Tom Platz was one of the biggest names in the golden era of bodybuilding. He proudly stood alongside veteran bodybuilders like Mike Mentzer and Carlos Rodriguez in the 70s. Yet, every single icon and legend always starts with a humble beginning. And Platz’s hustle to reach the top did not stop even after winning Mr. Universe.

When he was broke, even after making a name for himself, 3x Mr. Olympia, Frank Zane, came to his rescue. In a recent YouTube video, Tom shared how Zane had assisted him when he was by himself. Platz thanked Zane for providing him with valuable advice to earn money and improve his skills.

Frank Zane helps Tom when he was at his lowest

Platz was talking about his initial days after winning Mr. Universe, and he recalled how he did not have money. Tom revealed in the YouTube short video, “I was broke, Zane said; Tom wait, the opportunity’s gonna come to you. It’s gonna come. Your phone will start ringing.”

Zane also encouraged Tom by saying, “You have the leg thing going on, that you should market your legs. You have something we never, we don’t all have.”

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Platz was starving and figuring out how to eat Tuna for the next two months, but Frank changed his life. He said, “Now that you’re Mr. Universe, you should charge no less than $3000 to go somewhere.” When ‘The Quadfather” received a phone call asking him to travel to Michigan for a seminar, he quickly asked for $3000. Surprisingly, the sponsors agreed, and his life changed for the better. Tom also recounted other stories from his past when he didn’t have much money but his determination to succeed propelled him to the top.

Tom Platz hung out with the big guys in Gold’s Gym for free

In 2018, Platz opened up about his bodybuilding journey and the challenges he faced. He might have had big dreams, but his pocket could not afford it, so Tom decided another way. The legend recalled the first time he got a Gold’s Gym membership without paying a single penny. 

‘The Quadfather’ had grown popular in the 70s due to his unique physique, and he boasted 30-inches quadriceps during his prime. The owner of Gold’s Gym, Joe Gold, asked him to pay up for membership, but Tom was broke. So, Joe pushed the matter behind until the Mr. Universe championship. And would you believe it, Platz brought back the Mr. Universe title with him.

After the win, Platz met veterans like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane in the gym and did not have to pay a single dime since he paid with his talent. The 67-year-old still has the million-dollar physique which brought him all the success. What do you think about Tom’s journey? Write down in the comments below!

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