Retired bodybuilding icon Tom Platz is still helping individuals reach their dream physiques. On Dec. 4, 2025, “The Quadfather” revealed how to overcome training plateaus inside the gym.
Tom Platz established himself as a top threat in the Men’s Open division during the Golden Era. He faced off against all-time greats, including former Mr. Olympia champions Samir Bannout, Frank Zane, and Franco Columbu.
Even the most seasoned professional athletes experience training lulls. Everyone’s solutions are different; for Jay Cutler, breaking a training plateau was critical to his success at the highest level. He revealed that simply taking time away from the gym helped him conquer them. Now, Platz is sharing his best strategies for the common gym dilemma.
Tom Platz Breaks Down How to Conquer Training Plateaus
In the reel, Platz explained that genuine enthusiasm for training is one of the greatest weapons to combat workout plateaus.
“You’re in a rut currently in training, and it’s difficult to get workouts in. There’s a stagnation or a lack of enthusiasm, as such. How do I overcome that?
Everybody gets to that point and overcomes it, guaranteed. No matter who they are, period, in any field. You have to realize nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
He believes timing workouts can help individuals stay motivated for training.
“The joy of human movement has to be understood,” said Tom Platz. “Until you have the enthusiasm of a small child in the candy store or a toy store, until you’re craving to get that barbell on your hands once again, then go. Time your workouts every week so you never lose that.”
As long as there’s passion and enjoyment, Platz emphasized that anyone can overcome training obstacles:
“You can’t lose that; otherwise, you’ll get to a point of what your question is. Look for the joy, Search for the joy. I don’t think it’s going to happen while you’re training in this condition.
You cannot merely do the required number of reps to be successful, but to continue doing bodybuilding forever and ever. You have to be eager. You have to have passion. The enjoyment, the enthusiasm, provides energy to overcome these kinds of obstacles.”
Retired IFBB Pro Lee Priest has also offered solutions to overcoming training plateaus. He said a variety of methods can help, like supersets, changing the exercise order, or implementing pre-exhaust techniques. Above all else, Priest stressed that patience is key to improvement.
For Platz, enthusiasm and passion are the building blocks of progress. He believes they also provide lifters with energy to overcome obstacles.
RELATED: Hunter Labrada Shares Tips for Breaking Plateaus & Changes in Off-Season & Prep Training
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