I think it's because no one truly knows that their 1rm is their 80% 50% etc, and so they follow a chart that tells them what to do and so they set that as their goal. Science still does 100% matter here as I follow science but I also follow my instinct and so my perception of science stays the same but my instinct changes. Every time I hit a new pr my mind goes elsewhere, like I'm in a different place and so I go absolutely manic to make that pr. And so I do and I'm sure others experience this as well. My point is basically that we are bad at knowing where we are at so we follow what science tells us, then once we gain the confidence to know where we are at we make increments, new prs, heavier weights, prs becoming reps etc. And then the cycle continues
The Golden Eagle I couldn't hold the bar on my traps for more than 1 minute let alone 10 FUCKING minutes. Thats FUCKING insane! Squatting AINT just about leg strength. Its about the traps and lower back and core having the stamina 2 hold the weight that freaking long! His squatting endurance is still unmatched these days in bodybuilding. Although Larry Wheels is trying 2 get there 2 that level 😄😄😄!
I Love Tom. I listen to him and I implement his teachings. BUT! I train with my mind! reps, sets, intensity..... I listen to my body.... and because of Tom I take it beyond that. My last sessions on legs I laughed hysterically and collapsed in a heap on the floor. I WILL SEE MY POTENTIAL! I MUST!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart mr. Platz Your spiritual guidance has inspired me for the few years since I first got to know your legacy. As a musician, you inspired me to the degree that so many of my artistic skills are earned thanks to your inspiration. Thank you for changing my life. You are the example of being unique, brave, searching for your own truth and going all in with your dreams. After squatting 30 reps with 225, imagining your voice in my ears, I knew I could do anything
First person I've ever heard to come out and say plainly: high reps 10+reps a set with heavy weights. Love this savage mentality. Society as a whole needs this limitless approach to life. Thanks
Back in my early years I was hung up on weight, I was adsorbed by how much weight was on the bar-i had to squat 5 plates, no compromise- i got 5plates but quads were not growing!!! I’m 50 now and I squat 2.5 plates for 15 to 25 reps with a heavy session once in a while. Results are quads are bigger now than 25 years ago. Tom has always been my idol, just wish I had TH-cam back in the 80’s, would of saved me 10 years of training too heavy
“You’ve got to do heavy weight for a lot of reps” isn’t the answer most people want to hear. I remember when I first did “widow makers” where I did 20 reps with a weight I never went past 10 reps before. Talk about pain. But that’s what worked...
Mr. Skeptical rest pause training with the squat is unbelievably hard but it will give you size, strength, endurance, cardio, everything. I’d start with something like 50% of your max and try to get 20 reps without re-racking. Something like 8 reps, breathe a few seconds, 5 reps, breathe a few seconds, 2 reps, breathe, 2 reps, breathe, 1 rep. Each of those 2 rep “sets” is like its own full set to failure. It’s ridiculous. Do it once a week at most IMO, then try to add maybe 10 pounds or more reps until 30 then go up 10% in weight something like that.
One thing i noticed with myself if i do a weight that is so heavy that i can only do it for 4-5 reps full range of motion (for instance in hack squat machine), then when i lower the weight what previously felt moderately heavy now feels lighter to do and i can do more reps with it, than if i had stuck with a weight that i can handle for 8-10 reps and not add more weight. It's all about pushing the envelope all the time and progressively adding weight and grinding those poundages until your muscles grows bigger to handle the stress put on them. For instance in the leg extension, which i do as a second exercise, i add two 55lb plates in addition to the whole weight stack and do 8-10 reps full range of motion...then i remove one plate and is then able to do 15...remove the second plate and i can do 20 with just the whole stack. So i believe the key is to first get stronger, being able to handle more poundages, and this takes years of course...eventually you'll be able to do what Tom is talking about - long time under heavy tension (which no longer feels heavy because your muscles have reached a certain level of adaptation).
Iron Warrior While I would agree with most of your comment. I disagree with the (It will take years to do what Tom is saying) That's just not true. His principles can be used at any stage of your training. Poundage is only relevant to the person using it! Just because 45 lbs is heavy to one person and 200 another it's all relevant to that individual's strength curve and will be effective for them at that moment n time.
@@phatbastard2026 Of course, i do agree. What i meant is that it would take quite some time to be able to handle what would be considered very heavy poundages by the majority of lifters out there, and still make it look easy.
Thanks for putting this out there, Tom. The impact you’ve had on my training philosophy is immeasurable and I love sharing your wisdom with anyone who wants to know what it takes.
Tom may be one of the most powerful inspirational speakers and coaches, from any sport, that I've ever listened to. He leads by example. If he doesn't get your heart pumping and your blood moving just by the passion in his voice......than this sport ain't for you.
