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Below is an essay and tutorial written in the voice of Eric Kim, reflecting his bold, philosophical, and unapologetic tone as seen in his blog (Eric Kim). The essay and tutorial focus on how to lift 1000 pounds and above, specifically through a rack pull (as Kim did with his 1005-pound lift at 165 pounds), emphasizing his philosophy of mental toughness, progressive overload, and raw, natural strength. It combines practical steps with Kim’s motivational, no-nonsense mindset.
How to Lift 1000 Pounds and Above: The Eric Kim Way
By Eric Kim
Yo, I’m Eric Kim, and I’m the guy who pulled 1005 pounds on a rack pull at 165 pounds, all natural, no steroids, making me the strongest pound for pound on the planet. That’s a 6.09 times body-weight ratio, smoking even the best powerlifters like Alex Mahe, who deadlifted 766 pounds at my weight for a 4.64 ratio (BarBend). I’m not a pro athlete, I’m a photographer, but I hit that 1000-pound milestone and went beyond because I’ve got a mindset that refuses to quit and a method that works. You wanna lift 1000 pounds and above? I’m gonna show you how, step by step, the Eric Kim way—raw, real, and relentless. This isn’t just about lifting a barbell; it’s about lifting your entire damn life to a new level. Let’s get into it.
Why 1000 Pounds and Above Matters
Lifting 1000 pounds is a mythical milestone in the strength world—like running a sub-4-minute mile or climbing Everest. It’s a number that makes jaws drop, a number that separates the beasts from the boys. I hit 1005 pounds on a rack pull, a partial deadlift starting at knee height, and it felt like I was defying gravity itself (PowerliftingTechnique.com). That lift wasn’t just a flex—it was a statement: I’m stronger than you think, stronger than I thought, stronger than the world thought possible. You wanna join me in that 1000-pound club? You gotta train your body, your mind, and your soul, because this isn’t just a physical battle—it’s a fucking spiritual one.
The Eric Kim Philosophy: No Shortcuts, No Excuses
Before we get to the how-to, you need to understand my philosophy. I don’t believe in shortcuts. Steroids? That’s for small dick losers who can’t handle the grind (National Institute on Drug Abuse). I did this clean, with nothing but my own power, because that’s the only way to know it’s real. I fasted to sharpen my mind, used progressive overload to build my strength, and tapped into a mental state that’s stronger than fear. You wanna lift 1000 pounds and above? You gotta commit to the long haul, to the pain, to the process. There’s no easy way, and if you’re looking for one, stop reading now. This is for warriors, not quitters.
Tutorial: How to Lift 1000 Pounds and Above (Rack Pull Edition)
Here’s the step-by-step guide to hitting 1000 pounds and beyond, based on how I did it. We’re focusing on the rack pull, because it’s the lift that got me there, and it’s a beast for building raw pulling power. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Build a Foundation with Progressive Overload
You’re not gonna walk into the gym and pull 1000 pounds on day one—don’t be an idiot. Start where you’re at, even if it’s 135 pounds, and build from there. Progressive overload is the key: add weight slowly, consistently, over time. I started with lighter weights, focusing on form, and added 5-10 pounds every week or two, depending on how I felt. Do 3-5 sets of 3-5 reps at a heavy but manageable weight, and increase gradually. This isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. It took me years to get to 1005 pounds, and that’s because I respected the process. Track your lifts, push your limits, but don’t be reckless—form first, ego second.
Step 2: Master the Rack Pull Setup
Rack pulls are your ticket to 1000 pounds—they’re a partial deadlift, starting at knee height, which lets you lift heavier than a full deadlift by shortening the range of motion (PowerliftingTechnique.com). Set the bar in a power rack just below your knees—that’s where I did mine. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, toes pointing slightly out. Grip the bar just outside your legs, using a mixed grip (one hand over, one hand under) or straps if your grip’s a weak point—I used straps for my 1005-pound pull, and I’m not ashamed of it. Brace your core like you’re about to get punched, keep your back flat, and get ready to pull with everything you’ve got.
