Eric Kim fitness journey up until now

Eric Kim’s Fitness Journey: A Photo Blogger’s Path to Strength and Wellness

Early Beginnings and Motivation

Eric Kim’s fitness journey began in childhood. As a pre-teen, he struggled with weight – recalling days of subsisting on Hot Pockets and wondering why he was “getting so fat.” Determined to change, a 12-year-old Eric started exercising with simple means: he asked for dumbbells, ran with rocks in a backpack, and did push-ups and sit-ups . These humble beginnings paid off as he lost fat and gained muscle, giving him a sense of control over his fate . This early transformation set the tone for a lifetime commitment to fitness.

Through his teenage years and into college, Eric’s dedication only grew. In university he embraced powerlifting and bodybuilding, focusing on big compound movements. He learned from mentors (like a former powerlifter at UCLA) and even rehabbed through injuries (such as torn rotator cuffs) to come back stronger . By his late 20s, Eric had built an impressive foundation of strength – achieving personal records including a 415 lb deadlift, 326 lb squat, and 90 lb dumbbell press by age 29 . At that point, he noted he was in the best shape of his life: the strongest he’d ever been, with minimal body fat and abundant energy, focus, and determination . Just as importantly, he found that conquering his body had bolstered his confidence. “The best thing of it all… I feel the most fearless, and the most productive with my art,” he reflected, crediting his physical strength with making him stronger “mentally, physically, and artistically” . This mindset – that a stronger body feeds a stronger mind – became a core theme in his philosophy.

Training Philosophy and Approach

From early on, Eric Kim treated fitness not just as exercise, but as a philosophical pursuit. He often invokes the idea of forging the body as a form of self-conquest and art. Influenced by thinkers like Nietzsche and Stoic principles, he approaches the gym as a place to “conquer himself”, not to show off on social media . In his view, the body is a personal sculpture to be perfected: “Why not transform my own body into a Lamborghini and admire my own body instead?” he quips, emphasizing that the human body is the ultimate artwork one can work on . This artistic mindset drives him to constantly push his limits.

Continuous improvement is a mantra for Eric. He espouses a “Never stop adding muscle mass” ethos – the goal is always to get stronger and keep body fat low (around 10%) without end . In practice, this translates to prioritizing intensity over volume. Eric’s workouts center on heavy compound lifts – “squats, deadlifts, bench—compound moves that build real power,” eschewing frivolous exercises . He has adopted a one-rep max style of training: instead of high reps, he often tests himself with maximal or near-maximal single lifts. This “One-Rep-Max Living” philosophy extends beyond the gym – he even likens major life decisions to a 1RM lift (requiring full focus and effort) . In the gym, this means regularly attempting extremely heavy lifts (what he calls “hypelifting”) to shock his system into growth . Even if he fails at 120% of his previous max, he believes “even failing at 120% primes your nervous system to laugh at 100%” next time . By pushing against his limits, he continually expands them.

Another key element of Eric’s approach is consistency. He frames consistency as the backbone of his success – showing up every day with no excuses. As he puts it, he “didn’t get jacked in a month—he forged it over years.” His background in street photography keeps him physically active and mobile, but “the gym’s his temple” and he’s there day in, day out, rain or shine . Eric has zero tolerance for procrastination in training (“No ‘I’ll start tomorrow’ bullshit” ) – the habit of daily effort is non-negotiable. Each rep is seen as a step toward a greater goal . This relentless consistency, maintained over decades, is how he built a physique that “turns heads” as well as a reservoir of mental resilience.

Importantly, Eric’s training philosophy rejects external crutches and distractions. He favors a raw and minimalist style: no fancy gear or elaborate routines, and no dependence on supplements or performance enhancers. He doesn’t use lifting straps, belts, or high-tech equipment for his heaviest lifts, preferring to develop pure grip and core strength. He even prides himself on often training completely fasted and stimulant-free – just water and black coffee before workouts . “He’s not sipping pre-workout in neon leggings – he’s raw, real, ripping through limits,” one profile of him notes . This austere approach stems from Eric’s belief in self-reliance: he trusts in hard work and natural nutrition over any quick fixes. As he bluntly states, he takes no “weird drugs or steroids or hormones” and not even protein powder or creatine; instead, he rebuilds his body with real food (literally “100% beef… or nothing”) . By stripping away all non-essentials, Eric focuses on the essentials: muscle, will, and hustle . This no-nonsense philosophy mirrors the minimalist ethos he also applies in his photography and life.

