In the world of bodybuilding, few athletes have achieved the legendary status of Tom Platz, also known as the “Golden Eagle,” in reference to his blonde hair. Although he has never won the ultimate Mr. Olympia title, Platz remains one of the most recognizable figures in the sport.
the reason ? His extraordinary thighs that have fascinated generations of bodybuilders. At the peak of his career in the 1980s, Platz had a thigh circumference of over 30 inches, earning him the nickname “Quadzilla” or “Quaddad”. Even at 67 years old, he still has huge, impressive thighs.
Behind those amazing thighs are years of intense, leg-focused training. Platz was a fan of heavy lifts and high-rep sets that sculpted his quads and hamstrings. His training style allowed him to achieve the most famous thighs in the history of bodybuilding.
In this article, we'll trace Tom Platz's story, analyze his legendary leg routine, and understand how he built what many consider to be the most beautiful thighs of all time.
The beginnings of the legend
Thomas Stephen Platz, his real name, was born in 1955 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, in the United States. From the age of 12, he devoured bodybuilding magazines and decided to become a professional bodybuilder. At 15 years old, he weighed about 75 kg and started training hard. He joined Armento's Gym and met Norb Schemansky and Freddie Lowe, Olympic weightlifters, and learned with them the correct way to squat.
In 1973, when he was 18 years old, Platz participated in his first amateur bodybuilding competitions. He quickly stood out due to his already developed muscles, especially in his legs. Her thighs, with their sharp, rounded lines, contrast with her more vulnerable upper body.
Platz moved to California in 1978 with only $50 in his pocket, hoping to break into the bodybuilding industry. He trained at the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice alongside the biggest names of the time like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Colombo. There he met Dave Draper, a bodybuilder who actually inspired him as a child. Draper is an added incentive for the young Platz. This is where his legend began to be written.
Quadzilla climax
His professional debut in 1980 was particularly notable, as he won the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Mr. Universe award at that year's World Professional Bodybuilding Championships. This victory marked the beginning of his rise to the highest levels of professional bodybuilding. His thighs have grown to superhuman proportions, exceeding 30 inches in circumference, with highly detailed muscle masses.
During competitions, he raises eyebrows every time he appears on stage. Her gigantic thighs dwarf all her competitors and become her trademark. To many, Platz embodies the bodybuilder with perfect legs.
Although he never won a Mr. Olympia title, Platz established himself as one of the most popular and charismatic bodybuilders of his generation. His massive thighs make him a true living legend.
He participated in 8 consecutive editions of Mr. Olympia between 1980 and 1987, with third place in 1981 being his best result. Despite his spotless record, Platz is remembered for his perfect athletic proportions, especially from the waist down.
Legendary Platz training
The Platz leg exercise has become legendary. Based on very heavy loads, endless sets and extreme intensity, he shaped his massive thighs. Let's take a closer look at her typical leg routine:
- Squatting : 8 to 12 sets of 5 to 20 repetitions. It uses very heavy loads, up to 270 kg for sets of 20 repetitions.
- Hacking team : 5 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions. More massive loads, with breakthrough squat technique that intensely targets your quadriceps.
- Leg extensions : 5 to 8 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions to eliminate quadriceps fatigue.
- Leg curls : 6 to 10 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions for the hamstrings.
- Permanent calves : 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
- Calves He sat down : 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
- Calves On the press : 3 to 4 sets of 10 to 15 repetitions.
Platz went through sets at a dizzying pace, with little rest between sets. Platz adopted a narrow stance in the squat, which increases quadriceps engagement. Thanks to his exceptional flexibility, Platz always descended lower than his buttocks parallel to the floor. He pushed his muscles to complete exhaustion to force them to adapt and grow. It's this intense, relentless approach that built her phenomenal thighs.
Routine Platz: Myth or Reality?
Some of the details of Platz's leg workout routine are the stuff of legend and sometimes exaggerated. But overall, his approach corresponds well with reality.
It is said that Platz will be able to do sets of 100 squat repetitions with a weight of 102 kg. Or 52 repetitions of 159 kg in a squat. These are feats that seem superhuman.
While these exact numbers may be embellished, there is no doubt that Platz was able to lift very heavy weights with a very high number of repetitions. His strength and stamina were off the charts.
The videos attest to his prowess. We especially see him performing 23 reps of squats with a weight of 227 kg in 1992, long after his retirement. At 67 years old, his thighs are still impressive, proof that his workout routine wasn't just a myth.
The legacy of Tom Platz
Despite not having a major title, Platz left an indelible mark on bodybuilding history thanks to his amazing thighs. Even the greatest champions like Arnold Schwarzenegger bow down to the quality of his legs.
His style of leg training, based on high volume, maximum intensity and heavy loads, became popular. Many bodybuilders are still inspired by it today.
At 67 years old, Platz remains a reference and source of inspiration. Her appearances in vintage competitions always create a sensation, proving that her legendary thighs have survived the years without weakening.
Thanks to his perfect discipline and hard work, Tom Platz was able to build the most beautiful thighs in the history of bodybuilding. Her huge legs continue to impress current generations.
But Platz didn't just leave his mark on bodybuilding with his physical prowess. He also helped impart his unique knowledge as a coach and teacher. For 14 years he was a professor and director of bodybuilding science at ISSA (International Sports Science Association).
At ISSA, Platz was responsible for teaching all aspects of bodybuilding and fitness. He developed ISSA certification programs in the field of bodybuilding and sports nutrition. Through his experience, he has trained generations of trainers and fitness professionals.
Platz's legacy is therefore twofold: his legendary thighs that have marked the collective imagination, but also his role as an ISSA teacher to impart his unique knowledge. A true living legend, his influence is still felt today.
Tom Platz, the bodybuilder with super thighs
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