I love Tom Platz. I have often times had to use his videos and his voice to get myself from the car to the gym when I was very tired after a long work day or week. He is a phenomenal motivator and a very intelligent bodybuilding and weight training expert. I almost need his videos every leg day, but I feel thats better than not using him at all and then getting in my head and being defeated. So I go and Im always glad I did it.
Im always looking to keep improving and being the best that i can be so it's good to learn from those whose done it before you. Tom's knowledge and experience is amazing.
Luch I agree with this. It sounds like bro science and alot of people will call it that, but in my experience this holds true in real life. Just look at phil heath (high rep, soft muscles) vs dorian/ronnie (hard as fuck). They look strong, and phil looks weak.
@@ordinaryguy815 Yup. Not bro science. the science is there. Heavy builds dense fast twitch white fibre and along with neuromuscular efficiency. Light and volume builds intermuscular plasma, fluid, red fiber, etc. - volume and shape. Look at Larry Wheels - does both heavy, mid and light. But mostly heavy. Guy for 23 is as thick, dense, and hard as a brick. Yes boat loads of PEDs too. But that is the constant for all these guys.
I started doing less weight because of imballances This guy motivated me to stick at 135 and aim for 30 rep sets Ile increase as my legs feel healthy enough for more weight
Lord of Legs laying it down 💪👏 I like the clear way he tells it, without all the hype, cussing, and low-brow humor from so many bodybuilders today. He sounds like my dad giving me the best advice.
I have been listening to you Tom pretty much everyday since I found out who you were\are!! Well done awesome legacy for all of us from 90's. There's no doubt that you were one of the greatest of your prime time and the passion which you convey through all of your videos and speeches are priceless for those who love the sport as you do!!! Thank you sir, I am between such many people who are learning a lot from you!!!
Tom you are so right. As a bodybuilder you must determine the weight load and reps. I use to squat 225 for 50 reps after 4 sets with 315 for 12. So you must come up with weights and reps that fit you. Another person might do same workout with 175 and 225 or 405 first and than 275. Not written in stone but to be determined by the individual person.
One of the best interviews I’ve ever heard on TH-cam thank you you are a legend Tom Platz the golden eagle you will always be remembered amongst the best to ever do it
Did an anecdotal study on this. for 1 year i went 10-12 reps to near failure another year i stayed between 4-6 reps Results: 10-12 reps i barely got any stronger, which translated into me gaining very small amount of muscle. 4-6 reps the next year i all of the sudden managed to add 2,5kg every session (progressive overload) and made noticeable gains. was not possible for me when i ran 10-12 reps. So for any1 wondering how to go about it, try both scenarios for a while and see which works for you.
Far and away the most underrated bodybuilder!! You are a living legend!!🎩.. Happy I found this channel, man it's your voice I hear when I dig deep.. Been there with the broomstick.. Classic*👍🏻🎩💪🏽
“The squat rack is your altar... your church... now it’s time to make a sacrifice!” I always loved when I heard Tom Platz say this in his video! Lol time to bleed! God bless
Dave, with 1RM he means the maximum amount of weight that you can lift for a given exercise. No matter which exercise. 1RM stands for One Repetition Maximum. Saludos!
The Golden eagle is still tops from the days where working hard, bringing ethics to the gym and to life, and being honest with yourself and others and always, always, trying your best were virtues that hardly exist today. This is why today The Golden Eagle still tries to instill some values he believes in, to those around him. There's too much bullshit, egos and dishonesty to go around nowadays. Too bad he wasn't in his prime form today, he would take a lot of people to school on stage!
I agree. The average set should be a minimum of 30 seconds. High reps build muscle. Also he’s correct it takes time but enjoy the journey. When you do 20 reps at a wait and the next week you do a few more that’s a victory take those victories you’re eventually see differences in your physique not just your legs but your overall physique and get those victories in the other muscles also in your movements
Low weight & high reps = muscle growth, but not as much strength. Heavy weights and medium reps = muscle mass & more strength. Really heavy weights and very low reps = some muscle mass but more strength. You got mix it up, unless you are trying for a specific build.
Im actually so excited to go to the gym tomorrow now. I always feel weird taking breaks. Stopping when ive just barely begun to feel tired I believe ive been training too heavily Thank you Tom
Because of a shoulder injury I did only Front Squats. After a year's training I did Back squats for the first time today. And much of it because the TH-cam algorithm bombarded me with Tom Platz in the last few weeks! All Hail the Golden Eagle!
High reps like Tom says does help . But also helps to go lighter at times to get the fast twitch muscles working harder hence the reason you get bigger when doing heavier weights in months to come . It's a process that takes dedication and motivation as well as determination like your life depended on it. Get it people . Now train harder .
