I think that Lee Haney is the goat.... But Platz is my favorite. My background is Olympic lifting and we are legs all day. To this day, nobody can touch the quad father's wheels
I think he is underrated because of his amazing legs. Footage from the 81 Olympia shows that he had good back and chest. The arms migh not be huge, but arnold didn't have huge legs. Overall good mass, abs were very good too. You could argue that Arnold ain't much more complete than platz, yet he is treated as such. Maybe it's because he had more time on top.
Haney came to Penn State to guest pose for our gym in 1989. He was 10 pounds over contest weight but still looked good. THE POINT, he was a good guy who spent time with us after it was all over....
I've met Mr. Haney and Mrs. Haney ..... Absolutely wonderful folks. I've also trained alongside his daughter, Olympia.... Also a beautiful soul. To this day, in my opinion, there has never been a more complete bodybuilder, on or off the stage, than Lee Haney. Tremendous physique and (more importantly) a tremendous human being.
this list is very much spot on. All the bodybuilders that really revolutionised how a certain body part like the legs or back should be developed on a champion as well as those delivering on a unique combination of traits like Mr. Zane whose posing, look and polish really emphasised the ideal of a greek statue are there. The choice of pictures is also very tasteful and as always well researched
I disagree. Haney had a very good physique for winning contests but the 70s arnold was and still is the one most weight lifters would like to resemble. Arnold had it both, the wins and the most inspiring look.
Clint Torres you’re completely wrong, first, Lee doesn’t have those huge arms of Arnold, second, Arnold doesn’t have that thick back and tiny waist of Lee. Both had a completely different physique
@@lesnuitssanskimwilde883 BULL SHIT! IN THE 70’S ARNOLD WAS A OVER MARKETED WHITE BOY WHO GOT ALLOT OF FACE TIME IN THE MAGAZINES T.V AND IN THE PUMPING IRON MOVIE AND JOE WEIDER WANTED THAT WAY! Sergio and Serge were banned for being black studs. Who would've upstaged Arnold given the same attention. Same thing happened Robby Robinson during and after Pumping Iron. Bastard Joe Weider Even used Robby Robinson’s physique to make a statue of himself. ROBBY’S BOD WITH JOE WEIDERS HEAD INSTEAD! WTF? Weider did not want the brothas upstaging Snow White……………Arnold.
I get why these 5 were chosen, but if there were 6 I have to hope you’d include Mike Mentzer for bringing Heavy Duty dense look we hadn’t really seen up that point
@@derekweinerttv4163 speaking in past tense then of course I couldn't have waited any longer for the Tomn8er's great video. And now I can't wait for his next one.
My favorite is still Frank Zen, always will be. But good list, I'm glad you gave recognition to Tom Platz as well. He was good example of great body builder wasted by company politics and brand competitions, which I feel could've been avoided.
Same here. I was disgusted by it. I thought people were blind, ignoring how ugly it was. I don't care how big you are, if you have a bubble gut, you look bad, that's all.
I was at the 69 Olympia and when Sergio walked on stage he didn't even pose! It was like something from another planet. But I'd put Larry Scott and Harold Poole as two guys who were like nothing else anyone had ever seen. Before that, it'd be John Grimek and Steve Reeves. Before that, Eugene Sandow and Charles Atlas.
Samir! Yeah!! Cool video. It's pretty noticeable how the old school bodybuilders didn't change their physique that much throughout their career in contrast to the modern guys...
IMO Tomn8er is the best bodybuilding channel going today. Quality every time. Wanna give a shout out to Marx Max Muscle too. That dude is an excellent commentator, and hilarious to boot. Great video, Tom!
Hey Tomn8r, Cedric McMillian had a new interview with Fouad. If you haven't watched it yet, I recommend you do so. So you can have a better understanding of Cedric's life throughout bodybuilding.
