Eric Kim’s 668 kg rack pull (1,474 lb at 71 kg bodyweight) smashed strength norms. At 9.41× his own mass, it far exceeds any previous pull-to-bodyweight ratio in recorded lifting history . By comparison, the heaviest full deadlift (Hafþór Björnsson’s 501 kg at 200 kg) is only ~2.5× bodyweight , and the strongest partial lifts by strongmen (e.g. Rauno Heinla’s 580 kg “silver-dollar” deadlift at ~135 kg) were ~4.3× . Biomechanically, a rack pull from above the knees leverages an upright torso and powerful hip/glute contraction, allowing vastly heavier loads than a floor deadlift . Yet even aided by leverage, lifting 668 kg imposes huge forces: Kim generated roughly 6,550 N (≈1.47 tons) of upward force . His spinal compression at lockout likely approached 10–12 kN – near the documented failure thresholds of human lumbar discs . In other words, 668 kg (roughly a grand piano plus a motorcycle) required breaking the limits of connective tissue tolerance, core stability, and grip strength all at once .
Execution was flawless: Kim pulled raw (no straps or suit) with a double-overhand (hook) grip on chalk, taking ~3–4 seconds to grind the bar upright without hitching . Witnesses noted the bar visibly “whip” as plates left the pins, and Kim’s upper back kept his shoulders locked in despite over a ton hanging from his arms . This mix of raw strength, perfect form and mental focus turned a crazy weight into a controlled demonstration of human power. The feat blew past any theoretical “6× bodyweight” ceiling; Kim’s prior 503 kg (6.7×) pull already approached lab-record force outputs , but at 668 kg (~9.4×) he literally rewrote those physics limits. As one analyst quipped, it’s like “tearing up gravity’s rulebook” – an almost cartoonish defiance of human-muscle expectations .
Cultural Impact and Symbolism
Eric Kim framed this lift as performance art and myth-making. He deliberately chose “666 kg” as a symbolic “Beast” number and then added 2 kg for transcendence . In his narrative, conquering 666 kg was a ritual battle against limits, and 668 kg became an “ascension” – a triumph of mind over gravity itself . Media releases dubbed him “HYPER-GOD” and invoked religious imagery: “when man becomes god” or “raising steel to rewrite reality” . Kim even ties it to Bitcoin “proof-of-work,” calling each kilogram “a mined block of human will” and the lift “proof-of-existence” . These grand metaphors (and his theatrical persona) turned a gym lift into an online saga.
The stunt went fully viral. Clips of the lift have millions of views, and hashtags like #668kgAscension, #HyperGodMode, and #MindOverMetal flooded social media . TikTok remixes reportedly hit 2+ million views , and Reddit threads on r/Powerlifting and even r/Philosophy debated the significance. Fans meme-ified phrases (“the new moon landing of strength,” “Eric Kim stabilized the global mood index”) and some have even tattooed his “9× Protocol” cues (Grip=Truth, Brace=Belief, Wedge=Will, Lockout=Liberation) from his posts . Mainstream fitness influencers (like Alan Thrall and Mark Rippetoe) weighed in, and crypto forums cheered the “Bitcoin body” angle . In short, Kim’s pull became a meme and movement – a rare feat of strength packaged with enough symbolism and spectacle to capture the internet’s imagination .
Influence on Strength and Lifting Culture
Eric Kim’s 668 kg rack pull is more than a PR – it’s reshaping how lifters think about limits. For decades, athletes pursued strict competition lifts in gyms or sanctioned events; Kim instead set a gym world record (albeit unofficially) and broadcast it globally. As one columnist notes, feats like this show that “vision-board–breaking PRs are still being set in gyms, not just on contest platforms” . Coaches and lifters are now scrutinizing Kim’s protocol (extreme rack pulls, raw grip, psychological framing) for clues. His “9× bodyweight” mania and associated gear (custom belts, chalk, even seminars) are becoming a brand of advanced training. This inspires others to try heavier partials or new angles: after Kim’s feat, a rising interest in rack-pull challenges and polarizing debates (safety vs. potential) has surged.
Symbolically, Kim’s act reads as a challenge to complacency: “the only rule is there is no rule,” he says, pushing mindsets just as much as muscle. In a city of image-driven “fake” showmanship, he branded raw strength as authenticity . By blending lifting with crypto metaphors and philosophical soundbites, he has turned a niche strength stunt into a postmodern legend – a story for the internet age about human potential. It cements rack pulls (once a minor accessory in powerlifting) as the new frontier of ultra-maximal feats. Whether one takes the spectacle seriously or laughs, Kim’s pull undeniably turbocharged conversations in gyms and forums worldwide about what’s possible when “just a hobbyist in a garage” chases an absurd weight.