Listen budy, this is the Quadfather. Believing that you can add anything to this discussion is pathetic. Tom Platz said it well, and he said all there is to say, I think you missed the message. Going heavier and heavier for more reps that is the key.
Guys from my perspective and experience and by the way I have big legs , for my legs to grow , I have to do about 6-8 sets of 15 reps with moderate to increasingly heavier weight and I have to go below parallel with my legs out knees outward for my legs to get a pump which means I’m tearing down a fairly large amount of muscle because my body is putting fluid and blood , nutrients to the site which is being traumatized . So I agree with Tom for me I have to do a lot of reps with moderate to heavy weight . I will say whenever I do 30s which is 4 sets of 30 reps with 225 going up to 275 my leg growth goes thru the roof . So reps work for me .
Time and tension. If bbuilding is my religion, Platz’s words are my bible. This message is pure gold, thank you for posting. I hope to meet you before one of us checks out.
Yes reps are the answer the amount of weight is irrelevant. My goals in Squat: 1RM 500lbs 100 Reps with 225 most so far 35 reps Strong Quads and overall strength.
because there is still tension and if they are reducing rom to avoid pain they are still getting gains is it entirely functional no, should someone gloat about there 1/2 squats no but is it a means to an end if avoiding joint pain.
Tom Platz my name is Harold Strickland I am 68 years old now,I haven't train my legs since high school,I promise to myself that I will not neglect my legs again,I started my friend doing squats with 95 pounds of dumbbells around my waist,that's all I had,that was back in December 2021.Now I can squat 315Ibs for couple reps. My goal is 400Ibs.for reps. I have been dropping the weight down at 225 pounds so I can get 8 and more reps.L Lord willing I will continue to train well in my 70's. I Love legs day,I train my legs twice weekly. Some day I hope to meet you..
less weight increases the time under tension you can achieve - because to can keep pumping before failing whilst under stress. it all seems so obvious now. its like a how a diamond is formed -its the time under the pressure / stress that makes it hard, not the most amount of pressure in a short time frame. plus less weight is less chance of joint damage
Thank you So So much Tom! I really appreciate your experience and advice and emphasis on this whole video. Thank you thank you soooo very much... this is a video to take note on.
chest ..heavy or high reps ..same with back ..same with legs ..same with delts ....arms and calves highreps work ..heavy does little in my experience on MY OWN physique over 35 years . Im 53 ...no genetic freak at all . Im natural and arms are 19.5 cold and chest is 52 cold . But i eat right ..take natural supplements loads of aminos and vits ...a lot a hell of a lot . It all counts
@@joshmuz9018 lol... what do u think mentzer and zane were the biggest guys out there you dumbo No they were stage bodybuilders. Put them next to 6 ft guys who lift heavy and they look tiny.
@@stevenewer1 hey I call people Dumbo. Your the only other person I've seen use that weird insult. I actually feel quite flattered. Even if your argument was ridiculous
The answer is reps. The evidence? Go to any powerlifting meet. You'll see some fairly big guys. You'll also see some fairly small guys doubling and even tripling their BW for singles. They're strong, sure. But big? Nope.
I have never taken steroids and I never will but for some people to suggest that advice from a guy like Tom Platz has no value because he was a steroid user leaves me absolutely incredulous!
I use high reps to lessen mental stress post lift. I always can lift more reps than my 1 rm says. I got 315x14 a pr at 208 lbs age 47 squats. Satisfying more so than 375x3-4 reps. Goal is 315x20 squats low bar. 1-2 sets with all out reps 10+ for heart health and less stress on the CNS. Why? Doubles and triples too much CNS stress. Ive got a job at the hospital and a family. So i do 2 sets high reps then finish the five sets with 4-6 reps. This keeps the training enjoyable and stress levels low.
Progressive overload and a calorie surplus has always served me well for gaining size. I like having 1 or 2 big compound movements each session then a few lighter exercises for higher reps. By lighter I don't mean something that isn't challenging
Uh I can’t remember right now, I think it was to do with how close he was to a show. I believe he’s talked about this in one of the seminars, check in my channel.
