Thomas Steven Platz was far ahead of his era, the judges told him more than once that he was out of proportion. Leg training tips from a renowned athlete.
Thomas Platz was born on June 26, 1955 in Oklahoma. Platz was a top athlete in the 70s and 80s and owes his resounding fame to his incredibly developed legs. In 1981, Platz took 3rd place at Olympia (with all due respect to Franco Colombo, who took first place, Tom Platz was in the best shape). And despite the fact that he last participated in Olympia in 1986, every true bodybuilding fan knows his name. And yet, it was his legs that let him down - Thomas was far ahead of his era, the judges told him more than once that he was out of proportion.
Interview with Tom Platz.
About a smile …
Before the interview, Tom asked me to show him my photos for visual acquaintance and in order to more accurately answer the questions of interest to me. Of course, I gave Tom my best photos. And the first thing he said was: “I don’t see your smile in these photos, and this is very important! Despite the fact that you are in good shape, you can lose, because do not radiate charm. I'll tell you the case with Arnold Schwarzenegger. … Behind the scenes of one historical tournament, I saw what Arnie looked like, he was completely unprepared! Then I asked: “How are you going to perform? You won't be able to claim the first place? " And Arnold replied: “Tom will be fine! You will see!" Stepping onto the podium, Schwarzenegger did his classic double biceps in front and smiled so that all the spectators in the hall went crazy. His smile hid all the flaws in his competitive form. And he won this tournament!"
Golden era
- Tom, do you think that modern bodybuilding is going in the right direction, in its gigantism and excessive biomedical support? Or is the golden era of bb already over, because looking back at your times bb was based more on methodological systems of training, on the beauty of posing and harmony?
Tips for training legs
“Tom, you have outnumbered many athletes in hip development. I understand perfectly well that there is a merit of genetics. But still, what principles, what small details have helped you in the development of phenomenal legs?
Volume:
1. All exercises are performed in slow mode.
2. The key exercise is the barbell squat.
3. Be sure to work with a partner who feels your capabilities.
4. Thigh muscles respond well to negative reps.
- I trained my legs twice a week, concentrating on the technique of the exercise and with light weights preparing my brain and my body for hard training. After that, reaching peak shape, I trained my legs twice a month with huge weights, thereby giving more time to recover.
At the end of our conversation, and it lasted an hour and a half, I thanked Tom for the interview and told him that since childhood I had seen his photographs and admired him. I said that there are still many athletes in Russia who know him, watch his photos and videos, that his achievements were and are an incentive to achieve sports goals, that he is a real legend of bodybuilding!