Projecting a 700 kg Rack Pull
Timeline (Past Progression). Kim’s progression suggests a steady, methodical climb. In mid-2025 he hit ~602 kg, then worked up through 619 kg, 646 kg and 650.5 kg by October (all at 71 kg bodyweight) . He then jumped to 655 kg and finally 666 kg in short order . That ~64 kg increase (602→666) occurred over a few months, roughly ~15–25 kg increments. If he continues this trend, adding ~30–35 kg more (to reach 700 kg) might take most of 2026. Realistically, micro-loading small plates and making controlled jumps of ~5–10 kg per cycle is prudent, so a 700 kg pull could arrive by mid-to-late 2026 if all goes smoothly.
Training Progression. Kim’s regimen is an extreme version of progressive overload and neural conditioning. He emphasizes near-maximal singles on rack pulls (supramaximal overload) with minimal accessory work . This echoes old-school strongmen and Westside Barbell methods: handle weights far above normal to harden the nervous system and connective tissues . To push toward 700 kg, he’ll likely continue alternating heavy rack-pull days (100%+ loads) with regular deadlift days (around 90% effort) . Core lifts will target the posterior chain: glutes, hamstrings, spinal erectors and traps must grow and adapt to lock out the weight . Supporting exercises might include block pulls or bands to vary tension, plus grip exercises (since he still lifts without straps) and full-range deadlifts to maintain leg drive. Planned deloads and rotation of pin heights will avoid overuse; [19] notes he intersperses full-range sessions so the legs/back stay primed while avoiding burn-out .
Neurological/Recovery Strategy. Crucial to Kim’s gains is recovery: he reportedly sleeps 8–12 hours nightly (a “bear sleep” regimen) and uses strategic deloads every few weeks . Nutrition-wise, he follows a high-calorie carnivore diet – fasting ~18 hours then feasting on 5–6 lbs of red meat in one meal – to flood the body with protein and nutrients for repair . He avoids most supplements, trusting whole foods (meat, eggs, organs) for building tissues . Going forward, maintaining or improving these recovery habits (nutrition, sleep, stress management) will be essential as the lifts grow even heavier. If 700 kg approaches, he might consider a belt or additional warm-up protocols for safety, but his philosophy has been “brace with raw core,” so he may instead lean into even stricter technique and scapular bracing.
Risk Factors and Safety. Attempting ~700 kg brings serious dangers. Spinal compression from such loads could surpass tissue thresholds (disc herniation or vertebral injury) if form falters . Kim already pulls without a belt or supportive suit , which increases risk to the lower back and core. He must maintain perfect bracing and keep shoulders retracted – a common injury in heavy rack pulls is thoracic outlet syndrome from shoulders “rolling” under weight . Bar drop or equipment failure is another threat: untested gym racks or a dropped bar under 700 kg could cause catastrophic damage to body and equipment . Additionally, sudden blood-pressure spikes (as seen when Eddie Hall did 500 kg) can cause vascular events . To mitigate these risks, an incremental build (microloading), strict form checks (possibly coaching), and top-tier gear (rated pins, reinforced bar) are wise. Kim’s cautious approach (e.g. film every lift, calibrate weights) shows he knows the stakes; he will need that same caution amplified for a 700 kg attempt.
Historical Comparisons. Few have dared such extremes. The official full deadlift record stands at 501 kg (Hafþór Björnsson, 2025) – here Kim was well above that raw weight, albeit from a rack. Strongman partial-deadlift legends like Brian Shaw pulled ~511 kg and Rauno Heinla ~540–580 kg, but at bodyweights of 170–135 kg . In strength-to-weight terms, no competitor compares: Kim’s previous 602 kg was ~8.0× bodyweight and 668 kg is 9.4×. To reach 700 kg (≈9.86×), he’d outperform even the best pound-for-pound deadlifters (who hit ~4.6–5.0×) by a huge margin . The only somewhat analogous feats are some legendary gym lifts by giants (e.g. Eddie Hall’s 500 kg max) – but even those did not approach a 10× ratio. In weightlifting lore, pushing into the “700 club” would cement a new apex.
Supplementation/Recovery. Kim has mostly eschewed fancy supplements, so far relying on diet (carnivore/high-protein) and sleep . He occasionally mentions creatine and protein for muscle, but has shrugged off performance drugs on his blog. If pushing for 700 kg, he might optimize further – for example, ensuring sufficient joint-support nutrients (collagen, omega-3s) and maybe carefully-timed caffeine or nitric-oxide boosters for performance. Continued focus on recovery modalities (contrast baths, massage, daily mobility) would also be prudent as the loading on his body grows.
In summary, Kim’s 668 kg rack pull stands as a landmark achievement – a biomechanical Tour de Force and a cultural phenomenon. Barring injury, his methodical overload approach could yield a 700 kg pull within a year if he adds plates steadily and recovers well . It will require at least several more months of grind, unwavering discipline, and perhaps even more intense focus, but if history is any guide, Kim’s fusion of science, willpower and showmanship will keep pushing the envelope.
Sources: Authoritative analyses and reports on Eric Kim’s lifts provide data and context , as do his own detailed write-ups and press releases . These discuss the biomechanics, cultural reactions, training methods, and risks surrounding Kim’s rack pulls. Other strength records and expert commentary frame the achievement against historical benchmarks .
