Tom Platz Says Using Higher Reps and Heavier Weights on Different Training Days is the ‘Secret’ to Bodybuilding

Golden Era icon Tom Platz brought a ferocity to workouts rarely seen in today’s era. In a recent Instagram post shared on June 4, 2025, he explained why alternating between higher reps and heavier weights on different training days is the secret to bodybuilding. 

Tom Platz, recognized as ‘The Quadfather,’ built a successful bodybuilding career with a legendary lower body. His squatting strength put him on the map and allowed him to lead a highly successful tenure in the Men’s Open class. Platz competed and often pushed big-name bodybuilders like three-time Olympia winner Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, and Samir Bannout. 

Having mimicked Arnold Schwarzenegger at an early age, Platz’s love for the sport still fuels him today. At 69 years old, he hasn’t forgotten the methods that turned him into an icon. He settles the ongoing debate, shedding light on what is superior in bodybuilding, higher reps or heavier weight? 

Tom Platz Shares ‘Secret’ to Bodybuilding, Says To Alternate Between Higher Reps and Heavier Weight  

According to Platz in his recent Instagram post, the answer is both: higher reps and heavier weight on different training days are the keys to success in bodybuilding. 

“The reps are more important than the heavy weight. The heavy weights are important, don’t get me wrong, but in bodybuilding, the reps,  eventually using the heavy weight for a lot of reps, a blending of heavy weights on some days with higher reps on some days is really the secret,” shared Tom Platz. 

Aiming for higher reps is a practice steeped in bodybuilding history. Former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman, along with his rival, Jay Cutler, both used higher reps throughout their careers, which allowed them to present next-level muscle hardness, size, and dry conditioning. 

Aside from Platz, Men’s Open bodybuilding standout Lee Labrada has also tackled whether higher reps result in greater muscle growth. He believes the science supports that performing 8-12 repetitions with 60-80% of your one-rep max is the most optimal solution for muscle hypertrophy. 

“According to the National Institute using moderate repetitions with moderate loads which is to say from 8-12 repetitions per set, using 60-80 percent of your one-rep max, optimizes muscular hypertrophy,” he shared. 

“Training with weight or resistance that allows you to fail at 8-12 reps is the way to go if you want to build muscle. Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with experimenting with different repetition ranges.” 

Platz continues to help new-generation fans discover lifting strategies that work for them. He believes that alternating between higher reps and heavier weights on different training days is a training path worth traveling in bodybuilding. 

RELATED: Jay Cutler’s Bench Press Secret: Increase Your Max with Lighter Weight and Higher Reps

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