Victor Martinez praises Tom Platz legendary legs – but gets real about just how “unimpressive” his upper body really was at the time
The Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by bodybuilding icon Victor Martinez alongside Edwin Mejia Jr., and director Vlad Yudin, continues to deliver engaging discussions that blend fan interaction, industry insights, and celebrity news. In this episode, the trio tackled a wide range of topics—from starting bodybuilding at an older age to celebrity workout routines and the ever-controversial issue of Photoshopping physique images on social media. In a shocking highlight, Victor Martinez also claimed that Tom Platz had one of the “worst upper bodies” in bodybuilding.
Here’s what to expect in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez breaks down Tom Platz legendary status and his biggest weakness.
- How old is too old to start bodybuilding?
- Victor’s pick for the best calisthenic exercise when you don’t have weights to work with.
- Breaking down the viral Lebron James “Diddy Squat.”
- Was Jake Paul lifting fake weights?
- Victor weighs in on the Ryan Terry photoshop scandal.
- Reacting to Dave Bautista’s shocking weight loss.
Let’s take a deep dive into all of these topics below.
Tom Platz: 50 Reps of 405 Pounds—A Legend in Leg Workouts
A major point of discussion was Tom Platz, also known as the Quadfather and Golden Eagle, who claimed to have performed 50 reps of 405-pound squats. Victor Martinez gave his take on this legendary feat, emphasizing that Tom’s leg workouts pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time. Victor believes Platz didn’t perform such high-rep squats every workout, but he certainly incorporated them occasionally, helping to solidify his reputation.
Victor himself recalled doing 20 reps of the same weight, describing it as absolutely brutal. While extreme, this type of training can build impressive leg mass, proving that pushing past limits is often necessary for success in bodybuilding.
Interestingly, Victor mentioned that while Tom Platz’s leg development was world-class, his upper body was relatively unimpressive by professional bodybuilding standards – noting that he had “one of the worst upper bodies.” This surprising statement shocked his co-hosts, but Victor quickly clarified that Tom’s upper body just didn’t match the level of his legendary legs. Nor could his upper body stand up to his fellow competitors. This is why Platz is seen as a legend in his own right yet never took home a Mr. Olympia title.
Fan Question: Is 38 Too Old to Start Bodybuilding?
One of the most frequently asked questions among aspiring bodybuilders is, “Am I too old to start bodybuilding?” In this episode, a fan, who is 38 years old, 5’2”, and 170 pounds, sought guidance on whether they were too old to begin their bodybuilding journey.
Victor Martinez’s response was not only reassuring but also motivating. He made it clear that 38 is not too old to get into bodybuilding. In fact, there are athletes who have turned pro well into their late 30s. Victor shared examples of individuals competing well into their 70s and 80s, proving that age is just a number in the bodybuilding world.
However, he did offer a piece of crucial advice: if you’re going to take up bodybuilding, you need to do it for yourself. It’s a demanding sport that requires immense dedication and passion, and if you’re not fully committed, it can easily overwhelm your life. Bodybuilding, according to Victor, isn’t just a hobby—it becomes a lifestyle. So, if you are passionate about it, there’s no reason not to go for it, regardless of your age.
Fan Question: Best Calisthenics Routine for Building Muscle Without Weights
Another fan asked a question that many face in recent times, “What’s the best calisthenics routine if you have no access to weights?”
Victor playfully responded by asking if the fan was locked up—since the only reason not to have access to weights is usually being in prison! He then quickly moved into a serious discussion, outlining several key calisthenic exercises that can help build muscle effectively:
- Pull-ups: A powerful upper-body exercise that targets the back, shoulders, and arms.
- Lunges: Ideal for lower body development, lunges help in shaping and strengthening the legs.
- Stair Exercises and Bleacher Runs: Great alternatives for leg training, offering explosive lower-body conditioning.
- Squats: Victor suggested that even without traditional weights, using everyday objects can provide resistance, allowing you to squat effectively and safely.
Victor emphasized that sprinting and explosive exercises are more effective for muscle-building than steady-state cardio like jogging or walking. Overall, it’s clear that with creativity and dedication, you can build muscle mass without traditional weightlifting equipment.
Lebron James’ Squat Controversy: Was It Even a Squat?
Recently, a video of Lebron James performing an exercise labeled as a squat went viral. However, to many in the fitness world, it wasn’t actually a squat. Victor Martinez admitted he was confused by the video and wasn’t aware that Lebron James had sparked the conversation.
Victor Martinez clarified that what Lebron was performing was more akin to a hip thrust than a traditional squat. When it comes to tall individuals like Lebron, squats can be more challenging due to their longer limbs. Victor advised that using a Smith machine might be a better option for someone of Lebron’s height, as it allows for a more controlled range of motion, ensuring the movement targets the right muscle groups.
Jake Paul’s Deadlift Video: Real or Fake?
Jake Paul, a polarizing figure in boxing and social media, recently shared a video of himself deadlifting 500 pounds. However, many questioned the authenticity of the lift due to Jake’s less-than-chiseled physique in the video.
Victor and Vlad agreed that Jake Paul is a master marketer, and Victor speculated that the weights were likely fake, designed to stir controversy and create buzz online. This kind of spectacle fits into Jake’s strategy of creating viral content and keeping his name in the headlines. There’s even speculation that the video was poking fun at Mike Tyson’s training videos, adding layers to Jake’s marketing genius.
Ryan Terry’s Photoshop Scandal: Bodybuilders and Social Media Pressure
Professional bodybuilder Ryan Terry found himself in hot water after admitting that some of his Instagram photos were Photoshopped to enhance his physique. A YouTuber exposed the manipulated images, which showed clear signs of distorted backgrounds.
While Terry blamed the incident on his photographer, he expressed regret for the situation. Fans had mixed reactions—some brushed it off, while others felt it set a bad precedent for aspiring bodybuilders. Victor Martinez weighed in, calling the Photoshop incident a weak move, arguing that professional bodybuilders should be confident enough in their physiques without having to digitally alter their images. He noted that this type of behavior undermines trust in the sport.
Dave Bautista’s Weight Loss: An Evolution in Health and Career
The final topic of discussion was Dave Bautista’s noticeable weight loss compared to his massive physique during his days as a professional wrestler and action star. Victor Martinez viewed Bautista’s transformation as part of his evolution—both in terms of health and his acting career.
As Bautista grows older, he’s choosing to prioritize health and longevity, while also breaking out of the action-hero mold. Victor emphasized that this is a natural transition, and rather than regressing, Bautista is adapting to a new phase of his career and life.
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast continues to provide invaluable insights into the world of bodybuilding, addressing fan questions and discussing the latest controversies. Whether you’re wondering if it’s too late to start bodybuilding at 38, or you’re curious about the latest social media scandals, this episode offered a comprehensive look at the sport, its challenges, and its vibrant personalities.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
