Tom Platz was renowned for his squatting abilities, but he believes modern technique has fallen by the wayside. In a recent Instagram post from July 28, 2025, he revealed that he’s never had knee problems in his life thanks to his ‘perfect pure’ quad-dominant squatting technique.
“I’ve never had a knee problem in my life. Perfect pure technique — modern-day squatting — the technique has been bastardized.”
Nicknamed “The Quadfather,” Platz leveraged his lower body to achieve incredible heights in the sport. He competed in the Golden Era, testing himself against some of the most prolific names to hit the stage, including former seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Retirement hasn’t stopped Platz from maintaining unbelievable leg definition and mass. At 70 years old, his legs are still shredded and full. While some have argued that squatting can hurt the knees, Platz is adamant that his technique never interfered with his joint health.
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Tom Platz Says He’s Never Had a Knee Problem ‘In My Life,’ Touts Benefits of Quad-Dominant Squats
In the Instagram post, Platz defended his quad-dominant squatting approach. His back would angle roughly 90 degrees, but fitness advocates today squat with their back at around 45 degrees. Platz believes they are using glutes and lower back for squats instead of the quads.
The technique is about a hip thrust. People are using buttocks and lower back too much and not the quads. I believe in a quad-dominant squat.”
“The foundational movement, like the Olympic lifters do. A quad-dominant movement, having the back not perfectly 90 degrees but maybe four or five degrees off. Most people who are fitness advocates nowadays squat somewhere in the area of 45 degrees.”
In Platz’s opinion, it’s easier to teach an incorrect squat than proper technique.
“It’s easier to teach an incorrect squat than it is a correct squat,” shared Tom Platz.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DMsIhncte18/?igsh=dmthc3Nwcnk0bzU1
Platz was willing to utilize any tool at his disposal to improve his squatting technique. In his prime, he revealed that he used to wear long, white tubesocks because they made him feel shorter. In his mind, he interpreted that as having to travel a shorter distance when squatting. Platz also admits that dieting choices played a massive role in his leg development.
There are a multitude of effective squat variations, though Platz stands by his quad-dominant approach as not only being the most effective, but the safest when it comes to long-lasting knee health and longevity.
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