REALLY DUMB-BELLS
I’m a 67-year-old bodybuilding legend – I’m an expert at blasting the gym but a popular workout move is way too risky
A BODYBUILDING legend has warned people fixated on a popular workout move that it is "too risky" - even after decades in the gym.
Tom Platz, who was nicknamed The Quadfather thanks to his 30-inch thigh muscles, urged fitness fanatics to ditch ridiculous deadlifts.
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He explained that he had learned the best methods to bulking his muscles after years of intense training - and some trial and error.
But the shredded icon, 67, now wants people to take heed of his mistakes that lift him with crippling back problems.
Tom said it turned his stomach to see people deadlifting up to four times their body weight to impress fellow musclemen.
The International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness veteran said that although the enthusiasm is applauded, it it dangerous.
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Poor technique and lifting too heavy can create an imbalance in the distribution of load between the hips and lower back, increasing the risk of injury.
Deadlifts can cause catastrophic spinal and shoulder injuries as well as damaging muscles and tearing tissues in your back - triggering agonising back pain.
In a recent YouTube video, Tom said: "I think the deadlifts people do, are too much risk. I can milk it out of leg curls for ya.
"I can do stuff that’s less risk, even better results.
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"Back in the early 70s, I did deadlifts. After much back problems I said let’s forget about it."
The renowned bodybuilder, from Oklahoma, US, added: "I think it’s too risky.
"There’s always the benefit to risk ratio, how much risk, how much benefit."
The macho man is renowned for his extraordinary physique and tree-like legs, which measured over 30 inches in his prime.
The majority of bodybuilding fans accept his opinion as gospel since Tom began pumping weights at the age of 11.
His supporters welcomed his cautionary tale, with many sharing their own stories of dangerous deadlifts.
One wrote: "Never ever mess with your lower back, theres no turning back from that."
Another added: "Deadlift hit your lower back like no other exercises makes it like granite."
A third commented: "Facts I did deadlifts in my twenties and messed my back up. It’s just not worth it."
And a fourth admirer said: "Tom Platz in his 60’s and still in good health thanks to careful training!"
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Tom is still active in the gym and regularly shares workout tips with his 352,000 followers on Instagram.
Throughout his illustrious career, he also starred in a number of films such as Who Killed Johnny Love?, Twins and The Comeback.
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