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Tom Platz, also known as "The Quadfather," is renowned for his incredible leg development and intensity in training.
He was legendary for his workout intensity.
The workout that made him the “Quadfather”
He reports that while weighing less than 230 pounds, he squatted eight reps with 635 pounds and 52 reps with 350 pounds.
On numerous occasions, he squatted for 10 minutes straight for more than 100 reps with 225 pounds.
This might seem like hyperbole, but Platz is seen in a video shot in 1992 squatting 495 pounds for 23 reps with his thighs going below parallel.
Tom Platz’s barn-burning intensity and sheer bravery to train past the limits of his potential made his thighs legendary.
Platz’s training principle was simple: the harder the better.
He enjoyed squatting with 225 pounds for ten minutes straight.
High volume training was a mainstay for Platz.
Credit: Tom Platz Instagram
Here's my intense workout routine inspired by Tom Platz.
For beginners, you might want to stick to this for leveling up your intensity.
You can do these in most commercial gyms.
Compound Leg Exercises for Mass
Barbell Squat
The barbell squat is a staple exercise in any lower body workout program. Here’s a top set demonstration:
| Exercise: Barbell Squat |
|---|
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 10 reps |
| Working Set 2: 8 reps |
| Working Set 3: 8 reps |
| Top Set: 7 reps |
Leg Extensions
Leg extensions are a safe exercise for beginners and will improve athletic performance. Here’s a demonstration:
| Exercise: Leg Extensions |
|---|
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 15 reps |
| Working Set 2: 15 reps |
| Working Set 3: 15 reps |
| Drop Set: 12 reps |
Seated Leg Press
The movement is similar to a squat but is safer for people with lower back problems. Here’s a demonstration:
| Exercise: Seated Leg Press |
|---|
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 12 reps |
| Working Set 2: 12 reps |
| Working Set 3: 12 reps |
| Back Off Set: 10 reps |
Summary of the Workout Routine
| Barbell Squat |
|---|
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 10 reps |
| Working Set 2: 8 reps |
| Working Set 3: 8 reps |
| Top Set: 7 reps |
| Leg Extensions |
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 15 reps |
| Working Set 2: 15 reps |
| Working Set 3: 15 reps |
| Drop Set: 12 reps |
| Seated Leg Press |
| Warmup: 12 reps |
| Working Set 1: 12 reps |
| Working Set 2: 12 reps |
| Working Set 3: 12 reps |
| Back Off Set: 10 reps |
Ending Note
These three leg exercises are guaranteed to help you build power and strength in your lower body.
Incorporate them into your workout routine and watch as your legs become stronger and more powerful.