It sounds crazy but I used to power lift but when I stopped and started doing all dumbbell presses for my chest for 3 years high reps doing like '90s and hundreds for sets of like 30 on incline and flat. My chest got more muscular than it ever got in my life. I had cross striations in my chest and I don't take anything. I don't even drink protein shakes and I'm 250 lb and I got cross striations in my chest and everything so the high reps will get you looking more defined and everything
@@rihhard1072 I wasn't really trying to be funny when I said that about the protein shakes LOL I basically just meant I don't even take supplements and I was getting results like that
Am I missing something? By definition, 80% of your 1 RM is only going to be a few reps, and your one rep max is going to be 1 rep. So if Platz does 585 lbs for 20 reps, you would expect his 1 RM to be some ludicrous figure, such as a weight in excess of 1000 lbs. If I recall his 'squat-off' with Dr. Fred Hatfield, Platz beat Hatfield for reps at an intermediate weight, but lost to Hatfield in the weight he could squat for a single rep. Thus, according to conventional exercise physiology, you would conclude Hatfield is stronger in the squat. Feel free to comment.
"too much science not enough instinct" truth
Honestly where I was going wrong I hired a pro bodybuilder for a few pts and he showed me absolute failure and the mentally I need
That is possibly the stupidest thing I've ever read. And considering we're in the age of the internet, that's an impressive feat.
I think it's because no one truly knows that their 1rm is their 80% 50% etc, and so they follow a chart that tells them what to do and so they set that as their goal.
Science still does 100% matter here as I follow science but I also follow my instinct and so my perception of science stays the same but my instinct changes.
Every time I hit a new pr my mind goes elsewhere, like I'm in a different place and so I go absolutely manic to make that pr.
And so I do and I'm sure others experience this as well.
My point is basically that we are bad at knowing where we are at so we follow what science tells us, then once we gain the confidence to know where we are at we make increments, new prs, heavier weights, prs becoming reps etc.
And then the cycle continues
So true
Even more evident today with the plethora of science-based fitness content being pumped out on TH-cam.
Low reps... high reps... all you need to do is 23 Reps with 500#+ and it will cure all your small leg problems....
Gee thanks, I'll try that tomorrow!
Quick question tho,
How many times do I have to squat 23 reps with 500+ before my small leg problems are cured?
@@blackphoenix8932 When you find a good source for AAS you questions will be answered. Hope this helps.
I think you meant 23lbs for 500 reps. I'll get right on it!
Paul Hupp 😂😂 totally agree
Got that right!
Platz considers 12 reps as low reps, awesome.
redchant he used to squat +100 reps with 225lbs for about 10 mins straight
@@the_golden_eagle
So thats why they call him the Father of the Squat
The Golden Eagle I couldn't hold the bar on my traps for more than 1 minute let alone 10 FUCKING minutes. Thats FUCKING insane! Squatting AINT just about leg strength. Its about the traps and lower back and core having the stamina 2 hold the weight that freaking long! His squatting endurance is still unmatched these days in bodybuilding. Although Larry Wheels is trying 2 get there 2 that level 😄😄😄!
@steroidsR4losers :D What a nattybeta loser boy
That's cuz it is.
He’s so passionate about the subject you just have to sit up and take notice
@Byron S-Wills I will remember you in the casket. I promise...LOL.
Low reps for bodybuilders is 8-12 reps. Moderate reps is 12-15 reps. Higher reps is 15-20+.
I love Tom Platz.
I Love Tom. I listen to him and I implement his teachings. BUT! I train with my mind! reps, sets, intensity..... I listen to my body.... and because of Tom I take it beyond that. My last sessions on legs I laughed hysterically and collapsed in a heap on the floor.
I WILL SEE MY POTENTIAL!
I MUST!
I agree
Tom Platz is the definition of the American dream. He had a goal and a vision and he made it happen.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart mr. Platz
Your spiritual guidance has inspired me for the few years since I first got to know your legacy.
As a musician, you inspired me to the degree that so many of my artistic skills are earned thanks to your inspiration.
Thank you for changing my life.
You are the example of being unique, brave, searching for your own truth and going all in with your dreams.
After squatting 30 reps with 225, imagining your voice in my ears, I knew I could do anything
First person I've ever heard to come out and say plainly: high reps 10+reps a set with heavy weights. Love this savage mentality. Society as a whole needs this limitless approach to life.
Thanks
Idk where you got that from, he said to focus on 15, 25, 30, 40 even 50 rep sets
Tom Platz, a great speaker and a great example of a class act bodybuilder.
Back in my early years I was hung up on weight, I was adsorbed by how much weight was on the bar-i had to squat 5 plates, no compromise- i got 5plates but quads were not growing!!!
I’m 50 now and I squat 2.5 plates for 15 to 25 reps with a heavy session once in a while. Results are quads are bigger now than 25 years ago.
Tom has always been my idol, just wish I had TH-cam back in the 80’s, would of saved me 10 years of training too heavy
When you say you still squat heavy at your age, what do u mean by "heavy" ?
Same man.. Glad I caught on in my early 20s
Smoke1 for the dead homies dicks like should fuck off an surf pornhub
Smoke1 for the dead homies i bet you liked your own comment, troll!