Oh wow,just at the end I was about to comment, great video except for the fact that you left out Zane.phew.....all is forgiven, even if it is just a special mention. He is my favourite physic of all time.✊
Arnold won 2-3 times by politics. To defeat Sergio, Joe baned him to compete and hence Are old won with no competitors. If Sergio would be there then Arnold could not able to become MR Olympia
That platz moon pose at the beginning was not actually platz, it was Lukas osladil. He made a post about it on Instagram and if your flip your screen over your can see he face if you look closely
I really like Samirs physique. It seems so complete for that time. But I kinda can't stant his social media rants. Blaming trainers and steroids for everything nowadays. That people are too big etc. But he praises big ramy and heath. Its like saying this, but not really saying it
I agree. 72-74 were AMAZING! After 1974 he retired and was not training until he was asked to be in Pumping Iron. He was way behind schedule in getting ready... he came in a tad less hard but 10-12 pounds lighter. Still good enough for the W though
Lol platz goes to my gym here in Pennsylvania.. its called diamond fitness. He's still pretty mobile but haven't seen him squat in a while. He still has abs too which is pretty funny
Those guys, except Haney, had calves that would put the entire Olympia lineup today to shame. Amazing leg proportions back then. Today, it's mostly chicken legs. Lots of meat up top, a stick below the knee.
Sergio Oliva was simply amazing man. Not saying prime Sergio would step on stage today and win but no homo but a beautiful man and beautiful physique. Absolutely perfect. If I could pick anyone’s body to become my own it’s Sergio
Still hard to beat the 74 Arnold. If his legs had come in a lot more full, he would have sealed the deal as the greatest ever at any given time. Too bad he didn't work his legs more. And had he been able to train for say five more years, he would have taken things to a level we to this day would have never since seen. Shame he throws it all away to pursue movie making when that could have waited.
I would have thrown Bertil Fox, circa 1982 into the mix. His 22" arms and most muscular pose was out of this world. He was the FIRST TRUE MASS MONSTER. 1982: www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=644998.0;attach=759924;image & 1983: www.bodybuildingpro.com/bertilfox/bertilfox.jpg
Platz was a pioneer, yes. However, Mr Tomn8er, I think you proved yourself wrong because he was bottom-heavy( legs not in proportion with the upper half).
Tomn8er beg to differ with you about the 81 Olympia. Danny Padilla should have won. He was complete from head to toe with no weakpoints. Padilla never gets enough credit for his physique being the original Giant Killer!
3:03 holy fuck is this picture photoshopped....? Never seen that kinda separation and sweep in Arnold’s quads. Looks like jay cutlers leg photoshopped onto arnold maybe?
Right but pretty sure he also admits to taking lessons in his Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding (don't quote me on that it's been like 15 years since I read it lol)
You mention the small waist of Olivia or the wider one of Arnold but you miss the fact that black men have a proportionately smaller pelvis bone than white men it can't be helped.
@@Tomn8er I can sure you it is true. It's one of three factors that work in harmony to make black men faster runners. The other two bring a higher % of fast twitch muscle fibers and a higher more compacted G-Head connected to a longer more narrow Solious. Surly you've noticed a difference in white and black calves? But never in pelvis bones? You're right bodybuilding is about genetics but also what you do with them. So did remove the fat from his mid section and develop his abs? Is his shoulder girdle bookended with big boulder side delts? Is the back full and tapered all the way down. I believe all these things should be a factor. Thanks for your time and all the great work you do on your channel
Yeah the calves thing is quite evident. Now that you mention it though I can't think of too many examples of wide-hipped black bodybuilders, but several top-tier white guys come to mind (Jay, Branch, Gaspari). So maybe you have something there 👍🏻
Platz is underrated, it's nice that you mentioned him.
He transformed the way I thought about the squat. Made me excited to do it.
I wouldn’t say someone who is recognized as having the best legs in BB underated
@@bestdocincanada6620 he had great abs too
I think that Lee Haney is the goat.... But Platz is my favorite. My background is Olympic lifting and we are legs all day. To this day, nobody can touch the quad father's wheels
I think he is underrated because of his amazing legs. Footage from the 81 Olympia shows that he had good back and chest. The arms migh not be huge, but arnold didn't have huge legs. Overall good mass, abs were very good too. You could argue that Arnold ain't much more complete than platz, yet he is treated as such. Maybe it's because he had more time on top.
The Tomn8er knocks another one out of the park.