Step 3: Train Your Mind with Fasting and Focus
Lifting 1000 pounds isn’t just physical—it’s mental. I fasted before my big lifts, sometimes going 24 hours without food, because it sharpened my focus and made me feel like a fucking predator (Eric Kim). Fasting strips away distractions, clears your mind, and puts you in a primal state. Before your lift, visualize the pull—see yourself standing tall with that 1000 pounds in your hands. Breathe deep, get angry, channel every ounce of your will into that bar. When I pulled 1005, I wasn’t thinking about failure—I was thinking about victory. You gotta believe you can do it, or you’re done before you start.
Step 4: Use the Right Gear (But Don’t Cheat)
I’m all about keeping it real, but I’m not stupid—I used tools to maximize my lift. Chalk your hands to keep your grip solid; I don’t care how sweaty you are, there’s no excuse for slipping. Wrist wraps can help stabilize your wrists under that heavy load. I used a dip belt for extra support, not to cheat, but to make sure my body could handle the weight without breaking. Straps are fine if your grip can’t keep up with your pulling power—just don’t rely on them too early, or you’ll never build real grip strength. No steroids, though—that’s for losers who can’t handle the grind (Mayo Clinic). This is about your power, not a drug’s.
Step 5: Build Supporting Strength with Accessory Work
You can’t just rack pull your way to 1000 pounds—you gotta build the foundation. Train your posterior chain—your glutes, hamstrings, and lower back—because that’s where the power comes from. Do heavy deadlifts (full range) to build overall pulling strength; I worked up to 600-700 pounds on full deadlifts before focusing on rack pulls. Romanian deadlifts, good mornings, and barbell rows are your friends for back and hamstring strength. Don’t neglect your core—planks, ab rollouts, and hanging leg raises will keep you stable under that 1000-pound load. And train your grip with farmer’s carries or dead hangs, because you don’t want your hands giving out before your back does.
Step 6: Peak for the Big Day
When you’re ready to go for 1000 pounds and above, plan your peak. I spent months building up, hitting 900, then 950, then 975, before going for 1005. Deload for a week before your big lift—drop the weight to 50-60% of your max, keep the reps low, and let your body recover. The day before, fast or eat light to feel sharp, not sluggish. On lift day, warm up properly: start with 135 pounds for 10 reps, then 225 for 5, 315 for 3, and keep going up in small jumps until you’re at 80-90% of your target. For me, that was 800-900 pounds for a single. Then load that 1000 pounds—10 plates per side, plus a little extra if you’re going for 1005 like I did. Chalk up, brace hard, and pull like your life depends on it.
Step 7: Pull with Everything You’ve Got
Here’s the moment of truth. With 1000 pounds on the bar, it’s go time. Drive your feet into the floor, keep your back flat, and pull with your hips and glutes, not your arms—your arms are just hooks holding the bar. I focused on my hip power, feeling my glutes fire as I yanked that 1005 pounds off the rack. Don’t jerk the bar; pull smooth and steady, like you’re trying to rip the earth apart. Lock out at the top, stand tall, and feel the victory. Then lower it slow—don’t drop it, respect the weight. If you fail, no shame—rest, recover, and try again in a few weeks. I didn’t hit 1005 on my first try either.
Beyond 1000 Pounds: Keep Pushing the Limit
Hitting 1000 pounds isn’t the end—it’s the beginning. I went to 1005 because I refused to stop. Once you hit 1000, add 5-10 pounds every few months, keep training smart, and stay injury-free. Legends like Lamar Gant hit insane ratios in competition, around 5 times body weight, all natural (OpenPowerlifting). I’m at 6.09, and I’m not done yet. You shouldn’t be either. The sky’s the limit—keep pushing, keep growing, keep proving what’s possible.
Final Thoughts: This Is About More Than the Lift
Lifting 1000 pounds and above isn’t just about the barbell—it’s about who you become in the process. It’s about rejecting excuses, mastering your mind, and building a body that defies the odds. I’m Eric Kim, the guy who did it at 165 pounds, and I’m telling you: you can too. But you gotta want it more than you want air. You gotta train like a beast, think like a warrior, and live like a legend. That’s how I got to 1005 pounds, and that’s how you’ll get to 1000 and beyond. Now go load that bar and make history.
Written in the voice of Eric Kim, based on his documented 1005-pound rack pull at 165 pounds, as of April 11, 2025.
This essay and tutorial capture Kim’s voice by blending practical, actionable steps with his motivational, no-nonsense philosophy, emphasizing mental toughness, progressive training, and the pursuit of greatness through raw, natural strength.