Diet and Lifestyle Habits

Eric Kim’s physical transformation has been powered as much by diet and lifestyle as by iron. A self-described experimenter with nutrition, Eric eventually crafted a regimen that aligns with his “minimalist” philosophy and maximizes his energy for creativity. Central to this is intermittent fasting. Since around his mid-20s, Eric has followed a strict form of fasting akin to the “Warrior Diet.” He generally skips breakfast and lunch entirely, consuming nothing but liquids (water, black coffee, green tea) during the day . By avoiding daytime meals (except perhaps the occasional hard-boiled eggs or almonds if extremely hungry ), he prevents energy crashes and stays mentally sharp for work. “We have been brainwashed… to eat ‘three square meals a day’. But logically, that makes no sense,” he wrote, noting that humans aren’t meant to be constantly fed and that he personally functions better in a fasted state . The result is enhanced focus: caffeine and adrenaline keep him alert, and he can be “more active, sharp, and creative” throughout the day . Come evening, usually after training, he eats one massive meal – an approach he has stuck to for years. In his own words, “no breakfast, no lunch, only one massive 100% carnivore dinner” – a practice he’s maintained “seven years religiously” . This habit of one meal a day (OMAD) is a cornerstone of his lifestyle.

The composition of that one meal has evolved into a meat-heavy (almost zero-carb) diet. Eric gradually embraced a ketogenic and eventually carnivore approach, finding that meat best supports his strength goals and overall health. He now “currently follows the 100% red meat carnivore diet,” focusing on foods like beef, lamb, and organ meats . It’s not unusual for him to consume 4–6 pounds of meat in a single evening meal to replenish himself . Steak is his “gospel” and he has little patience for “vegan nonsense” or carb-heavy foods that he believes sap energy . By essentially eliminating carbohydrates (he advises avoiding rice, bread, sugars and even fruit juice that would spike insulin ), he stays in a fat-burning mode that keeps his body fat low while fueling muscle growth. This spartan diet is complemented by other disciplined choices: Eric abstains from alcohol and drugs to preserve his health and focus. He has written that he simply doesn’t drink alcohol – not out of moralism but practical reasons: he dislikes hangovers and “the extra adipose (fat gain) from drinking alcohol (whether wine… or beer)” . Similarly, he avoids marijuana, believing any form of intoxication could sedate his ambition and productivity . By staying sober, he ensures nothing interferes with his training intensity or creative output.

Another pillar of Eric’s wellness routine is rest and recovery. Despite his intense training style, he recognizes the importance of recovery. He reportedly sleeps 8 to 12 hours a night whenever possible , allowing his body to heal and grow from the heavy workouts. This generous sleep schedule, along with short mid-day naps when needed, helps sustain his high energy levels. Eric also listens to his body to avoid overtraining – for example, attempting his maximal lifts only when he feels adequately recovered (often spacing them by 3–5 days) . This balance of relentless effort and mindful recovery has kept him remarkably injury-free in recent years, even as he handles extraordinary weights. It’s clear that Eric’s lifestyle is engineered around his fitness goals: everything from what he eats (or doesn’t eat) to how he sleeps is aligned with building strength and vitality. His day-to-day habits – fasting until feast, heavy protein intake, no toxic indulgences, and consistent sleep – have essentially made his body a high-performance machine. In turn, he argues, this machine-like vitality powers his creative and professional life.

Key Milestones in His Fitness Journey

Eric’s journey is marked by progressive milestones that illustrate how far he’s come and how his commitment has deepened over time. Some key milestones include:

