When it comes to building powerful and sculpted legs, few names stand out as prominently as Tom Platz. With his legendary leg development and impressive physique, Platz has become a revered figure in the bodybuilding world.
His intense leg workouts and dedication to training have inspired many aspiring bodybuilders to push their limits and achieve incredible leg strength and size. In this article we will delve into the details of Tom Platz leg workout routine, providing you with valuable insights and tips to help you develop your own impressive set of wheels
Tom Platz Stats:
| Weight: | 225-235 lbs |
| Height: | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Age: | 67 years |
| Leg Circumference: | 30 inches |
| Era: | 1970s, 1980s |
Tom Platz’s legendary workout intensity
Despite weighing less than 230 pounds, he managed to perform 8 reps of squats with 635 pounds and 52 reps with 350 pounds. On multiple occasions, he even squatted continuously for 10 minutes, completing over 100 reps with 225 pounds.
This may sound exaggerated, but there is evidence in the form of a video filmed in 1992, where Platz can be seen squatting 495 pounds for 23 reps with his thighs going below parallel.
Tom Platz Personal Best (PR) is 525lb – 238kg squat for 23 reps
Tom Platz Leg Workout:
Tom Platz performs 7 exercises with an average of 5 sets and 10 reps per exercise.
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Squats | 8-12 | 5-20 |
| Hack Squats | 5 | 10-15 |
| Leg Extensions | 5-8 | 10-15 |
| Lying Leg Curls | 6-10 | 10-15 |
| Standing Calf Raises | 3-4 | 10-15 |
| Seated Calf Raises | 3-4 | 10-15 |
| Hack Machine Calf Raises | 3-4 | 10-15 |
Don’t miss: 6 Day Push Pull Legs Workout Routine
Workout Principles:
Stretching before working out: Prioritize stretching exercises to warm up your muscles and increase flexibility.
Going slowly below parallel (safely): During exercises like squats or lunges, descend slowly and with control, aiming to go below parallel (where your hips are lower than your knees).
Putting everything you have into every set (until failure): Lift or perform exercises with maximum intensity, pushing yourself to your limits. Maintain proper technique and form to prevent injuries.
You Have to Achieve Failure
It’s clear that Tom Platz strongly believed in pushing himself to the limit during his workouts, encouraging others to do the same. He consistently urged you to step out of your comfort zone to the extent where you were uncertain about completing each repetition.
It’s during those moments outside of your comfort zone that you experience real growth and progress.
Also Checkout: Anatoly Workout Routine
Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Leg Training to the Next Level
Tom Platz’s dedication to leg training extended beyond traditional exercises. He experimented with advanced techniques to push his muscles to the limit and stimulate further growth. Here are a few techniques you can incorporate into your leg day routine:
1. Drop Sets: Start with a heavy weight and perform reps until failure, then immediately reduce the weight and continue for more reps.
2. Supersets: Combine two exercises, such as squats and lunges, without resting in between sets to increase intensity and fatigue the muscles.
3. Partial Reps: Perform partial repetitions at the end of a set to exhaust the muscles fully.
4. Rest-Pause: After reaching failure, take a short rest and perform a few more reps with the same weight.
FAQs
How often did Tom Platz train his legs?
He would train his legs twice a month, ensuring adequate time for recovery and growth between sessions.
Did Tom Platz use any advanced training techniques?
Yes, Tom Platz incorporated advanced training techniques such as drop sets, supersets, and partial reps into his leg workouts.
Conclusion
Tom Platz leg workout routine is a testament to the dedication and intensity required to achieve impressive leg development. By incorporating heavy compound exercises like squats, hack squats, and Leg Extensions, Platz was able to build his legendary leg size and strength.
Remember to always prioritize proper form, gradually increase the weight, and listen to your body’s signals during your leg training sessions. With consistency and hard work, you too can work towards sculpting powerful and awe-inspiring legs.
