TOM PLATZ: 'The Quadfather' LEG WORKOUT for Massive Quads

TOM PLATZ "The Quadfather" LEG WORKOUT

"The Man Who Became Renowned for His Astounding Leg Development"

Tom Platz is celebrated for having one of the most incredible and freakishly developed quads in bodybuilding history. Even though his prime was nearly 25 years ago—finishing 3rd in the 1981 Mr. Olympia—no one has matched his unique combination of jaw-dropping size and cross-striated definition.

Tom Platz’s Intense Leg Workouts

Platz’s workouts were legendary for their intensity. Despite weighing less than 230 pounds, he reportedly:

  • Squatted 635 pounds for 8 reps
  • Crashed 350 pounds for 52 reps
  • Squatted for 10 minutes straight, achieving more than 100 reps with 225 pounds

One iconic video from 1992 even shows him squatting 495 pounds for 23 deep reps, with his thighs going well below parallel.

While his genetics certainly contributed to his incredible thighs, it was Tom Platz's relentless intensity, mental toughness, and sheer determination to push beyond physical limits that made his legs legendary.

Training Philosophy

Platz’s training principles were simple yet brutally effective: “The harder, the better.”

He was known for squatting with 225 pounds for 10 minutes straight—a grueling testament to his endurance and mental focus. His high-volume training approach included leg extensions and leg curls performed for sets of 60 reps to flood the muscles with blood and induce incredible growth.

Tom Platz’s Squat Rules

To replicate Platz’s results, you must follow his golden rules for squats:

  1. Go slowly below parallel.
  2. Stretch thoroughly before starting.
  3. Give everything you have to every set.

Tom Platz’s Ultimate Leg Routine


Say "NO" to skinny legs! Follow this intense leg workout inspired by Platz, and watch your quads explode in size and strength:

The Routine

  • Barbell Squats: 8-12 sets, 5-20 reps
  • Hack Squats: 5 sets, 10-15 reps
  • Quad Extensions: 5-8 sets, 10-15 reps
  • Lying Hamstring Curls: 6-10 sets, 10-15 reps
  • Standing Calf Raises: 3-4 sets, 10-15 reps
  • Seated Calf Raises: 3-4 sets, 10-15 reps
  • Hack Machine Calf Raises: 3-4 sets, 10-15 reps

Push Beyond Your Limits

Tom Platz’s leg workout is not for the faint-hearted. His relentless dedication and willingness to train to failure have inspired generations of bodybuilders. If you’re ready to push yourself to the edge, this workout will help you build quads that command attention.

Have you tried Tom Platz’s leg workout? Share your experience or your favorite leg-day routine in the comments below!