz’s legendary 525-pound squat record of 23 reps with 24 reps.
Mitchell Hooper first gained attention for his insane strength after he dominated the qualifying group stages of the 2022 World’s Strongest Man competition. He followed up with back-to-back bronze medals at the 2022 Rogue Invitational and 2022 Shaw Classic. He scored gold at the 2023 Australia’s Strongest International contest as well.
Following the win, Hooper achieved a new PR (personal record) with a 420-kg (925.9-lb) raw deadlift in a training session. He left the fans in awe of his unreal strength by smashing 770-kg (1,697.6-lb) raw leg pressses for eight reps in preparation for the 2023 Arnold Strongman Classic. His intense training methods paid off as he secured the title impressively two months ago.
Hooper claimed the biggest win of his career at the 2023 World’s Strongest Man last month. He set his lead early in the opening stanza and extended it further on day two. He created history by becoming the first Canadian to win the coveted WSM title, defeating the likes of former champ Oleksii Novikov and Tom Stoltman.
Bodybuilding legend Tom Platz made a name for himself with his stellar lower body development and conditioning. While he moved on from professional competition decades ago, his passion for working out persists. He showed off his jacked quads after changing his diet and training regimen at the age of 67 last month.
Platz set the squat challenge record of 525 pounds for 23 reps in 1992 in Essen, Germany. He accomplished this epic feat in a head-to-head matchup against Fred Hatfield, who squatted the same weight for 11 reps. This iconic competition was popularly known as the ‘Great American Squat-Off.’
Many have attempted to break the record. Powerlifter Bradon Gulch took on the challenge earlier this month. Matt Wenning broke Platz’s record of 23 reps with 24, however, wasn’t able to match ‘The Quadfather’s’ total weight lifted of 525 pounds.
Mitchell Hooper breaks Tom Platz’s squat challenge record
In a recent YouTube video, Mitchell Hooper surged past Tom Platz’s record on 525-lb squats. Hooper used a lifting belt and wore knee sleeves during the challenge.
“At the 1993 FIBO show, Tom Platz and Fred Hatfield had a squat-off and in the squat-off, they did 525 for reps. Tom Platz set the record at 23 which is a record that stood all the way up until about eight months ago when Matt Wenning went and did 24.”
“It’s going to be difficult. There’s a lot of anxiety around doing that many reps that heavy.
“It gets really challenging at first to squat due to my shoulder mobility.”
“It actually got to a point where just standing with the weight was the challenge. I was losing my balance just trying to stay upright.”
Hooper performed a warm-up set, did a second set of 495 pounds, and finally got to 525 pounds. He didn’t seem too confident before the lift as he recognized the challenge of the task ahead of him.
He performed the squat with proper technique and form at a quick pace for the first 10 reps before taking a brief pause. He continued to get five more reps in and took another quick break before squeezing out a few more reps without breaking form. He appeared to struggle in the last five reps as he began to breathe heavily and had his legs shaking from the load. In the end, he managed to perform 24 reps.
Mitchell Hooper got back to training days after his win at the 2023 WSM. He utilized a bodybuilding style workout to ease his way back into training strongman.
Hooper opened up about his experience competing at the contest weeks ago. He called for a proper ruleset to ensure fair competition and to avoid confusion at the events. Hooper also recently laid out his must-have supplements along with his take on consuming alcohol and sugar for recovery.
He crushed 20 reps on 465-lb squats over a week ago. His latest achievement shows Hooper is continuing to improve and will likely return stronger than ever.
Hooper’s amazing squat set showcases why he’s the current WSM. The strength and endurance required for that many reps are top-notch, and his quads will need some good recovery time.
RELATED: Tom Platz Reflects on Training ‘Unknown’ Dorian Yates: “He Surpassed Everything I Taught Him”
Hooper is making serious strength gains based on the latest performance. He will look to defend the WSM title successfully next year. Given his young age, he has the potential to add many more records to his glittering resume.
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 23 May, 2023 | 5:10 PM EDT
Mike O’Hearn & Injured Hafthor Bjornsson Use Tom Platz-Inspired Workout for Ligament Strength
Mike O’Hearn and Hafthor Bjornsson, two titans of strength, met up for a special collaboration on leg day. In a recent YouTube video, O’Hearn guided Bjornsson through a brutal hack squat variation as the former strongman recovers from a pec tear injury.
