• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Bodybuilding

Tom Platz Says “You’ve Got to Feed the Body, The Answer Is Not in the Supplements”

Avatar photoby Dylan Wolf Published on Sep 19, 2023

Tom Platz bodybuilder steroid cycle
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

The bodybuilding legend discusses his dislike of the supplement industry

Golden Era legend, Tom Platz, who was known for having one of the most intense leg workout routines of all time, recently opened up about his dislike of the supplement industry. As a man who has been in the industry for decades, he certainly has seen the sport change, and the rise of supplement companies is one of the changes he has witnessed. Recently, in a video on Instagram, Platz had called out dishonest practices in the supplement industry, stating that the body’s main source of recovery comes from a proper diet consisting of high-nutrient foods. 

Let’s take a look.

Who is Tom Platz?

tom platz

Full Name: Tom Platz

Weight Height Date Of Birth
225-235 lbs 5’8″ 1955
Division Era Nationality
Bodybuilding 1970, 1980 American

Tom Platz has stepped on the Mr. Olympia stage eight times in total, bringing some of the best legs on the planet to the sport. He has stood next to some of the greats, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lee Haney, and even Rich Gaspari. 

He is also famed for his brutal leg workouts that involve pushing exercises beyond muscular failure, which is something you do not see very often anymore. However, these are the workouts that put his legs on the map, earning him the nickname “The Quadfather”. Other bodybuilders such as Lee Priest have trained with him, and Lee described the training as “demented but effective”. 

Tom Platz’s View on the Supplement Industry

Supplementation is a popular aspect of the fitness industry, with things like protein powders, creatine, or pre-workouts, all promoting different functions designed to enhance your recovery and performance. However, while the supplement industry is booming, Tom Platz does not believe that they are a necessary tool for enhancing your physique, but your diet and hitting your macronutrients is what will take your physique to the next level. 

Tom went on to say in the video that you have to feed the body, and supplements are supposed to supplement your diet, but food is your main choice of nutrients. He explains that this is how it has always been, with food as the main source of recovery. Platz states that he does not like supplement companies, and there are “14 companies worldwide that do everybody’s supplements”. 

He continues by stating that “supplements are supplements”, and that there are some things that are a little better than others, but the answer ultimately is not within supplements. Platz states that he eats meat and egg proteins, and stays away from whey protein because that is “byproduct”. He does not stop there, as Platz adds in that whey proteins and egg whites are the “leftovers” of food, meaning that they are nothing. 

Tom Platz then makes the statement that some of his buddies were jailed for selling steroids, and later started supplement companies, and that is where it all started. He says that the terminology and phrases are “drug-like”, such as the terms “anabolic” and “constructive metabolism”.

Is Tom Platz Nuts?

You may think that as a bodybuilder saying these things, he has to be insane and all alone in his claims, but he is not. Recently, none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger himself came out to warn that supplement companies are hiding illegal ingredients in their products. He provided a study that discovered 89% of supplements analyzed did not accurately list ingredients. 

Are Supplements That Bad?

While this is certainly daunting, some of the greatest bodybuilders of all time making bold claims against supplement companies, it is worth noting that they are still effective, and many modern athletes in the bodybuilding and strength sports industries utilize them. Athletes like Chris Bumstead use supplements practically daily!

For many, supplements are a necessary part of their daily routines in order to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Many times, people will not get in their proper macro and micronutrient intake, so supplementation is a great outlet. However, whole food meals are still supposed to be the primary source of your caloric intake.

Supplements We Like

Let’s take a look at a few supplements that we like, and can firmly recommend. 

Pre-Workout

From energy, to muscle pumps, reduced fatigue, and more, finding a good pre-workout is a great supplement to keep your energy levels up, and our favorite is none other than MUTANT MADNESS: ALL-IN. 

MUTANT MADNESS Pre-workout

MUTANT MADNESS Pre-workout

MUTANT MADNESS Pre-workout

MUTANT MADNESS ALL-IN is one of the most powerful pre-workouts ever. MUTANT is the supplier of this trailblazing pre-workout. MUTANT only creates supplements that are clinically proven to get results. 

Shop MUTANT

It contains ingredients such as a strong citrulline malate, ensuring that MADNESS ALL-IN Pre-Workout will give you great muscle pumps in the gym. Other ingredients in MUTANT MADNESS ALL-IN are the one-two punch betaine anhydrous and creatine that will increase your strength by increasing muscle cell volume even more than normal workouts when taken beforehand!

Protein Powder

A good protein powder can help you with hitting your proper protein intake, and ensuring recovery. If you are like Tom Platz and disagree with using whey, then we have a great recommendation, and that is MuscleMeds Carnivor. 

40% OFF

Carnivor

Carnivor

Carnivor

Carnivor is a 100% beef protein isolate that is fast digesting and great tasting for an effective non-dairy protein supplement.

Shop MuscleMeds

MuscleMeds Carnivor is a beef based protein designed for the individuals who seek to take their training to the next level, build muscle faster, and perform at their best. MuscleMeds puts a focus on what counts so you see results. With 23 grams of fast digesting hydrolyzed beef protein, it comes in numerous delicious flavors, and has no fat and very little carbohydrates, so you can fit this in even the most restrictive diets.

Creatine

Creatine is a great supplement to increase ATP in the body, which can help increase muscle mass, provide better recovery, and pumps. Our favorite is MUTANT CreaKONG.

MUTANT CreaKONG

MUTANT CreaKONG

MUTANT CreaKONG

TOP 3 CREATINES that help build muscle, strength, size and power! Creatine is the #1 muscle building supplement of all time. Mutant Creakong combines the top 3 Creatines from the leading Creatine sources!

Shop MUTANT

MUTANT CreaKONG is an advanced creatine supplement that has been formulated to maximize your gains! Each serving contains three of the most cutting-edge forms of creatine commercially available and has been lab tested to ensure 100% purity in every bottle, so there is no dishonesty in the label.

Multivitamin

A multivitamin is a great way to get in your micronutrients, which can help with things such as recovery and immune health. Our top choice is National Bodybuilding Co. Multivitamin. This multivitamin will work to provide for more daily energy with advanced ingredients while promoting better workouts so you perform better and recover faster. 

Tom Platz Supplements Wrap Up

tom platz

Overall, Tom Platz’s criticism of the supplement industry certainly brings up some good points. There are a lot of junk products that do not do what you want, and may even have adverse effects. That being said, it does not mean to completely abandon your supplements, but rather choose them more carefully, and truly focus on your diet.

What do you think of Tom Platz’s claims?

Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

Avatar photo

About Dylan Wolf

I work mainly in content writing, focusing my free time on bodybuilding and strength sports. I was introduced to fitness in high school and after watching Generation Iron movies. I love to train. I have competed multiple times, even winning a junior title in classic physique. I have a bachelor's in criminal justice and business obtained through Alvernia University. When I am not focused on work or training, I enjoy watching films or reading about anything and everything.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility