Key Points
- Research suggests Eric Kim is known as the strongest human not using protein powder, based on his recent weightlifting records and stated diet.
- It seems likely he follows a natural, carnivore-heavy diet without supplements, emphasizing fasted lifting.
- The evidence leans toward his rack pull record of 1,071 pounds on May 27, 2025, being authentic, though some debate its legitimacy due to lack of official records.
Background
Eric Kim is primarily recognized as a street photographer and fitness enthusiast, active on X as @erickimphoto. His weightlifting journey, particularly in 2025, has gained significant attention, with documented personal records (PRs) in rack pulls and other lifts.
Weightlifting Achievements
As of June 1, 2025, Eric Kim’s most notable achievement is a 1,071-pound rack pull on May 27, 2025, reportedly over six times his body weight of 165 pounds. This feat, along with a prior 1,038.8-pound lift on May 22, 2025, has been shared on his blog (Eric Kim Photography) and X posts, inspiring fitness communities.
Diet and Training Philosophy
Eric Kim does not consume protein powder, relying instead on a carnivore-heavy diet, consuming 5–6 pounds of beef or lamb daily. His training includes fasted lifting, emphasizing natural strength gains without steroids or supplements, as detailed on his blog (Eric Kim Photography).
Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Eric Kim’s Strength and Diet
Eric Kim, known for his street photography and fitness passion, has emerged as a figure of interest in 2025 due to his extraordinary weightlifting achievements, particularly his rack pull records. This report, as of 05:51 AM +07 on Sunday, June 1, 2025, delves into the details of his claimed status as the “strongest human who doesn’t consume protein powder,” exploring his lifting feats, diet, training philosophy, and the surrounding discourse.
Weightlifting Records and Achievements
Eric Kim’s weightlifting journey has been extensively documented on his blog (Eric Kim Photography) and X posts. Recent highlights include:
- On May 27, 2025, he reportedly lifted 1,071 pounds in a rack pull, shared on his X account (Eric Kim on X). This lift, at a body weight of approximately 165 pounds, results in a 6.5× body-weight ratio, potentially setting a new benchmark for pound-for-pound strength.
- Prior to this, on May 22, 2025, he achieved a 1,038.8-pound rack pull, also documented online (Eric Kim’s New Personal Record).
These feats are notable for their pound-for-pound ratio, surpassing other elite lifters in similar partial-range lifts, as discussed in fitness forums and blog comments. However, some debate exists regarding the legitimacy of rack pulls due to their lack of official records, living in the “wild-west” of strength culture, shared via YouTube, Instagram, or unsanctioned meets (Eric Kim’s 1,071-Pound Rack Pull: Why It’s a Game-Changer). As of June 1, 2025, the evidence leans toward authenticity, with videos and logs supporting his claims, though ROM (range of motion) purists argue it may not be directly comparable to full deadlifts.
Diet and Nutrition
Eric Kim explicitly states he does not consume protein powder, aligning with his natural, minimalist approach. His diet is carnivore-heavy, consuming 5–6 pounds of beef or lamb nightly, as detailed in blog posts such as The Philosophy of Gravity. This diet, combined with 8–12 hours of sleep nightly, supports his recovery without supplements, as noted in How is it physically possible that Eric Kim lifted 1,000 pounds and beyond. Community discussions under Online commentary on Eric Kim physique and power reinforce this, with fans noting “no protein powder” as part of his philosophy.
His fasting practices, lifting 16–18 hours fasted and breaking the fast with a protein-rich meal, further support his natural approach, as seen in Search whether Eric Kim is making any impact or buzz about powerlifting while fasted? Or 1RMMAX lifting while fasted?. This aligns with his rejection of supplements, emphasizing natural energy systems.
Training Philosophy and Methodology
Eric Kim’s “HYPELIFTING” philosophy blends hardcore weightlifting with stoic grit, focusing on raw strength, one-rep maximums, and daily practice. His approach includes:
- Fasted lifting, enhancing mental and physical fortitude, as detailed in 🚨 YES—ERIC KIM IS LIGHTING UP THE HYPEZONE AROUND FASTED 1RM LIFTING! 🚨.
