How a “Broke” Bodybuilder Got Away With Paying for Gold’s Gym Membership in the 80s

Tom Platz was one of the rising stars in the bodybuilding world during the 70s. Platz stood alongside other champions like Mike Mentzer and Carlos Rodriguez to prove his worth on stage. Yet, every legend has humble beginnings. And Platz’s hustle began by aiming for the coveted Gold’s Gym membership.

In 2018, a detailed seminar featured Platz opening up about his bodybuilding journey and his major challenges. Many anecdotes later, the legend found himself remembering the first time he got a Gold’s Gym membership without paying a dime. How did he manage that?

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

With nicknames like The Quadfather and The Golden Eagle, Platz grew popular during the 70s and the 80s due to his unique physique. The legend boasted of 30-inch quadriceps during his prime – something that the bodybuilding community looks up to even today. But all good things start from somewhere, and for Platz, his bodybuilding journey took a turn, when he came face to face with the founder of Gold’s Gym, Joe Gold.

At that time, the bodybuilding champion was preparing for Mr. Universe. Joe Gold summoned him and told him that if he needed a membership, he would have to pay up. But Platz, just like any new bodybuilder on the roster, was broke. Gold decided to push the matter away until after the championship. And would you know it, Platz brought back the title with him that year.

Read More: “That’s What Killed Mike”: Arnold Schwarzenegger-Mike Mentzer Cold-Hearted Feud at 1980 Mr. Olympia Detailed by Tom Platz in 2018

Upon hearing about his victory, Gold asked Platz to come visit. The bodybuilder was afraid that he might have to pay up for his membership, but was pleasantly surprised. Gold invited him over, called in veterans like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane, and instructed the stars – Tom Platz was there to stay, and he won’t pay a dime for it. Now that Platz is 67, he still has a physique to maintain, and he does so in his own way.

Platz squats his way to a better body

Growing older doesn’t mean growing weaker. For Tom Platz, age is just a number. He once revealed one of the best exercises, that he considered being both tough and effective.

In a short video, Platz quickly explained why he thought squats were one of the most effective exercises out there. Incorporating squats into one’s routine could give good results. While they might be hard to perform, they work wonders for one’s physique. That’s how the legendary bodybuilder got his 30-inch quads, and his unique build, and now wants more people to achieve bigger.

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