7 Keys To Tom Platz Squat Form

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The squat is a compound exercise that is essential for building strong, powerful legs. It's a movement that works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously, making it a highly effective exercise for building overall leg development. One of the most iconic squatters in the history of bodybuilding is Tom Platz, a legendary bodybuilder known for his incredible leg development. Platz's squat form is still studied by bodybuilders and powerlifters today, and for good reason - it's a masterclass in technique and execution.

Platz's squat form is characterized by its deep, controlled descent, and explosive upward drive. It's a squat that not only builds strength and muscle, but also improves flexibility and mobility. In this article, we'll break down the 7 key elements of Tom Platz's squat form, and provide tips on how to incorporate them into your own training.

Key 1: Starting Position

The starting position of the squat is critical in setting up the rest of the movement. Platz's starting position is characterized by a deep breath, with his chest up and shoulders relaxed. His feet are shoulder-width apart, with his toes pointed slightly outward. This allows him to maintain balance and control throughout the movement.

Tips for a Strong Starting Position

• Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointed slightly outward.
• Take a deep breath, and fill your lungs completely.
• Keep your chest up, and your shoulders relaxed.
• Squeeze your glutes, and engage your core muscles.

Key 2: Descent

The descent is the most critical part of the squat, as it requires control and precision. Platz's descent is characterized by a slow, controlled movement, with his weight transferring onto his heels. He keeps his back straight, and his core muscles engaged, to maintain balance and control.

Tips for a Smooth Descent

• Lower yourself down slowly, taking 2-3 seconds to reach the bottom of the squat.
• Keep your weight on your heels, with your knees tracking over your toes.
• Maintain a straight back, and engage your core muscles.
• Keep your glutes squeezed, and your hamstrings engaged.

Key 3: Bottom Position

The bottom position of the squat is where the magic happens. Platz's bottom position is characterized by a deep, controlled movement, with his hamstrings and glutes fully engaged. He keeps his back straight, and his core muscles engaged, to maintain balance and control.

Tips for a Strong Bottom Position

• Keep your weight on your heels, with your knees tracking over your toes.
• Maintain a straight back, and engage your core muscles.
• Squeeze your glutes, and engage your hamstrings.
• Take a brief pause at the bottom of the squat, to ensure control and precision.

Key 4: Upward Drive

The upward drive is the most explosive part of the squat, and Platz's upward drive is legendary. He explodes upward from the bottom of the squat, using his powerful legs and glutes to drive himself upward.

Tips for a Powerful Upward Drive

• Explode upward from the bottom of the squat, using your powerful legs and glutes.
• Keep your weight on your heels, with your knees tracking over your toes.
• Maintain a straight back, and engage your core muscles.
• Use your arms to help drive yourself upward, by pushing your hands against your thighs.

Key 5: Lockout

The lockout is the final part of the squat, and Platz's lockout is characterized by a strong, controlled movement. He keeps his legs straight, and his glutes squeezed, to maintain balance and control.

Tips for a Strong Lockout

• Keep your legs straight, and your glutes squeezed.
• Maintain a straight back, and engage your core muscles.
• Take a brief pause at the top of the squat, to ensure control and precision.
• Use your arms to help maintain balance and control, by keeping them at your sides.

Key 6: Breathing

Breathing is critical during the squat, as it helps to maintain control and precision. Platz's breathing is characterized by a deep breath at the beginning of the movement, and a slow exhale during the descent.

Tips for Proper Breathing

• Take a deep breath at the beginning of the movement, and fill your lungs completely.
• Slowly exhale during the descent, taking 2-3 seconds to reach the bottom of the squat.
• Take a brief pause at the bottom of the squat, to ensure control and precision.
• Inhale slowly during the upward drive, taking 2-3 seconds to reach the top of the squat.

Key 7: Footwear

Footwear is critical during the squat, as it helps to maintain balance and control. Platz's footwear is characterized by a pair of weightlifting shoes, with a non-marking sole and a snug fit.

Tips for Proper Footwear

• Wear a pair of weightlifting shoes, with a non-marking sole and a snug fit.
• Ensure that your shoes are comfortable, and provide support and stability.
• Avoid wearing shoes with a thick sole, as they can affect your balance and control.
• Consider wearing shoes with a strap or laces, to provide additional support and stability.

By incorporating these 7 key elements into your squat form, you'll be well on your way to building strong, powerful legs like Tom Platz. Remember to always prioritize control and precision, and to use proper breathing and footwear to maintain balance and control.