At 53 years old, Mike O’Hearn has become somewhat of a legend in the fitness industry for his maintenance of mass, power, and strength. In addition, he’s kept up with a remarkably ripped physique for over three decades.
With experience in bodybuilding and strongman, O’Hearn doesn’t shy away from fitness challenges. He has trained with plenty of notable figures in bodybuilding and strongman, including four-time WSM legend Brian Shaw, who recently announced his retirement from the sport.
In April, former strongman star Hafthor Bjornsson suffered a painful pec tear on his third attempt at trying to bench press 556.7 pounds. While Hafthor revealed his upper chest was torn off the bone, he’s not letting the setback stop him from working out completely.
Mike O’Hearn Guides Injured Hafthor Bjornsson Through Longevity Leg Workout Created by Tom Platz
O’Hearn used the hack squat machine to demonstrate a technique he learned from Tom Platz. Platz, known as the ‘The Quadfather,’ possessed some of the best legs in bodybuilding history.
“That is a quad, that’s a teardrop at the knee, keep it healthy, they’re going to freak out, ‘What? How is that healthy?’ Because we’re stressing. Remember what we talked about, load the joints. The muscle is only so strong. The joints is God’s gift. I’m trying to force it, the joints and ligaments around the knee to be so strong. I learned this in 1989, Tom Platz, training with him from 89 to the early 90s, this is something he lived with.”
“I could see at that stage how strong his connective tissue [was], his legs were enormous, Tom Platz, great legs, but his knees were so healthy. That’s again, another fun exercise that somebody your size that’s a rarity to see that kind of movement. So we’ll do a moderate and see where we can find stress in the knee in a safe position.”
Hafthor was impressed with O’Hearn’s variation of the hack squat, where he utilized a wedge to place his feet at an angle.
“He’s just so focused each and every rep every set, he manages in the moment, everything with his muscles, the tightness of the squeeze,” Hafthor said about O’Hearn.
O’Hearn highlighted why the technique is so effective for quad training.
“I don’t know if you guys can see it at home, the difference between, you’re still leading with the quads compared to leading with the hip,” O’Hearn said. “So the way he was doing it first of all, he was great for the first time doing it but it was still a hack squat because it wasn’t leading with the ass. The last couple of reps were beautiful because he was rotating the ass up, stretching the quads, and getting more isolation. It’s such an odd position.”
Even though they were lifting light weights, Bjornsson was surprised by the work rate.
“You feel like you’re working so hard but at the same time, it’s light weight. It’s a very interesting movement for sure, different, like I said, like I’ve never done before,” shared Hafthor.
Bjornsson asked if O’Hearn adds extra weight or keeps the workout light when on his own.
“I do add more and more but I want to try to get a better range of motion. On this one… this would be like a finisher for me, I’d hit my squats, I’d do like a leg press or a similarity squat, some kind of moderation – we have a like I said, kind of hack squat and then I’d do something like this at the end to kind of finish that leg out.”
“Stress done right will strengthen your body,” said O’Hearn. “The possibility of you being like this in 30 years… is a possibility, it really is. Where most people will go, I hit 30, I hit 35, I’m done, I’m only going to get older and weaker but that’s not the mentality you have.”
Before wrapping up the video, Hafthor explained how training has changed from his 20s to his 30s.
“In your 30s, you got to be more detailed, more prepared, and have everything lined up: nutrition, sleep, training, recovery, rest, everything has to be dialed in and I can’t even imagine, I know that every single day you’re doing whatever you can to even get 1% better,” Hafthor Bjornsson said.
This isn’t the first time Mike O’Hearn has led a longevity-inspired training session. He joined Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, Joseph Baena recently, where they teamed up to attack a back training session. During the workout, O’Hearn shared that some of the movements they practiced could help Baena’s joints when he’s around his father’s age (75).
While the technique may differ from the norm, Mike O’Hearn is living evidence of his training practices and has employed these exercises for more than three decades.
RELATED: Hafthor Bjornsson Shares Intense Pre-Surgery Recovery Techniques for Gruesome Pec Tear
Watch the full video below from Mike O’Hearn’s YouTube channel:
Published: 17 May, 2023 | 4:09 PM EDT
Powerlifter Bradon Gulch Attempts 525-lb Tom Platz Squat Challenge, Impresses with 21 Reps
Bodybuilding has produced many legends, but few have been as iconic as Tom Platz. Tom was, and is to this day, recognized for his incredible lower body workouts, which have proven to be quite effective considering the size of Platz’s legs. Tom became known as the “Quadfather” for good reason. His legs weren’t just a sight to behold, they were also incredibly strong, with some of his impressive feats still unmatched today. His quad muscles were the stuff of legend, and he rightly earned his place among the greats of bodybuilding and strength training. The most remarkable one was his 23-rep squat set with 525 pounds on the barbell. Platz completed this set in 1992, and ever since many world-class athletes have attempted to match it.
