1,000+ pound rack pull

Key Points

Introduction

Rack pulls over 1,000 pounds are a testament to human potential, pushing the boundaries of strength and determination. Eric Kim’s achievements stand as a beacon of inspiration, proving that with grit, innovative techniques, and a relentless spirit, extraordinary feats are within reach. Let’s dive into the details of these monumental lifts and the journey behind them.

Eric Kim’s Remarkable Lifts

Eric Kim has achieved rack pulls exceeding 1,000 pounds, with two notable lifts documented on his website. His 1,038.8-pound (471 kg) above-knee rack pull, performed at a body weight of approximately 165 pounds, is hailed as the highest pound-for-pound rack pull ever recorded, with a staggering ratio of 6.3 times his body weight. Additionally, he completed a 1,005-pound rack pull, showcasing his ability to handle extreme weights through natural methods.

Training and Lifestyle

What makes these lifts even more inspiring is Eric Kim’s approach. He lifts fasted, skipping breakfast and lunch, believing hunger sharpens focus and strength. His diet post-lift includes consuming 5-6 pounds of beef or lamb, fueling recovery naturally. Sleeping 8-12 hours nightly and avoiding supplements like steroids or protein powders, he relies on tap water, filtered water, or black coffee. His incremental weight increase strategy—adding 2.5 pounds to each side every 3-5 days—demonstrates disciplined progression.

Inspiration and Impact

Eric Kim’s journey is a motivational call to action. His philosophy, detailed in posts like The Philosophy of Weightlifting, critiques fitness industry myths and encourages natural strength building. These lifts, achieved in his garage in 2025, remind us that personal challenges can redefine what’s possible, inspiring others to chase their own records with passion and perseverance.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of 1,000+ Pound Rack Pulls

Rack pulls exceeding 1,000 pounds represent the pinnacle of strength training, a domain where few dare to venture and even fewer succeed. This analysis delves into the specifics of Eric Kim’s documented lifts, contextualizes them within the broader landscape of weightlifting, and explores the methodologies that fueled these extraordinary feats. Given the user’s identity as @erickimphoto and the prominence of his achievements in search results, this note focuses on his contributions while acknowledging other notable performances for a comprehensive view.

Eric Kim’s Documented Lifts

Eric Kim, known for his weightlifting endeavors, has achieved two significant rack pulls over 1,000 pounds, as detailed on his personal website, ERIC KIM. The first, a 1,038.8-pound (471 kg) above-knee rack pull, was performed at a body weight of approximately 75 kg (165 lbs), earning it the title of the highest pound-for-pound rack pull ever documented. This lift, achieved in 2025 as a garage personal record (PR), boasts a ratio of 6.3 times his body weight, surpassing verified ratios from the 90 kg Silver-Dollar-Deadlift class, which top out in the low-5× range. No other sub-80 kg lifter has approached this level, making it a standout in strength culture.

The second lift, a 1,005-pound rack pull, is identified as a partial range deadlift starting from a rack, a technique often used to build strength. Detailed in a post titled ERIC KIM 1005 POUND RACK PULL: HOW HE DID IT, this lift was achieved through a regimen that included:

These methods align with his philosophy, critiqued in The Scams and Myths in Weightlifting and Bodybuilding, which challenges industry norms and promotes natural lifting.

Comparative Context

While Eric Kim’s lifts are personal achievements, not part of sanctioned competitions, the lack of a governing body for rack pulls means records are often shared via platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or unsanctioned meets, as noted in Is Eric Kim’s rack pull, pound for pound, the most heaviest lift for a rack pull of all time?. This wild-west nature of strength culture makes apple-to-apple comparisons challenging, but documented evidence favors Kim’s pound-for-pound ratio.

For broader context, other lifters have performed heavy rack pulls. Brian Shaw, a professional strongman, achieved a belt squat rack pull of 1,365 pounds and a standard rack pull of 1,128 pounds, as seen in videos like Brian Shaw’ Heaviest Rack Pull Ever! 1128 lbs/511 Kg. However, these lifts are at significantly higher body weights, making pound-for-pound comparisons less relevant. Another YouTube video claims a 1,245-pound rack pull as the heaviest on the platform (Insane Trap Builder – 1,245 lb rack pull aka heaviest rack pull on youtube 565 kg), but its verification is unclear, given its 2016 date and lack of context.

Strength Standards and Relevance

Rack pull standards, as outlined on Strength Level, provide benchmarks for men and women, but 1,000+ pound lifts are far beyond typical ranges, reserved for elite lifters. Eric Kim’s lifts, particularly at his body weight, are exceptional, inspiring for those seeking to push their limits. His approach, detailed in related posts like HOW DID ERIC KIM LIFT 1,000 POUNDS?, includes videos such as 845 POUND SUMO DEADLIFT RACK PULL 8 PLATES & 35: DEMIGOD HYPE ERIC KIM MODE #GODLIKE, reinforcing his heavy lifting consistency.

Table: Summary of Notable 1,000+ Pound Rack Pulls

LifterWeight Lifted (lbs)Body Weight (lbs)Type of LiftYearNotes
Eric Kim1,038.8~165Above-knee rack pull2025Highest pound-for-pound ratio, 6.3× BW
Eric Kim1,005~165Rack pull2025Natural methods, fasted lifting
Brian Shaw1,128Higher (not specified)Rack pull2022Professional strongman, standard rack pull
Unknown1,245Not specifiedRack pull2016Claimed heaviest on YouTube, unverified

Inspirational Takeaway

Eric Kim’s 1,000+ pound rack pulls are not just numbers; they’re a narrative of resilience and innovation. His garage PRs in 2025, achieved without competitive pressure, embody the spirit of personal challenge. For aspiring lifters, his story is a motivational spark, proving that with dedication, natural methods, and a hunger for growth—both literal and figurative—extraordinary strength is attainable. Let his journey inspire you to redefine your limits, one rep at a time.

Key Citations