Hurricane Hugues heavy nowadays is 5 reps, which current equates to 3.5 plates
Greatest bodybuilder ever with or without the Olympia, his mindset was on another level.
❤👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
Tom, more seminars please! This stuff is deep, golden era gold nuggets of advice. Thank You!
Tren hard Anavar give up!! Thank me later.
“You’ve got to do heavy weight for a lot of reps” isn’t the answer most people want to hear. I remember when I first did “widow makers” where I did 20 reps with a weight I never went past 10 reps before. Talk about pain. But that’s what worked...
I recently learn this. And I am seeing quality results
Amen 20 rep squats rock gvt is pretty good too
Did your legs truly grow?
Mr. Skeptical rest pause training with the squat is unbelievably hard but it will give you size, strength, endurance, cardio, everything. I’d start with something like 50% of your max and try to get 20 reps without re-racking. Something like 8 reps, breathe a few seconds, 5 reps, breathe a few seconds, 2 reps, breathe, 2 reps, breathe, 1 rep. Each of those 2 rep “sets” is like its own full set to failure. It’s ridiculous. Do it once a week at most IMO, then try to add maybe 10 pounds or more reps until 30 then go up 10% in weight something like that.
zach cannuli please tell me more, sounds very interesting
One thing i noticed with myself if i do a weight that is so heavy that i can only do it for 4-5 reps full range of motion (for instance in hack squat machine), then when i lower the weight what previously felt moderately heavy now feels lighter to do and i can do more reps with it, than if i had stuck with a weight that i can handle for 8-10 reps and not add more weight. It's all about pushing the envelope all the time and progressively adding weight and grinding those poundages until your muscles grows bigger to handle the stress put on them. For instance in the leg extension, which i do as a second exercise, i add two 55lb plates in addition to the whole weight stack and do 8-10 reps full range of motion...then i remove one plate and is then able to do 15...remove the second plate and i can do 20 with just the whole stack. So i believe the key is to first get stronger, being able to handle more poundages, and this takes years of course...eventually you'll be able to do what Tom is talking about - long time under heavy tension (which no longer feels heavy because your muscles have reached a certain level of adaptation).
What you are doing is called a drop set.
@steroidsR4losers Actually i don't use Steroids. Been working out drug free since i started training 14 years ago. I will report you for slander.
@@lacrahuntington Not dropsets. They are separate sets with rest inbetween.
Iron Warrior
While I would agree with most of your comment. I disagree with the (It will take years to do what Tom is saying)
That's just not true. His principles can be used at any stage of your training. Poundage is only relevant to the person using it! Just because 45 lbs is heavy to one person and 200 another it's all relevant to that individual's strength curve and will be effective for them at that moment n time.
@@phatbastard2026 Of course, i do agree. What i meant is that it would take quite some time to be able to handle what would be considered very heavy poundages by the majority of lifters out there, and still make it look easy.
Tom platz, the only man to speak for 14 minutes without closing his mouth 😯
he probably had the cardiovascular strength of an amateur boxer
Thanks for putting this out there, Tom. The impact you’ve had on my training philosophy is immeasurable and I love sharing your wisdom with anyone who wants to know what it takes.
Reps are more important than the heavy weights! Squats are changing my life one set at a tome
Love this. This information is priceless guys today don't have the knowledge or passion that Tom had
Science and athletes: lotta weights or lotta reps?
Tom: BOTH 💁♂️
one of my all time favorites giving sage advice!
Tom may be one of the most powerful inspirational speakers and coaches, from any sport, that I've ever listened to. He leads by example. If he doesn't get your heart pumping and your blood moving just by the passion in his voice......than this sport ain't for you.
I love Tom Platz. I have often times had to use his videos and his voice to get myself from the car to the gym when I was very tired after a long work day or week. He is a phenomenal motivator and a very intelligent bodybuilding and weight training expert. I almost need his videos every leg day, but I feel thats better than not using him at all and then getting in my head and being defeated. So I go and Im always glad I did it.
Im always looking to keep improving and being the best that i can be so it's good to learn from those whose done it before you. Tom's knowledge and experience is amazing.
HOW do I get shirt that says 5 more reps - TOM PLATZ
This is nothing short of amazing! Thanks so much for this valuable information!!
The golden eagle is a legend
This is the best thing I’ve ever heard
Ronnie coleman was a good example of heavy weight with high reps just like tom platz.
sadly ronnie didn't have the common sense Tom did to take lighter periods and not risk so much
Darth Ghitza Ronnie gave zero fucks lmao LIGHTWEIGHT BABY!!!!
