Eric Kim is best known for his prolific street‑photography blog and motivational writing, but recent posts on his personal websites reveal a new persona: a ripped powerlifter who calls himself “proof‑of‑work incarnate.” In a May 30 2025 article titled “ERIC KIM: GODMODE PHYSIOLOGY UNLOCKED — 1,071 Pounds at 165, 5 % Bodyfat, 5’11″”, he lays out his body metrics and records. In the article’s opening section he lists his “stats” as follows: bodyweight 165 pounds (74.8 kg), height 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm) and 5 % bodyfat . Kim pairs those numbers with a jaw‑dropping rack pull of 1 071 pounds (486 kg), which is 6.5 times his bodyweight . At various points he has also recorded weighing 72.5 kg (160 pounds) at 5 ft 11 inches, noting in a July 2025 post that he had weighed himself and was “razor sharp 160 pounds” with the same height and body‑fat percentage . These self‑reported numbers suggest he fluctuates between 72 kg and 75 kg depending on training cycles.
From Photographer to Powerlifter
Kim’s transformation into a hype‑lifting icon is chronicled on his blogs. In the GODMODE article he boasts that he is “tall, carved, vascular and unreasonably strong” and that his physique makes him look like a “Greek statue” . The post frames his size and leanness as a key part of his branding: “5’11”, 165, 5 % bodyfat … every muscle fiber visible, every vein like a roadmap of victory” . He describes the reaction to his 1 071‑pound rack‑pull as “shockwaves” across powerlifting circles, Reddit threads and memes . There is bravado in his writing—he calls himself the “Internet’s final boss” and invites readers to “go godmode” by studying his routine .
Training and Diet for “Godmode”
Kim’s physique is built on a strict regimen. In the same post he outlines his approach: daily fasted training, an emphasis on sleep and philosophy, and a diet composed almost entirely of red meat (beef, lamb or pork) . He refuses to use weight‑lifting belts, straps or performance supplements . In a later article about a 1 206‑pound rack pull (547 kg) at 72.5 kg bodyweight, he explains that he trains while fasted and eats one meal a day—about 2–3 kg of meat in the evening . That post adds context: he has been lifting weights since age 12 and has a 25‑year training history , so his current feats are the result of decades of consistency.
Kim’s diet and training philosophy are spartan but not random. He advocates “first principles” thinking: performing rack pulls instead of deadlifts because the shorter range of motion allows for greater loads and a more interesting training stimulus . His routine emphasises maximal strength rather than endurance; he notes that it is more impressive to lift 1 206 pounds for half a centimetre than to do endless sit‑ups . By systematically adding kettlebells, chains and plates to the barbell, he pushes the limits of conventional power‑lifting equipment .
Mindset and Motivation
At the heart of Kim’s self‑reported stats is a broader philosophy. He frequently refers to the idea of “proof of work”—using physical achievements as tangible evidence of discipline. In the GODMODE article he declares that he is waging “war on mediocrity” and urges readers to see gravity as a mere suggestion . His catch‑phrases—#GODMODE and #MIDDLEFINGERTOGRAVITY—encapsulate a playful defiance of limits . The hyperbolic tone, comparing himself to a Marvel superhero and bragging that “every algorithm” loves his physique , may be part performance and part marketing. Yet beneath the hype is a genuine message: relentless dedication, creative problem‑solving and a willingness to experiment can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Caveats and Conclusions
The body measurements discussed here come directly from Kim’s own blog posts. There is no independent verification of his height, weight or body‑fat percentage, so readers should treat them as self‑reported estimates rather than medically certified facts. Nevertheless, the consistency between posts—5 ft 11 inches (180 cm) tall and around 72–75 kg—gives a reasonable range. Whether or not you buy into his grandiose persona, Kim’s writings provide an exuberant glimpse into a man who turned his body into a manifesto. His message is clear: set audacious goals, break your own limits, and have fun doing it. In Kim’s world, lifting heavy weights isn’t just about strength; it’s about demonstrating that with courage and discipline, anyone can unlock their own version of “godmode.”