• Age 12 – The Turning Point: Realized he was unhealthy and took action to lose weight. Began basic training at home (running with a weighted backpack, calisthenics) and saw his first results . This early success sparked his lifelong passion for fitness.
• College Years: Transitioned from basic workouts to serious weight training. Learned proper lifting techniques and discovered powerlifting movements (squat, deadlift, bench press). Overcame injuries (like rotator cuff tears) with resilience, coming back stronger . Built a foundation of strength and muscle that would later support more extreme training.
• 2017 (Late 20s) – Peak of Foundational Strength: By 29 years old, Eric hit impressive strength PRs: a 415 lb deadlift, 326 lb full squat, 90 lb one-arm dumbbell press, plus feats like one-armed pushups and pistol squats . He achieved his lowest body fat to date (around 10%) and reported feeling at his physical and creative peak – “the strongest I have ever been… with lots of energy, focus, and determination” . At this stage, he explicitly linked his fitness to his photography, noting he felt more fearless in pursuing art with a stronger body and mind.
• 2020 – Formalizing Eric Kim Fitness Philosophy: Around 2020, Eric began openly writing about his fitness philosophy on his blog, framing it as an integral part of his identity. He introduced ideas like treating the body as sculpture and declared principles such as “eat a lot of meat” (aiming for 5–10 pounds a day) and “it must be fun” to keep working out sustainable . He also publicly committed to sobriety and carnivory for better performance . By this time he had several years of consistent intermittent fasting under his belt and had not missed a day of training. This period saw him refine his approach (focusing almost exclusively on one-rep max strength) and share it with his photography audience, effectively merging his fitness and blogging worlds.
• 2023 – Entering the “Thousand Pound Club”: Eric’s strength reached new heights in his mid-30s. Unsatisfied with the conventional “1000-pound club” (often defined as the sum of one’s squat, bench, and deadlift), he set his sights even higher . He experimented with what he called “Powerlifting 2.0” – using alternative lifts to target maximal strength. For example, instead of a full back squat he practiced the “Atlas lift,” an isometric hold or partial squat with extreme weight; instead of a conventional deadlift, he trained the rack pull (a deadlift from knees) to handle supra-maximal loads; and he favored the floor press (bench press variation) for upper body . By March 2023, these methods paid off: Eric lifted nearly 800 lbs on the Atlas lift, over 700 lbs on the rack pull, and about 500 lbs on the floor press, totaling roughly 2000 lbs across his three big lifts . Breaking the “1,000 lbs” barrier on a single lift was within sight. In late 2023, he finally achieved a milestone goal – a 1,000-pound lift. In a video-documented effort, Eric performed a 1,000+ lb Atlas lift (essentially supporting half a ton on his back) . He celebrated this feat as just “the starting point, aiming for higher achievements” – immediately raising his targets to 1,500 lbs and beyond in the future . This accomplishment underscored his philosophy of Kaizen (continuous improvement): he had added small increments (2.5 lbs at a time) consistently over 18 months to progress from a 710 lb attempt to 1,010 lbs, validating his micro-loading approach . Importantly, he did it without breaking from his principles – training fasted and without special gear or supplements, relying on sheer will, proper recovery, and a carnivorous fuel supply .
• 2025 – Pushing the Limits (One-Rep-Max and Beyond): By 2024–2025, Eric’s fitness journey reached an advanced stage that few hobbyist lifters (let alone photographers) can imagine. In early 2025, at 36 years old and a body weight of only ~165 lbs, Eric achieved a staggering 1,010 lb rack pull (a partial deadlift) in his garage gym . This lift – over 6 times his body weight – is extraordinary; for context, even world-elite strongmen who weigh two to three times as much rarely double or triple their bodyweight on such lifts . In hitting the “half-ton” milestone, Eric solidified himself as an outlier in relative strength. He jokingly dubbed entry into the “comma club” (lifting four digits) as a transformation in identity – once you pull 1,000 lbs, you “start thinking and acting at a new magnitude,” in line with his “Lift Heavy, Live Heavy” credo . Far from resting on laurels, Eric set even more ambitious goals for the coming years. He publicly stated an “endgame” goal of a 2,000-lb leveraged lift and even a one-ton (2,200 lb) deadlift variant eventually – effectively aiming to double the milestone he just hit. These audacious goals illustrate that Eric views his fitness journey as a lifelong project, always expanding. At a stage when many might slow down, he insists age is just seasoning, not a barrier . Indeed, he continues to train with the same ferocity, showing that his strength and physique are still improving in his mid-30s. Each new milestone (from a 250 kg personal-record deadlift to the 1,000+ lb feats) is documented and celebrated on his blog, both as accountability and inspiration for his followers.

Integration with Photography and Personal Identity

What makes Eric Kim’s fitness journey particularly unique is how deeply it intertwines with his identity as a photographer, blogger, and thinker. Eric first became known for his street photography and blogging about creativity, philosophy, and art. Rather than existing in a separate sphere, his pursuit of physical fitness has been woven into these creative endeavors, each reinforcing the other.

From a practical standpoint, Eric discovered that being fit enhances his work as a photographer. He often notes that a strong body enables a better photographic experience: with more endurance and less fatigue, he can roam cities longer, crouch or climb to get unique angles, and simply shoot more photos without tiring . “If you have strong legs [and] little body fat – you can walk longer, with less fatigue, and end up making more pictures,” he explains . Street photography can be physically demanding (long days on foot, carrying gear, traveling), and Eric leveraged fitness as a tool to excel. He jokes that even investing in good weightlifting exercises (squats and lunges) or minimalist shoes can make one a stronger photographer by enabling more miles on foot . In short, fitness became part of his creative toolkit. It’s telling that he views his muscle as highly practical for art: “The more muscle you have, the more energy you got. The more power you got to make art-work, and live with gratitude, joy, and hyper-vigor” he writes emphatically . This belief that physical vitality feeds creative vitality is a cornerstone of his philosophy.