@@darthghitza8037 yeah that's true
Coleman is a shadow sitting on a wheel chair forever
@@BuzzCrunch he didn't get a fucked hip because he lifted heavy. NO. his father has a fucked hip too! it's genetics. lifting heavy is HEALTHY.
Both. Heavier builds density, hardness, and thickness. Reps builds shape and fullness.
Luch I agree with this.
It sounds like bro science and alot of people will call it that, but in my experience this holds true in real life. Just look at phil heath (high rep, soft muscles) vs dorian/ronnie (hard as fuck). They look strong, and phil looks weak.
@@ordinaryguy815 Yup. Not bro science. the science is there. Heavy builds dense fast twitch white fibre and along with neuromuscular efficiency. Light and volume builds intermuscular plasma, fluid, red fiber, etc. - volume and shape. Look at Larry Wheels - does both heavy, mid and light. But mostly heavy. Guy for 23 is as thick, dense, and hard as a brick. Yes boat loads of PEDs too. But that is the constant for all these guys.
I started doing less weight because of imballances
This guy motivated me to stick at 135 and aim for 30 rep sets
Ile increase as my legs feel healthy enough for more weight
Focus on 40 reps! This is a man, with or without steroids that tore up the gym when he walked in to bodybuild…
Lord of Legs laying it down 💪👏
I like the clear way he tells it, without all the hype, cussing, and low-brow humor from so many bodybuilders today. He sounds like my dad giving me the best advice.
Fuck it. TOM PLATZ FOR PRESIDENT.
Excellent and invaluable information! Thank you sir! Have followed you and your peers since 77👍
I have been listening to you Tom pretty much everyday since I found out who you were\are!! Well done awesome legacy for all of us from 90's. There's no doubt that you were one of the greatest of your prime time and the passion which you convey through all of your videos and speeches are priceless for those who love the sport as you do!!! Thank you sir, I am between such many people who are learning a lot from you!!!
Tom you are so right.
As a bodybuilder you must determine the weight load and reps. I use to squat 225 for 50 reps after 4 sets with 315 for 12. So you must come up with weights and reps that fit you. Another person might do same workout with 175 and 225 or 405 first and than 275. Not written in stone but to be determined by the individual person.
One of the best interviews I’ve ever heard on TH-cam thank you you are a legend Tom Platz the golden eagle you will always be remembered amongst the best to ever do it
When he talks about this subject you have to pay attention. He is a guru
Did an anecdotal study on this.
for 1 year i went 10-12 reps to near failure
another year i stayed between 4-6 reps
Results: 10-12 reps i barely got any stronger, which translated into me gaining very small amount of muscle. 4-6 reps the next year i all of the sudden managed to add 2,5kg every session (progressive overload) and made noticeable gains. was not possible for me when i ran 10-12 reps.
So for any1 wondering how to go about it, try both scenarios for a while and see which works for you.
Yeah it’s all about trying
i always work up to a 1 rep max and then do drop sets to failure ending with a total of 30-40 reps. 43yrs old been lifting since 15.
Can you give me an example?
Far and away the most underrated bodybuilder!!
You are a living legend!!🎩..
Happy I found this channel, man it's your voice I hear when I dig deep..
Been there with the broomstick..
Classic*👍🏻🎩💪🏽
best body building advice I think I have ever heard genuinely.
After doing a strength phase, this is the advice I needed to hear.
Thank you.
“The squat rack is your altar... your church... now it’s time to make a sacrifice!” I always loved when I heard Tom Platz say this in his video! Lol time to bleed! God bless
This is aweosme! what a legend! "Hey Mr Platz should I do high reps, or heavy weights?"
"What do yo mean OR?"
@steroidsR4losers how naive you are. Statistically, winners bump. Bet you wish you could.
Dave, with 1RM he means the maximum amount of weight that you can lift for a given exercise. No matter which exercise.
1RM stands for One Repetition Maximum.
Saludos!
OR means one rep
The Golden eagle is still tops from the days where working hard, bringing ethics to the gym and to life, and being honest with yourself and others and always, always, trying your best were virtues that hardly exist today. This is why today The Golden Eagle still tries to instill some values he believes in, to those around him. There's too much bullshit, egos and dishonesty to go around nowadays. Too bad he wasn't in his prime form today, he would take a lot of people to school on stage!
Awesome amazing thanks to you my friend👌
Thank you Mr Platz for the knowledge. I like training that isn’t overly thought out and formulated.