Craziest thing about Haney is his age, dude retired where most Olympia winners just start winning
Arnold was 27
Samir banout's back as a shape and genetics is the best back i have ever seen imo
Samir's back I'll 2nd that spot on my friend 👍
Arnold at 74' that was real game changer.
Haney came to Penn State to guest pose for our gym in 1989. He was 10 pounds over contest weight but still looked good. THE POINT, he was a good guy who spent time with us after it was all over....
I've met Mr. Haney and Mrs. Haney ..... Absolutely wonderful folks. I've also trained alongside his daughter, Olympia.... Also a beautiful soul. To this day, in my opinion, there has never been a more complete bodybuilder, on or off the stage, than Lee Haney. Tremendous physique and (more importantly) a tremendous human being.
stephen wood Yep, agreed 💯 well said 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
this list is very much spot on. All the bodybuilders that really revolutionised how a certain body part like the legs or back should be developed on a champion as well as those delivering on a unique combination of traits like Mr. Zane whose posing, look and polish really emphasised the ideal of a greek statue are there.
The choice of pictures is also very tasteful and as always well researched
6:04 not gonna lie..I thought that was flex wheeler😂😂
Same
I don't know where you find all these incredible old photos! Your hard drive must be an absolute gold mine
I have a picture of Sergio from back in the day. He was training in Belgium at Frank’s Health Center.
One of the greatest!!
Nice to break this video up by era.
Sergio might have the best bodybuilding genetics ever.
Just incredible
Batman his biceps ugly tho
No way, horrible arms! Far too misproportioned. He was great in his day, but hes not in the top 30 of genetically gifted BB's imo
The Victory Pose separates the God level genetics from the rest of the pack. Few can pull it off even with the better drugs of today.
He was way ahead of his time
Haney was literally the Arnold of the 80's physique and contest wise
I disagree. Haney had a very good physique for winning contests but the 70s arnold was and still is the one most weight lifters would like to resemble. Arnold had it both, the wins and the most inspiring look.
Haney was great but he really needed better arms. Compare him to Arnold and you'll see what I mean.
He still was a fantastic bodybuilder.
Clint Torres you’re completely wrong, first, Lee doesn’t have those huge arms of Arnold, second, Arnold doesn’t have that thick back and tiny waist of Lee. Both had a completely different physique
@@M.J.D.R I completely agree although I think he may have meant the level of domination over the competition. No one can argue that part.
@@lesnuitssanskimwilde883 BULL SHIT! IN THE 70’S ARNOLD WAS A OVER MARKETED WHITE BOY WHO GOT ALLOT OF FACE TIME IN THE MAGAZINES T.V AND IN THE PUMPING IRON MOVIE AND JOE WEIDER WANTED THAT WAY! Sergio and Serge were banned for being black studs. Who would've upstaged Arnold given the same attention. Same thing happened Robby Robinson during and after Pumping Iron. Bastard Joe Weider Even used Robby Robinson’s physique to make a statue of himself. ROBBY’S BOD WITH JOE WEIDERS HEAD INSTEAD! WTF? Weider did not want the brothas upstaging Snow White……………Arnold.
I get why these 5 were chosen, but if there were 6 I have to hope you’d include Mike Mentzer for bringing Heavy Duty dense look we hadn’t really seen up that point
can't wait for this one
You mean "couldn"t"
@@derekweinerttv4163 speaking in past tense then of course I couldn't have waited any longer for the Tomn8er's great video. And now I can't wait for his next one.
Very well done. Nice to see Lee Haney get the credit he so richly deserves.
I'm a simple man. I see that Tomn8er posts a new video I click it immediately.
Another great video King!
-Chief
My favorite is still Frank Zen, always will be. But good list, I'm glad you gave recognition to Tom Platz as well. He was good example of great body builder wasted by company politics and brand competitions, which I feel could've been avoided.
Lee Haney's V-taper with the vacuum stomach is the best bodybuilding has to offer. Reminds me much of Shawn Ray.
Once bubble-gut hit the scene, I stop caring. The Golden Era is the best!
@@rdallas81 its just big mid section
Same here. I was disgusted by it. I thought people were blind, ignoring how ugly it was. I don't care how big you are, if you have a bubble gut, you look bad, that's all.