Everyone knows the best squatters usually come from powerlifting, which is why it’s no surprise to see a lot of them taking on the Tom Platz Challenge. Most recently, Bradon Gulch was the man who gave his maximum effort to achieve the incredible feat. In addition, he came extremely close to matching Tom Platz’s result, having performed only two reps less than him. So, after reaching his limit, Bradon ended up with a 21-rep 525-pound squat set.
Bradon Gulch utilized a pair of knee sleeves and a lifting belt to complete this set, making it raw by the majority of standards. In addition, Bradon is just 22-years-old, making his attempt even more impressive. He didn’t seem to struggle much until he hit his 18th rep, but he pushed through and managed to eke out three more. In the end, Bradon failed while attempting his 22 repetition, as he was not able to get up from the squatting position. After the spotters took the barbell from his back, Bradon fell back and decided to remain on the floor until the burning sensation in his legs started to dull.
Watch the lift here:
Related: Tom Platz Shows Off Shredded Quads in Latest Update at 67
Bradon Gulch isn’t the first elite powerlifter to tackle Tom Platz’s squat challenge. Joe Sullivan attempted the same challenge a year ago. In spite of being a World Record holder, Joe was only able to complete 20 repetitions, putting him behind Bradon.
The bodyweight of Tom Platz during his 23-rep 525-pound squat set was 198 pounds, while Bradon Gulch’s bodyweight was unknown at the time of the attempt. Just two weeks prior to his attempt, Bradon participated in a powerlifting competition, where he weighed 271.2 pounds.
It is also important to note that Bradon Gulch is focused on improving his one rep max on the squat and not improving his AMRAP sets. So, the heaviest official squat of his career came out to 705.4 pounds, which is significantly heavier than Platz’s reported PR of around 600 pounds. So, it all depends on one’s primary goals.
Overall, Bradon Gulch took part in 11 sanctioned powerlifting competitions, winning seven of them. Even though he has been competing for only two years, it is apparent that he will continue to improve for years to come.
Bradon Gulch’s Competition PR
Squat: 320 kilograms (705.4 pounds) — (2022 USAPL Liftmas Open)
Bench Press: 212.5 kilograms (468.4 pounds) — (2023 USAPL Arnold Pro Bench)
Deadlift: 300 kilograms (661.4 pounds) — (2022 USAPL Liftmas Open)
Total: 825 kilograms (1,818.8 pounds) — (2022 USAPL Liftmas Open)
Related: Leg Day Motivation: Tom Platz “I Was Willing To Die For It”
Bradon Gulch seems to be the closest man to Tom Platz’s record currently, as two reps don’t seem too far away. In addition, as explained earlier, if Bradon decides to work on his AMRAP instead of a One-Rep Max at some point, it is very likely that he would be able to surpass the 23 reps performed by Tom Platz.
Published: 5 May, 2023 | 3:22 PM EDT
Tom Platz Shows Off Shredded Quads in Latest Update at 67
Golden Era bodybuilder Tom Platz elevated the sport during the 1970s and 80s with several Mr. Olympia appearances. In a recent Instagram post, Platz showed off his signature quad definition at 67 years old.
Platz, a Detroit native, was known for his spectacular leg strength and development as a professional. He built a successful career competing in AAU bodybuilding shows. While Platz wasn’t famous for titles or awards, he received praise for his varied and exhaustive workout routines which have influenced generations of competitors since his last competition.
Platz trained at Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach and eventually switched to the IFBB. He went on to win the Mr. Universe title in 1980. During his eight Olympia shows, Platz tested his resolve against huge names in the sport like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney.
Given his remarkable lower body strength, many consider Platz a pioneer of advanced leg training. He took part in a squat contest against Fred Hatfield in 1992 but lost. He returned at the Great American Squat Off in Germany, where he and Hatfield both enjoyed success.
His last Olympia appearance came in 1986, but Platz’s dedication to the sport persists in retirement. He continues to train his legs and is now showing off the results at 67 years old.
