Nearly thirty years after Tom Platz stood as one of the top 5 bodybuilders in the world, his gigantic thighs still rate as arguably the best in the history of bodybuilding. Amidst his current whimsical comeback talk, at nearly 60 years of age, he still hasn’t been eclipsed in terms of leg development by today’s crop of professional bodybuilders.

How did Platz do it? His legs were larger and thicker than those of his contemporaries, and more defined and conditioned than many of today’s competitors. Did he have some magic diet that allowed him to grow more than others? Did he discover some secret drug cocktail that today’s pros have yet to match? No, the simple fact is that Platz was able to develop those incredible quadriceps by simply outworking everyone else. Let’s look at the basic tenets of Platz’ leg training.

Squats

Most bodybuilders see squats as an exercise to train the front thighs. Platz saw this exercise as a magical movement which allowed the bodybuilder to train the entire body. His speed was remarkably slow. His range was incredibly deep. The weights he used were very heavy. He mastered numerous squat variations, including heavy (partial) squats, front squats, sissy squats, and the standard squat. To this day, Platz’ mastery of the squat movement is still studied by bodybuilders and personal trainers alike.

The Usual Suspects

Following the squats, Tom Platz would move through the usual litany of exercises for his quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves. Leg extensions and presses would suffice for the quadriceps. He would use leg curls with insane amounts of weight. His calf work included hundreds of pounds for dozens of sets of dozens of repetitions. Platz would spend 90 minutes in the weight room every time, and leave it all on the gym floor.

Training Intensity

Tom Platz was a little scary when he trained. He would yell, sweat, swear, throw weights, and generally engage in any practice necessary to deliver an incredible amount of intensity and find the strength he needed. He would go through training partners like a newborn through diapers. It was very hard to keep up with Tom Platz, or so the legend goes!

Cardio

Platz would complete the aforementioned leg workout, but he wouldn’t end this day by collapsing on the floor like the rest of us probably would. Rather, he would head outdoors and pedal twenty or more miles on his bicycle. It wasn’t enough to outperform everyone in the gym. He had to exit the gym, grab a snack, and pedal. He believed this extra demand required his legs to grow – and the results are a little tough to argue with!

As you can see, Platz didn’t have any secret to insane leg mass and definition. Rather, he knew the basics, and just outworked everyone else. It takes a special kind of man (or animal!) to train ferociously with squats, tackle every other exercise in the weight room, then pedal for 20 miles before calling it a (leg) day. Are you that kind of animal?

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