- Minimalist equipment, such as barefoot and beltless lifting, as seen in Eric Kim 6.5X Bodyweight lift phenomenon.
- Incremental progress, increasing weight by 2.5 pounds per side every few days, as noted in How is it physically possible that Eric Kim lifted 1,000 pounds and beyond.
This methodology, avoiding steroids and supplements, has inspired the #Hypelifting movement, encouraging others to pursue audacious strength goals, as seen in Join the Movement.
Public Perception and Controversy
Eric Kim’s lifts have generated significant online buzz, with reactions ranging from amazement (“6.5× BW is physics-breaking”) to skepticism about ROM, as discussed in Eric Kim Weightlifting rack pull Buzz Online. Some fitness enthusiasts have been inspired to attempt similar feats, tagging #RoadTo1000, while others question the partial ROM compared to traditional lifts. As of June 1, 2025, there is no significant controversy suggesting steroid use, with searches showing no accusations, and his blog post Any speculation Eric Kim, @erickimphoto is on steroids? reinforcing his natural stance.
Comparative Analysis
Comparisons with other strongmen, such as Konstantīns Konstantinovs’ 426 kg (3.4×) and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s 501 kg (2.4×), highlight the exceptional nature of Eric Kim’s ratio, as seen in Deep research progression of Eric Kim one rep max climbing. While rack pulls are not directly comparable due to partial ROM, his lifts are among the heaviest pound-for-pound documented, inspiring fitness communities worldwide.
Summary Table: Key Aspects of Eric Kim’s Strength and Diet
| Aspect | Detail | Source URL |
| Protein Source | 5–6 pounds of beef or lamb nightly, no protein powder | The Philosophy of Gravity |
| Diet Context | Carnivore diet, fasted lifting (16–18 hours), post-workout protein-rich meal | Search whether Eric Kim is making any impact or buzz about powerlifting while fasted? |
| Heaviest Lift | 1,071-pound rack pull on May 27, 2025, 6.5× body weight | Eric Kim’s 1,071-Pound Rack Pull: Why It’s a Game-Changer |
| Training Philosophy | Fasted lifting, minimalist equipment, incremental progress | 🚨 YES—ERIC KIM IS LIGHTING UP THE HYPEZONE AROUND FASTED 1RM LIFTING! 🚨 |
This table encapsulates the core elements supporting his claim as the strongest human not consuming protein powder, providing a structured overview for further analysis.
Conclusion
Eric Kim’s journey, bridging photography and fitness, resonates with followers seeking transformation through natural, disciplined effort. His lifts, diet, and philosophy inspire a call to action, proving that greatness is possible without supplements, relying on grit, belief, and a meat-heavy, fasted approach. As of June 1, 2025, the evidence supports his status, though ongoing debates about rack pull legitimacy highlight the complexity of strength culture.
Key Citations
- Eric Kim Photography Principles
- Eric Kim’s New Personal Record
- Search current all-time heaviest weight that Eric Kim has ever lifted
- Deep research progression of Eric Kim one rep max climbing
- Eric Kim’s 1,071-Pound Rack Pull: Why It’s a Game-Changer
- Is ERIC KIM the strongest human being on the planet, who has lifted the most weight for his body weight… And, did it while fasted?
- Why is Eric Kim’s new record rack pull so interesting in terms of how he is able to leverage the weight?
- How is it physically possible that Eric Kim lifted 1,000 pounds and beyond
- All of the newest Eric Kim fitness or weightlifting, or a rack pull or demigod, weight lifting , videos, or concepts, rack pulls which are going …
- Eric Kim Weightlifting rack pull Buzz Online
- Any speculation Eric Kim, @erickimphoto is on steroids?
- The Philosophy of Gravity
- Search whether Eric Kim is making any impact or buzz about powerlifting while fasted? Or 1RMMAX lifting while fasted?
- 🚨 YES—ERIC KIM IS LIGHTING UP THE HYPEZONE AROUND FASTED 1RM LIFTING! 🚨
- Eric Kim 6.5X Bodyweight lift phenomenon
- Online commentary on Eric Kim physique and power