On a psychological level, Eric’s fitness journey has shaped his mindset and thus the tone of his blog and teachings. Pushing his limits under the barbell taught him lessons about discipline, courage, and persistence that carry over into his artistic life. He often draws analogies between the courage to take a difficult photo on the streets and the courage to attempt a personal record in the gym – both require overcoming fear. His success in transforming his body gave him a kind of creative fearlessness; as he became physically stronger and more confident, he also felt bolder in his photography and writing . This synergy is evident in his workshops and essays, where he encourages others to get outside their comfort zones, whether that means doing their first pull-up or approaching a stranger for a portrait. The philosophy is the same: growth occurs at the edge of your comfort, through “one-rep-max” efforts in life .

Eric’s blog, once almost exclusively about photography techniques and travel diaries, gradually evolved to document his holistic life philosophy, with fitness taking a prominent role. He created a section on his site called “ERIC KIM FITNESS,” treating it with the same importance as his tutorials on street photography. There he posts his workout videos, diet experiments, and musings on strength. In doing so, he presents himself not just as a photographer who happens to work out, but as a hybrid of artist-athlete. This dual identity actually bolsters his personal brand – as observers have noted, seeing a famed photography teacher deadlift half a ton lends credence to his mantra of living boldly. The spectacle of “that same guy man-handle half a ton” serves as “creative brand fuel”, making his life philosophy tangible and inspiring to his audience . It’s a unique crossover: his photography followers are introduced to the gospel of strength training, and fitness enthusiasts find wisdom in his creative approach. Eric openly shares his training logs and diet insights on his blog alongside his photo projects, effectively open-sourcing his fitness journey just as he does his photography knowledge. He publishes every workout and “diet tweak” in real time, inviting readers to follow along . This transparency not only keeps him accountable, but also reinforces his belief in communal learning – just as he demystified street photography by blogging his experiences, he demystifies getting fit by sharing candidly what’s worked for him.

Moreover, the philosophical underpinnings of Eric’s fitness journey mirror those in his photography. Themes like minimalism, stoicism, and personal empowerment recur in both. For instance, Eric’s penchant for minimalist gear in photography (favoring small cameras and few possessions) parallels his minimalist approach to diet (meat and water only) and training (basic lifts, no frills). His interest in Stoic philosophy surfaces when he talks about enduring pain under a heavy squat just as one must endure discomfort to create meaningful art. He frequently invokes the Stoic idea of strengthening the will – whether it’s waking up for an early photo walk or squeezing out one more rep, it’s about forging character. Even his practice of intermittent fasting ties into a broader asceticism he preaches for creativity: learning to be content with less, to sharpen one’s mind. In one blog post he writes that society’s obsession with constant eating or comfort makes us weak – a stance that echoes both his dietary discipline and his contrarian approach to creative life .

Ultimately, Eric Kim’s fitness journey is inseparable from his identity as a creator. It has become a pillar of his personal narrative – the story of a once-overweight kid who through sheer willpower sculpted himself into a muscular, energetic, “Spartan”-minded individual. This narrative reinforces the messages he delivers as a photo blogger: that self-improvement is the ultimate art, that limits (in art or fitness) exist to be challenged, and that discipline in one arena of life can empower you in all others. In interviews and posts, he emphasizes that the confidence and vigor he gains from the gym flow directly into his photography ventures, enabling him to travel, write, and teach with greater enthusiasm. His followers have taken note. Many now look to Eric not only for advice on camera techniques, but also for inspiration on living a healthier, bolder life. In this way, his fitness journey has broadened his influence – he leads by example, whether it’s doing an early-morning workout or pursuing an unconventional street shot. By tying physical wellness to artistic wellness, Eric Kim has crafted a singular persona: the photographer-philosopher who is as comfortable under a barbell as he is behind a lens.