Tom Platz Shares Jacked Quad Update at 67 After ‘Tweaks’ to His Training/Eating Lifestyle
Platz shared a few pictures of his quads and thanked his doctor for the changes to his training and nutritional regimen. He gave fans a look at his impressive midsection as well.
“Okay, guys, never been great at selfies, but a work in progress! lol*My amazing doctor, Dr Cha @cha_dikito has placed me on another healing journey, once again! Have been under the weather the last few weeks. Her evaluation was spot on! Cha tweaked my training days and Eating Lifestyle while I recover.*In two weeks, this happened! Nearing 68 years old in June. Thank you, Cha! You did say “with Gods foods, expect great results!” Tom Platz wrote.
Having competed during a different era, Platz believes the sport has undergone some dramatic changes. Most notably, he took issue with the way in which the Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic contests operate. According to Platz, Mr. Olympia has lost its identity, and the Arnold Classic surrendered its reputation. He added that bodybuilding should encompass more than just pursuing prestigious titles.
Platz also touched on his experiences with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) during his tenure. He explained that there was ‘muscle he could only acquire with anabolics’ while competing actively. The 67-year-old shared that he was able to achieve dry conditioning without steroids, but had to use a few compounds to display a ‘saran wrap’ look on stage.
Tom isn’t the only Golden Era bodybuilder sharing shredded updates. Robby Robinson continues to defy Father Time at 76 with a ripped physique. Looking back on his illustrious career, Robinson stressed that his body was built with hard work and proper dieting, not with steroids.
RELATED: Top 11 Bodybuilders to Maintain Jacked Physiques In Retirement
While Tom’s career in bodybuilding was certainly noteworthy, his lasting legacy can be attributed to his once-in-a-generation quadriceps growth that has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
For those aspiring to achieve similar success, Tom’s approach is simple yet profound: become a disciple of the “Quadfather” and emulate his unwavering commitment to the grind.
Reflecting on his use of PEDs, Tom Platz said he took the ‘minimum’ and that it worked for him and helped with longevity. At 67 years old, Platz continues to inspire his fanbase with hard work and dedication.
Published: 18 April, 2023 | 1:58 PM EDT
Golden Era Bodybuilder Tom Platz Believes The Olympia And Arnold Classic Have Diminished Over The Years
Bodybuilding legend Tom Platz has seen bodybuilding change over the years.
Tom Platz is a legendary bodybuilder from the Golden Era who remains up to date with the happenings around the sport of bodybuilding. During a recent interview, Platz had some things to say about the current reputation and standing of the Olympia and Arnold Classic.
Platz began his career in the 70s and competed in many competitions. In 1978, he earned his Pro Card and won the r. Universe title. He was known for his overall passion and knowledge for fitness. Platz put together some intense workouts to build muscle and add size.
During his career, Platz took the Olympia stage eight times and faced some all-time greats. He went toe-to-toe with the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney. Since his time on stage, Platz believes that the biggest shows in bodybuilding have some their luster.
Tom Platz On Current State Of Olympia And Arnold Classic
In bodybuilding, all athletes train in hopes of qualifying for, and eventually winning, the Olympia. Because of this, Tom Platz believes the overall nature of bodybuilding has changed for the worst.
“I think that the Olympia has lost its identity, and that the Arnold Classic has lost its reputation. Mr. America is trying to bring that iconic competition back, and I think that’s the direction that bodybuilding should go.”
In today’s era, the Olympia is all about putting on enough size to compete in Men’s Open. There are mass monsters that take the stage and show off their impressive physiques built over the course of a year.
Tom Platz continued in the video to discuss that the Mr. America competition is great for bodybuilding because of what the judges look for.
“The issue is that Mr. America back then wasn’t just a bodybuilding competition. You had to have poise, good skin, good hair, and good language skills, and be a representation of American manhood, the perfect man, not just physically but mentally and spiritually.”
“Many people think bodybuilding is just winning the Olympia, but it’s not. It’s about so much more than just having a good body and showing off,” Tom Platz said.
Tom Platz believes that different competitions from back in the day will return and bodybuilding will take on a new meaning.
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Bodybuilding Legend Tom Platz Reveals His Two-Compound Steroid Cycle
Images via Instagram @tomplatz
Tom Platz, bodybuilding legend best known as the Quadfather, explains his steroid cycle and compares it to modern regimens.
Golden Era legend Tom Platz has opened up about his bodybuilding steroid cycle in a new video interview published by Golden Era Bookworm. Perhaps surprising to some, Platz took the “very minimum” with only two compounds in his cycle. He also shares his thoughts on modern bodybuilding steroid doses and cycles.
