The story, achievements, and life of Tom Platz
You may recognize him by the monikers the “Golden Eagle” or “The Quadfather,” names inspired by his tremendous legs. Who is this figure we’re describing? It’s none other than Tom Platz. As one of the most notable bodybuilders of the ’70s and ’80s, he graced the Mr. Olympia stage numerous times, competing with legends such as the “Austrian Oak,” Arnold Schwarzenegger. Today, Platz continues to hold a significant place in the bodybuilding world for numerous reasons.
Below is a thorough overview of Tom Platz’s biography, metrics, statistics, workout routines, and nutritional plans.
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Full Name: Tom Platz |
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| Weight | Height | Birth Year |
| 225-235 lbs | 5’8″ | 1955 |
| Category | Decades Active | Nationality |
| Bodybuilding | 1970s, 1980s | American |
Tom Platz Story
Known for his monstrous and defined legs that remain impressive even in his 60s, Tom Platz’s journey began long before his leg fame. Early in his career, Platz faced a lower back issue that initially prevented him from squatting (ironically, he later became the king of squats). Though he is now a public speaker and coach, his passion for lifting began at the age of 9. Inspired by a poster of Dave Draper, his parents encouraged him, and young Tom started lifting in the basement under the guidance of his father, who would read workout routines to him. Tom’s younger siblings learned counting by counting his reps. At 11, Platz was already dreaming of becoming Mr. Universe and reached out to Joe Weider for feedback. Surprisingly, Joe Weider replied and advised Tom to focus on building his legs.
By age 15, Platz had relocated to Kansas City and started working as a personal trainer, albeit illegally. His enthusiasm for lifting was so evident that he secured the job. As a trainer, Platz began focusing on squats, learning to manage his injury. Initially, with only 95 pounds for 3 sets of 10, squats were unenjoyable for him, resulting in thin legs.
Upon moving to Detroit, Tom trained among Olympic lifters, who taught him effective strategies for leg growth. By honing his squat technique and leveraging the notorious hack squat, Platz saw significant improvements in his leg development.
Tom recounted meeting Arnold Schwarzenegger, informing him of his plans to relocate to Los Angeles and train at the famous Gold’s Gym. Arnold appeared skeptical, but Platz made it to L.A. after earning his degree in 1978, with just $50 to his name but a determination to win Mr. Olympia. He noted that few used the squat rack for leg training due to fears of enlarging their waist and buttocks. However, Platz’s vigorous use of the squat rack shifted many lifters’ perspectives on leg day.
After moving to the West Coast, Platz began competing extensively.
Competition Record
Though he never clinched first place, Tom Platz’s efforts are widely recognized, and many believe he deserved higher placements throughout his career. Let’s review his competition record:
Competitions
- 1995 Honorary Mr. America – AAU
- 1987 Detroit Pro Invitational – IFBB, 6th
- 1986 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 11th
- 1985 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 7th
- 1984 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 9th
- 1982 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 6th
- 1981 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 3rd
- 1980 World Pro Championships – IFBB, Mr. Universe
- 1980 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 8th
- 1980 Night of Champions – IFBB, 12th
- 1979 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 8th Place
- 1978 World Amateur Championships – IFBB Mr. Universe
- 1978 Mr. America – AAU, Short, 2nd
- 1977 Mr. Southeastern USA – AAU
- 1977 Mr. America – AAU, Short, 2nd
- 1976 Mr. America – AAU, Short, 3rd
- 1975 Mr. Michigan – AAU
- 1974 Junior & Senior State Powerlifting Championships – AAU, 220 Class Champ
- 1974 Teen Mr. America – AAU, 2nd
- 1973 Mr. Adonis – AAU
- 1973 Mr. Ironman – AAU
Tom Platz’s Training Regime
Tom Platz is renowned for his extremely rigorous training, pushing himself to the absolute limit and often to failure, similar to the intense methods used by Mike Mentzer in his Heavy Duty workouts. Platz mentioned that he never wanted to leave the gym feeling he could have done more and believed that when you think you’re finished, you still have about 5 more reps left.
Many criticize Platz’s approach, labeling it as excessive and potentially harmful, claiming it’s achievable only with significant anabolic steroids use. However, Platz has openly discussed his steroid use, revealing it to be minimal and involving only two compounds in low doses. This highlights the importance of dedication and effort in his extreme training routine.
Platz’s most noteworthy sessions were his leg days. Videos showcase him performing astonishing numbers of reps on squats and executing challenging movements on the hack squat, taking all accessory exercises to total failure. With that in mind, let’s examine Tom Platz’s actual leg workout.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
| Squats | 8-12 | 5-50 |
| Hack squat | 5 | 10-15 |
| Leg extension | 10-15 | |
| Lying hamstring curl | 6-10 | 10-15 |
| Standing calf raise | 3-4 | 10-15 |
| Seated calf raise | 3-4 | 10-15 |
Nutrition
Although standing at 5’8″, weighing more than 200 lbs consisting mostly of lean muscle is an amazing achievement, Tom understood that diet played a crucial role in this. Similar to most bodybuilders, Tom Platz adhered to a strict diet ensuring he consumed ample amounts of protein along with balanced fats and carbohydrates to fuel his rigorous training sessions and to properly recover from them.
Below is an outline of Tom Platz’s daily food intake:
- Morning (Pre-workout): Two slices of whole grain bread with butter and jelly, juice or milk, coffee Supplements
- Lunch (Post-workout): Three to six eggs, Hamburger patty, sliced tomatoes, juice, two slices of bread
- Snack: Cheese and crackers, a glass of milk
- Dinner: A large prime rib salad (including cottage cheese, nuts), Bread and butter, slice of pie or ice cream, coffee or milk
- Snack: Evening couple of pints of ice cream or a bag of nuts
Life After Bodybuilding
Beyond his bodybuilding career, Tom Platz is married to Cha Nikito-Platz and remains deeply engaged in the fitness community, sharing his expertise and training techniques with the younger crowd. In August 2023, he was diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, a condition affecting the nerves on one side of his face. Nevertheless, he continues to push forward, highlighting the supplement industry for the hidden ingredients found in products like protein powders, creatines, and other supposed “transparent” supplements. Instead, Platz emphasizes the importance of incorporating whole foods into his diet.
Tom Platz Wrap Up
In summary, Tom Platz stands as one of the most influential and renowned bodybuilders throughout history. Though famous for his colossal legs, he achieved them through rigorous effort. His mindset and relentless dedication offer lessons we can incorporate into our daily lives.
What are your thoughts on Tom Platz?
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