@@lesnuitssanskimwilde883 I’m disgusted by Arnold’s tiny legs
Bubble guts kinda gone now tbh
I’m going to throw in Steve Reeves whose body Vince Gironda described as perfect . He was the Arnold of his day and became a huge bix office star
Awesome video!! THANK YOU
I love your videos brother I’m so glad I’d found your channel as well as I met Lee Haney he is such down to earth type of guy.
I was at the 69 Olympia and when Sergio walked on stage he didn't even pose! It was like something from another planet. But I'd put Larry Scott and Harold Poole as two guys who were like nothing else anyone had ever seen. Before that, it'd be John Grimek and Steve Reeves. Before that, Eugene Sandow and Charles Atlas.
Samir! Yeah!! Cool video.
It's pretty noticeable how the old school bodybuilders didn't change their physique that much throughout their career in contrast to the modern guys...
The video of Platz at that O was soooo powerful and dramatic, I recommend everyone watching it at some point to send your motivation through the roof
great video Tom! However I can't standing seeing the Weider brothers in these old pics...lol
Fantastic video, but I'm surprised Serg Nubret and Mike Mentzer weren't on this list.
People forget just how amazing Haney was. He was fantastic
IMO Tomn8er is the best bodybuilding channel going today. Quality every time. Wanna give a shout out to Marx Max Muscle too. That dude is an excellent commentator, and hilarious to boot. Great video, Tom!
Thank you sir
Great one as always , would have liked to have seen reg park as a transitionary figure to the classic mass gains
Good vid fam although I think Danny Padilla should have won 1981 mr olympia
Yeah that's a totally reasonable choice too. Both him and Platz were notably better than Franco that year
Agreed
I would love to see spirituality or philosophy videos 😁
Glad you included Platz.
Yes! I’ve been waiting for another video 😁
Paul dillet despite his back even Arnold stated if he has paul genetics he could win many more mr Olympians!
Hey Tomn8r, Cedric McMillian had a new interview with Fouad.
If you haven't watched it yet, I recommend you do so. So you can have a better understanding of Cedric's life throughout bodybuilding.
Oh wow,just at the end I was about to comment, great video except for the fact that you left out Zane.phew.....all is forgiven, even if it is just a special mention. He is my favourite physic of all time.✊
I think Rich gaspari also should earn an honorable mention for coming with striated glutes
Need to do a video about best spray tans
Great job Tom
Arnold won 2-3 times by politics. To defeat Sergio, Joe baned him to compete and hence Are old won with no competitors.
If Sergio would be there then Arnold could not able to become MR Olympia
No Arnold was a better presentater and had better biceps and better chest
Good one thanks!
That platz moon pose at the beginning was not actually platz, it was Lukas osladil. He made a post about it on Instagram and if your flip your screen over your can see he face if you look closely
Good to know that Zane got recognized atleast as a honorable mention
I really like Samirs physique. It seems so complete for that time. But I kinda can't stant his social media rants. Blaming trainers and steroids for everything nowadays. That people are too big etc. But he praises big ramy and heath. Its like saying this, but not really saying it
Yeah agreed his constant preaching does get kinda tiresome
sergiooo
0:50 the original gymshark natties
Arnold 1974 most impressive looking physique of all time
Spot ondude
I agree. 72-74 were AMAZING! After 1974 he retired and was not training until he was asked to be in Pumping Iron. He was way behind schedule in getting ready... he came in a tad less hard but 10-12 pounds lighter. Still good enough for the W though
7:32 Luke Cage in real life 💪
Lol platz goes to my gym here in Pennsylvania.. its called diamond fitness. He's still pretty mobile but haven't seen him squat in a while. He still has abs too which is pretty funny
Those guys, except Haney, had calves that would put the entire Olympia lineup today to shame. Amazing leg proportions back then. Today, it's mostly chicken legs. Lots of meat up top, a stick below the knee.
Interresting
Love Franco but I agree that Tom Platz should have won the O in 1981. Great Video.
I think Danny Padilla should have won in 1981.