Recent Updates and Reflections

As of 2024–2025, Eric Kim shows no signs of slowing down – if anything, he’s doubling down on his principles and pushing new frontiers. Physically, he is in stellar shape in his mid-30s, maintaining a weight in the low 160s while packing on strength that rivals professional powerlifters . He notes that age has only “seasoned” him, not diminished him . His recent achievement of a 1,010 lb rack pull at age 36 stands as proof that his methods (however unorthodox) are effective even as he gets older. In terms of wellness, he continues to refine his diet – sticking to an all-meat regime and occasionally experimenting (for example, trying an all-organ-meat diet to maximize micronutrients) . He has also discussed the mental clarity he enjoys from ketosis and fasting, and how it helps him write more prolifically. On his blog’s “NEWS” feed, one finds near-daily posts with titles like “LIFE IS ALL ABOUT GAINS” and “NEW TARGET NUMBERS,” indicating that he’s constantly setting new goals and philosophizing about them . For instance, in “Life Is All About Gains” (May 2025), Eric lays out a manifesto that extends the concept of “gains” to every facet of life – physical, mental, financial, spiritual – doubling down on the idea that improvement is the only metric that matters . It’s clear that fitness for him isn’t just about muscle; it’s become a metaphor for growth in general.

Eric’s recent reflections show a man who is both ambitious and mindful. On one hand, he is unabashed about wanting more: more strength (2,000+ lb lifts), more knowledge, more prosperity (he’s a noted cryptocurrency enthusiast as well) . On the other hand, he emphasizes gratitude and wellness. He practices daily morning rituals like writing a short essay (a mental workout to complement the physical) and often mentions gratitude – likely part of his mindset training. He also stresses avoiding burnout: for example, sticking to one “God set” per week of ultra-heavy lifting and not overloading on unnecessary tasks in life. This indicates a mature understanding of balance, even as he chases big goals.

In community interactions, Eric remains open about both his successes and struggles. If an experiment fails (be it a new diet tweak or a training method), he shares the lesson. In one update, he candidly discussed how not weighing himself for years helped him break free of scale anxiety and focus on how he feels and performs instead . In another, he explained why he avoids certain social norms (like drinking) to preserve his “physiological edge” . Such reflections show that his journey is not just about hitting numbers, but also about self-awareness and health. He often reminds readers that what works for him might not work for everyone – a humility that comes from years of self-experimentation.

Looking ahead, Eric’s journey seems poised to continue inspiring others. He has effectively bridged his passion for photography and fitness into a cohesive lifestyle brand. Whether he’s hosting a street photography workshop or a deadlifting live stream, the message is consistent: empower yourself. His progression from a chubby child to a confident coach with a chiseled build serves as living proof of the power of habit and willpower. And because he frames it in an artistic, intellectually curious light, his story resonates beyond the gym bro crowd. Followers from various backgrounds – tech workers, artists, students, fellow photographers – have taken cues from Eric to start their own fitness journeys, often crediting his blog for motivation.

In summary, Eric Kim’s fitness journey is a remarkable narrative of transformation that enriches his identity as a photo blogger rather than distracting from it. It’s a story of physical evolution, but also of philosophical consistency: the same drive that led him to master street photography has led him to sculpt his body and uplift his health. Key milestones from dropping childhood weight to lifting hundreds of kilos illustrate a trajectory of constant growth. Along the way, his habits (like intermittent fasting, meat-heavy diet, daily training), philosophy (treat the body as art, seek gains in all things), and reflections (fearlessness, creativity, discipline) have all been documented in his writings. This makes his journey accessible and instructive to others. Ultimately, Eric Kim’s pursuit of strength and wellness is not a departure from his role as an influential blogger – it is an extension of it. It reinforces his core message that life itself is an art form, and one’s body, mind, and craft are all canvases to be developed with passion and purpose . His fitness journey stands as a testament to how embracing physical health can fuel creativity and vice versa, exemplifying a holistic approach to success and fulfillment.

Sources:

• Eric Kim, “Diet, Health, and Fitness For Photographers,” EricKimPhotography.com (2017) .
• Eric Kim, “ERIC KIM FITNESS,” EricKimPhotography.com (2020) .
• Eric Kim, “How did ERIC KIM get so jacked,” EricKimPhotography.com (2025) .
• Eric Kim, “Why Eric Kim’s 1,010-lb rack-pull matters,” EricKimPhotography.com (2025) .
• Eric Kim, “HOW DID ERIC KIM LIFT 1,000 POUNDS?” (December 14, 2023) .
• Eric Kim, “The 2,000 Pound Club,” EricKimPhotography.com (March 4, 2023) .
• Eric Kim, “HOW MUCH DOES ERIC KIM WEIGH?” (Dec 2023) .
• Eric Kim, “Why I Abstain from Alcohol and Weed,” EricKimPhotography.com (2020) .
• Eric Kim, “LIFE IS ALL ABOUT GAINS,” EricKimPhotography.com (May 4, 2025) .
• Eric Kim’s Blog and Archives – various fitness posts and personal reflections .