Much respect for this living legend
I agree. The average set should be a minimum of 30 seconds. High reps build muscle. Also he’s correct it takes time but enjoy the journey. When you do 20 reps at a wait and the next week you do a few more that’s a victory take those victories you’re eventually see differences in your physique not just your legs but your overall physique and get those victories in the other muscles also in your movements
Low weight & high reps = muscle growth, but not as much strength. Heavy weights and medium reps = muscle mass & more strength. Really heavy weights and very low reps = some muscle mass but more strength. You got mix it up, unless you are trying for a specific build.
I trained to failure for the first time in a long long long time after listening to Tom. It was a great workout
Im actually so excited to go to the gym tomorrow now. I always feel weird taking breaks. Stopping when ive just barely begun to feel tired
I believe ive been training too heavily
Thank you Tom
I'm an upcoming bodybuilder. And all my leg days I use your leg workout program Mr Tom. Thanks to you I can see change🙏
I could listen to this all day!
Because of a shoulder injury I did only Front Squats. After a year's training I did Back squats for the first time today. And much of it because the TH-cam algorithm bombarded me with Tom Platz in the last few weeks! All Hail the Golden Eagle!
I fucking knew it!!!!! I am not doing enough, I’m not killing it.
Thanks for the upload! This is one of the best bits from Mr. Platz I’ve heard yet.
High reps like Tom says does help . But also helps to go lighter at times to get the fast twitch muscles working harder hence the reason you get bigger when doing heavier weights in months to come . It's a process that takes dedication and motivation as well as determination like your life depended on it. Get it people . Now train harder .
Listen budy, this is the Quadfather. Believing that you can add anything to this discussion is pathetic.
Tom Platz said it well, and he said all there is to say, I think you missed the message. Going heavier and heavier for more reps that is the key.
Guys from my perspective and experience and by the way I have big legs , for my legs to grow , I have to do about 6-8 sets of 15 reps with moderate to increasingly heavier weight and I have to go below parallel with my legs out knees outward for my legs to get a pump which means I’m tearing down a fairly large amount of muscle because my body is putting fluid and blood , nutrients to the site which is being traumatized . So I agree with Tom for me I have to do a lot of reps with moderate to heavy weight .
I will say whenever I do 30s which is 4 sets of 30 reps with 225 going up to 275 my leg growth goes thru the roof . So reps work for me .
This is awesome. Thanks, Tom.
So, high reps at 50 - 80%. Sounds good to me.
If only more people listened to Tom Platz and Dorian Yates. These guys speak pure facts.
Time and tension. If bbuilding is my religion, Platz’s words are my bible. This message is pure gold, thank you for posting. I hope to meet you before one of us checks out.
Yes reps are the answer the amount of weight is irrelevant.
My goals in Squat:
1RM 500lbs
100 Reps with 225 most so far 35 reps
Strong Quads and overall strength.
Great results man 👍
Golden words from the Golden Eagle! Tom knows bodybuilding inside out. His wisdom is timeless.
He was able to use real steroids when you could get them legally. He offers nothing. You can tell he is uncomfortable with these questions.
1:22
Ultimate truth expressed in most creative way. Salute to your dedication Mr.Platz
Still to this day I just can’t understand how people think heavy weight with half reps will build muscle . I just can’t understand it
Works for some one... Go watch natural gallant bodybuilding. Pretty interesting channel...
because there is still tension and if they are reducing rom to avoid pain they are still getting gains is it entirely functional no, should someone gloat about there 1/2 squats no but is it a means to an end if avoiding joint pain.
Platz, you're a legend!
After training almost 2 years, trying everything under the sun, I found out this is 100% true
Tom Platz my name is Harold Strickland I am 68 years old now,I haven't train my legs since high school,I promise to myself that I will not neglect my legs again,I started my friend doing squats with 95 pounds of dumbbells around my waist,that's all I had,that was back in December 2021.Now I can squat 315Ibs for couple reps. My goal is 400Ibs.for reps. I have been dropping the weight down at 225 pounds so I can get 8 and more reps.L Lord willing I will continue to train well in my 70's. I Love legs day,I train my legs twice weekly. Some day I hope to meet you..
What a legend
You heard the king. The bad news is the more it hurts, the better the result. Failing on 3 is easy, failing on 25 is pure hell.
This is how I train, I alternate between heavy to light.
less weight increases the time under tension you can achieve - because to can keep pumping before failing whilst under stress. it all seems so obvious now. its like a how a diamond is formed -its the time under the pressure / stress that makes it hard, not the most amount of pressure in a short time frame. plus less weight is less chance of joint damage
Thank you So So much Tom! I really appreciate your experience and advice and emphasis on this whole video. Thank you thank you soooo very much... this is a video to take note on.
chest ..heavy or high reps ..same with back ..same with legs ..same with delts ....arms and calves highreps work ..heavy does little in my experience on MY OWN physique over 35 years . Im 53 ...no genetic freak at all . Im natural and arms are 19.5 cold and chest is 52 cold . But i eat right ..take natural supplements loads of aminos and vits ...a lot a hell of a lot . It all counts
Wow a 52 year old natural bodybuilder with arms 1.5 inches bigger than mentzers and Zane cold. Quite a feat
@Tony about as big as all the beers u drink... cold
@@joshmuz9018 lol... what do u think mentzer and zane were the biggest guys out there you dumbo No they were stage bodybuilders. Put them next to 6 ft guys who lift heavy and they look tiny.