Tom Platz is an iconic bodybuilder and household name for any fan of bodybuilding and fitness. Best known as a Mr. Universe champion and for his insanely incredible legs – Platz had a reputation of incredible strength and consistency. Platz was a late Golden Era bodybuilder who competed well into the 1980s.
Tom Platz was not only an incredible legend during his prime – but continues to be beloved to this day for his intense training sessions now as a coach. He has also kept up with the work on himself – revealing incredible legs even at 65 years old. His work ethic has been revered similar to the likes of Mike O’Hearn. He is a one of a kind. A true legend in the sport.
Due to his long list of accolades, it comes as a treat when Tom Platz opens up in a brand new interview. Platz is the definition of success – so his words hang heavy on fans of the sport and aspiring bodybuilders. This might be especially true in his recent interview where he opens up about his steroid cycle and how it compares to the regimens that modern bodybuilders take today.
It’s no secret that steroid and drug use in bodybuilding has been an extreme and controversial topic of discussion as of late. There have been a number of tragic deaths in bodybuilding over the past few years – including George Peterson, Cedric McMillan, Bostin Loyd, and former Mr. Olympia champion Shawn Rhoden. This is just to name a few. Sadly there have been over a dozen of too-soon deaths in the bodybuilding world.
While none of these deaths have been exposed to be directly related to steroids – it brought these drugs to the forefront of conversation in the industry. Many have spoken out about the dangers of steroids, the massive increase in doses for modern bodybuilders, and what effects it might have on the current generation as they age.
It’s for these reasons as well that Tom Platz openness about steroids take on more weight. Why? Because he specifically emphasizes just how little he took in comparison to today’s athletes. You can check out the video below:
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Tom Platz Claims To Have Only Take Two Steroid Compounds During His Entire Career
Tom Platz admits that many bodybuilders today may be shocked or simply not believe him – but he only two two compounds in his steroid cycle. This remained true for the entirety of his career. Platz states to have only taken Winstrol and Deca.
“I gotta tell you though because it’s on my mind — and nobody is going to believes me, they’re not going to believe me when they hear this. 20 milligrams of Winstrol (Stanozolol) a day, the little pills, the little pink pills and one shot of Deca (Nandrolone) a week, 100 milligrams That was my life’s drug cycle. That’s it. That’s all I ever did… I never took testosterone. I never took any of these designer drugs. I took the very minimum. I took less than the girls would take but it really worked for me. It worked for me.”
Tom Platz explains that he never used “designer drugs” or testosterone. The focus for him was on longevity. He wanted to not only succeed as a bodybuilder while he was young – but also have a healthier future beyond his prime years.
“It gave me longevity, a livelihood, to this day. I think a high dosage of drugs can really lead to problems as we’re seeing today.”
Platz goes on to compare bodybuilders and their bodies on stage to cars at a car show. He claims that his friend, Terry Wogan, had said to him that, “drugs aren’t going to mkae a Volkswagen into a Ferrari.” The idea being that the drugs don’t make the main – the perseverance and hard work (and a little bit of genetics) do. This is clear in the lifestyle that Platz lived. Today he is still best known for his incredible work ethic and strength.
And also much like a car – how well you take care of it determines how long it will last before you have to scrap it. Using the same analogy, the most drugs you pump into your system, the shorter distance you’ll ultimately get out of your life in the long run.
Tom Platz Reacts To Modern Bodybuilding Steroid Cycles
Tom Platz also looked towards the current crop of bodybuilding athletes and shared his thoughts on the kinds of steroid cycles they take. He admits that what he hears of today seems like a completely different world.
“But I see what some of the guys do now with androgens and how they affect sarcoplasm, which is a fluid substance around the muscle, as you know. It’s not really sailor muscle gains, it’s more water being distributed. I’ve come to respect and understand modern day — I think we’re in a pharmacological quagmire… It’s a different world.”
While Platz doesn’t outright condemn the current steroid cycles of bodybuilders today – it’s clear that he is overwhelmed by how different it is compared to his usage. He literally calls it another world. Perhaps this is a major reason why Platz is able to still showcase incredible strength to this day. He had it all – the legendary fame during his youth and a well lived life after retiring from the stage.
Stay tuned to the Generation Iron Fitness Network for more news and updates on all things bodybuilding, strength sports, and fitness.
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