God video as always
Great photos. I saw several o these champions in person in 1970s
EVERY BODY HAS FORGOTTEN BERTIL FOX
I think everyone wants to forget him
Sergio Oliva was simply amazing man. Not saying prime Sergio would step on stage today and win but no homo but a beautiful man and beautiful physique. Absolutely perfect. If I could pick anyone’s body to become my own it’s Sergio
Still hard to beat the 74 Arnold. If his legs had come in a lot more full, he would have sealed the deal as the greatest ever at any given time. Too bad he didn't work his legs more. And had he been able to train for say five more years, he would have taken things to a level we to this day would have never since seen. Shame he throws it all away to pursue movie making when that could have waited.
holy shit! holy shit! 5:51
I would have thrown Bertil Fox, circa 1982 into the mix. His 22" arms and most muscular pose was out of this world. He was the FIRST TRUE MASS MONSTER. 1982: www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=644998.0;attach=759924;image & 1983: www.bodybuildingpro.com/bertilfox/bertilfox.jpg
Bob Paris...
Platz was a pioneer, yes. However, Mr Tomn8er, I think you proved yourself wrong because he was bottom-heavy( legs not in proportion with the upper half).
Never seen a better back than samirs
Samirs back wouldnt just stand...it would dominate the classic physique backs of today.
he golden eagle was aesthetic as f**k
Tomn8er beg to differ with you about the 81 Olympia. Danny Padilla should have won. He was complete from head to toe with no weakpoints.
Padilla never gets enough credit for his physique being the original Giant Killer!
Early squad
3:09
3:03 holy fuck is this picture photoshopped....? Never seen that kinda separation and sweep in Arnold’s quads. Looks like jay cutlers leg photoshopped onto arnold maybe?
Haven't watched the video yet but I hope Mike Mentzer makes the list
I actually think that Lou Ferrigno was the first mass monster.
No
Yes
Those are not Arnold's legs in the black and white crab most muscular, they are photoshoped 🤣
Old bodybuilding was still best compared to now. All bloated tummy and had no proportions.
Bertil Fox made Lee look tiny
Only before Haney started winning
2:19 freakin.
Dude, how can you leave out Lou Ferrigno ?
If this was a top 10 he'd be on it
Still believe arnie had the best physique ever in my option.
Arnold's had a great legs too..
Look at that calves 3:20
Sergio Oliva!!❤️
Haney was over rated
Derek Weinert TV Very!
Tom platz had great legs but this sport is the whole body. It is ugly to have a bottom heavy look
I never thought Platz had the best posing routine to show off his features. There were times his figure was amazing until he hit the end of a pose.
The ballet thing was staged for the film.
Right but pretty sure he also admits to taking lessons in his Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding (don't quote me on that it's been like 15 years since I read it lol)
@@Tomn8er Yeah they probably made it look funny for the movie but I'm sure at one point arnold took those lessons seriously. He was a perfectionist.
You mention the small waist of Olivia or the wider one of Arnold but you miss the fact that black men have a proportionately smaller pelvis bone than white men it can't be helped.
Never heard of that but even if it's true so what? Bodybuilding is a game of genetics and life's not fair
@@Tomn8er I can sure you it is true. It's one of three factors that work in harmony to make black men faster runners. The other two bring a higher % of fast twitch muscle fibers and a higher more compacted G-Head connected to a longer more narrow Solious. Surly you've noticed a difference in white and black calves? But never in pelvis bones? You're right bodybuilding is about genetics but also what you do with them. So did remove the fat from his mid section and develop his abs? Is his shoulder girdle bookended with big boulder side delts? Is the back full and tapered all the way down. I believe all these things should be a factor. Thanks for your time and all the great work you do on your channel
Yeah the calves thing is quite evident. Now that you mention it though I can't think of too many examples of wide-hipped black bodybuilders, but several top-tier white guys come to mind (Jay, Branch, Gaspari). So maybe you have something there 👍🏻
To me Haney had small legs and his huge lats made his arms look small and really terrible abs
8 Mr. O disagree with you
Less intro maybe?
You are doing this for views
Yup that's kinda the point of UA-cam
@@Tomn8er okay i thought this was for old school bodybuilding