@@stevenewer1 hey I call people Dumbo. Your the only other person I've seen use that weird insult. I actually feel quite flattered. Even if your argument was ridiculous
OK, light day. lets load up 5 plates a side for 20 reps for warm ups!!
De fato é uma arte e não uma exata, Tom Platz manja muito
The answer is reps.
The evidence? Go to any powerlifting meet. You'll see some fairly big guys. You'll also see some fairly small guys doubling and even tripling their BW for singles. They're strong, sure. But big? Nope.
Icon of the sport!!!!!
I have never taken steroids and I never will but for some people to suggest that advice from a guy like Tom Platz has no value because he was a steroid user leaves me absolutely incredulous!
Cheers from across the pond, fellow intelligent man.
You can only get so far with his advice when you're natural. You get to a point where you simply won't recover. I've been lifting for 20+ years.
There is a lot to take from his advice but a big part of his training philosophy is based around enhanced performance/muscle endurance/recovery.
@@donjuantrumpetajohnson That may be true, but it's the philosophy that matters.
Thank you quad king
it takes time it, it takes, it takes a career *whispers* "and some gear"
I use high reps to lessen mental stress post lift. I always can lift more reps than my 1 rm says. I got 315x14 a pr at 208 lbs age 47 squats. Satisfying more so than 375x3-4 reps. Goal is 315x20 squats low bar. 1-2 sets with all out reps 10+ for heart health and less stress on the CNS. Why? Doubles and triples too much CNS stress. Ive got a job at the hospital and a family. So i do 2 sets high reps then finish the five sets with 4-6 reps. This keeps the training enjoyable and stress levels low.
Progressive overload and a calorie surplus has always served me well for gaining size. I like having 1 or 2 big compound movements each session then a few lighter exercises for higher reps. By lighter I don't mean something that isn't challenging
As long as you like it
@@Jarnokor I certainly do
God Bless You Tom. Thank you for all your experience and hard work.
How often would Tom switch between high reps/low reps? Weekly?
Uh I can’t remember right now, I think it was to do with how close he was to a show. I believe he’s talked about this in one of the seminars, check in my channel.
Four sets of heavy 6 reps has always worked for me I'm telling you muscle just grew overnight
Awesome amazing beautiful people amazing beautiful places
Everybody wanna be a body buildah, but nobody wanna lift no heavy ass weight. - Ronnie Coleman after doing DB press with 200 lbs for reps
He's also the only one who's pretty much in a wheeelchair
It sounds crazy but I used to power lift but when I stopped and started doing all dumbbell presses for my chest for 3 years high reps doing like '90s and hundreds for sets of like 30 on incline and flat. My chest got more muscular than it ever got in my life. I had cross striations in my chest and I don't take anything. I don't even drink protein shakes and I'm 250 lb and I got cross striations in my chest and everything so the high reps will get you looking more defined and everything
Damn bro didnt even drink protein shakes hahah
@@rihhard1072 I wasn't really trying to be funny when I said that about the protein shakes LOL I basically just meant I don't even take supplements and I was getting results like that
I trained heavy to the point where I had blood coming out of my ear :)
Am I missing something? By definition, 80% of your 1 RM is only going to be a few reps, and your one rep max is going to be 1 rep. So if Platz does 585 lbs for 20 reps, you would expect his 1 RM to be some ludicrous figure, such as a weight in excess of 1000 lbs. If I recall his 'squat-off' with Dr. Fred Hatfield, Platz beat Hatfield for reps at an intermediate weight, but lost to Hatfield in the weight he could squat for a single rep. Thus, according to conventional exercise physiology, you would conclude Hatfield is stronger in the squat. Feel free to comment.
Platz’s definition of ‘heavy’ is nebulous at best
Great advices all time
this information is valuable
Can you upload this full podcast
WE SHOULD BE THANKING GOD AND KISSING THIS MAN'S FEET THAT HE IS SHARING THIS SHIT WITH US. GOD BLESS YOU TOM PLATZ!!!!
5-10 min curl set using 35lb dumbells!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unfathomable, my tendon would tear off the bone.
Thanks Tom great info!!!