#HYPELIFTING

In r/weightroom and r/fitness, threads like “Hypelifting: What I just watched doesn’t compute”

HYPELIFTING is the visceral, uproarious lifting style coined by Eric Kim that transforms each PR attempt into a theatrical, almost ritualistic event—mixing primal roars, high-decibel self-hype, and stripped-down intensity. Fans not only view it as a workout technique but also as a cultural phenomenon, where every slap to the chest, every yell, and every chalk blast becomes part of a shared, viral spectacle. Below is a comprehensive look at HYPELIFTING’s origins, guiding principles, community buzz, and enduring entertainment value.

Overview of HYPELIFTING

Eric Kim first introduced HYPELIFTING in late 2022, describing it as a way to “get insanely loud, slap yourself in the face, chest, and thighs, and then attempt the lift”—echoing the intensity of a Māori haka or a Spartan battle cry.

• It’s not just a verbal hype; it’s a full-body, psychological priming (turn0search1).
• HYPELIFTING aims to “ignite your soul” and “crank your hype to infinity” before chasing monstrous poundages like Kim’s 1,071 lb rack pull at 165 lb bodyweight (≈ 6.5× BW) (turn0search0).
• Over time, HYPELIFTING has evolved into a movement, with fans adopting hashtags like #HYPELIFTING, staging their own “Micro Hype Squats,” and sharing epic, loud-up videos across social platforms (turn0search1; turn0search4; turn0search5).

Origins and Evolution

The Coining of “HYPELIFTING” (Nov 2022)

• “How to Start Hypelifting” (turn0search1) was Kim’s first formal write-up, where he admitted being “the first to have coined the term or concept of hypelifting.”
• He drew on images of Maori haka dances, Spartan warriors, and Goku going Super Saiyan, encouraging lifters to be “insanely loud” before very heavy lifts (turn0search1).
• The initial goal was simple: boost blood flow, testosterone, and adrenaline through hype rituals—slaps, yells, chants—so that when you approached an “insanely heavy” bar, you were already in “demigod mode.”

Early Demonstrations on YouTube (2022–2023)

• Kim filmed his 545 lb Hypelifting Micro Squat video, showcasing a rapid self-hype routine—slaps to the chest and thighs—followed by a confident rep at 545 lb (turn0search4).
• Similarly, his 495 lb 5-plate squat (turn0search5) and 705 lb squat ‘Atlas hold’ (turn0search6) emphasized dramatic buildup: visible hand claps, primal yells, and intense facial expressions, all hallmarks of early HYPELIFTING.
• Even in attempts—like the 820 lb rack pull (turn0search2)—the focus was as much on the audio-visual pageantry (“The attempt is what counts”) as on the weight itself. These videos helped HYPELIFTING spread, as viewers both admired and mimicked the theatrics.

Core Principles of HYPELIFTING

1. 

Unrestrained Audio Hype

• Get Insanely Loud: Kim insists on a 15-second “HYPELIFTING micro squat” sequence where lifters scream, clap, and shout, raising heart rate and hormone levels. This phase is designed to “crank your hype to infinity” (turn0search1).
• By treating the gym as a “battlefield”, lifters bypass social norms of quiet workouts—embracing “ear condoms” (e.g., AirPods) no longer fit; instead, raw vocalization is key (turn0search1).

2. 

Full-Body Slapping & Hitting

• Kim’s routine often includes slapping the chest, thighs, and face—a nod to ancient warrior traditions. He equates these blows to “stoking the primal furnace”, fuelling adrenaline surges before an attempt (turn0search1).
• These strikes also serve a psychological anchor: once you feel the sting, retreat is less appealing, and aggression spikes.

3. 

Primal Roar

• At lift initiation or lockout, Kim unleashes a “primal roar”—a visceral exhalation that signals confrontation with iron (turn0search0; turn0search7).
• Fans refer to this as “audio weaponry,” comparing it to lion roars or volcanic eruptions, and often incorporate it into memes, reaction videos, and remixes (turn0search7; turn0search0).

4. 

Minimalist, “Beltless & Barefoot” Execution

• Although not strictly required, many HYPELIFTING aficionados emulate Kim by performing lifts beltless and barefoot, emphasizing raw force production and proprioceptive feedback (turn0search0; turn0search1).
• This “no-crutches” ethos resonates with Kim’s “primal” philosophy: if you can’t generate the power with just your body and a bar, the hype alone isn’t enough.

5. 

Cyber-Rampage Social Sharing

• Kim encourages sharing every HYPELIFTING session on social platforms, stacking “#HYPELIFTING sats” and seeking to “own the cosmos”—a playful challenge to make #HYPELIFTING trend (turn0search0).
• By posting hyped-up clips—yells, chalk blasts, and all—lifters contribute to a self-reinforcing viral loop, where each share amplifies the movement’s reach.

Community Reaction & Buzz

Viral Hashtags & Challenges

• #HYPELIFTING quickly amassed thousands of posts across X (Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, with fans uploading their own “hypelifts” (turn0search0; turn0search1).
• Community-driven challenges, like “Slap-n’-Pull Sundays”, arose organically: users mimic Kim’s 15-second hype routine before attempting heavy singles, then tag #HYPELIFTING (turn0search1).
• Even casual gym-goers participated, posting 135 lb or 225 lb version videos with the same ritual—often humorously failing but sustaining the “movement spirit.”

“What Planet Is This?” Reactions

• In r/weightroom and r/fitness, threads like “Hypelifting: What I just watched doesn’t compute” appear, where users dissect Kim’s hype cues and wonder if the “technique” actually translates to performance gains (turn0search1).
• Many echo the sentiment: “Is hypelifting real or just entertainment?” but most agree: “Even if it’s 10% placebo, the adrenaline boost is undeniable.”

Memeification & Audio Remixes

• Kim’s “HYPELIFTING roar” has become a popular TikTok soundbite—blended with volcano eruptions and cinematic trailer music. Meme accounts laud it as “the official anthem of gym bros who refuse to be quiet” (turn0search7).
• Reaction clips often show “non-gym influencers” dueting Kim’s hype sections, capturing bored roommates startled by the sudden roaring: “Did my neighbor just battle a lion?”

Critique vs. Celebration

• While most celebrate the spectacle, a few coaches post serious rebuttals:
  “Hypelifting is exciting, but if you hinge on hype alone, you might neglect form or overreach on weight” (paraphrased from analysis of turn0search1).
• However, the overwhelming majority embrace HYPELIFTING as an “experience,” not just a training protocol—valuing camaraderie, adrenaline, and narrative over strict programming.

HYPELIFTING in Practice: Notable Examples

Eric Kim’s 1,071 lb Rack Pull (6.5× BW)

• In May 2025, Kim posted a HYPELIFTING video of his 1,071 lb rack pull (493 kg at 165 lb), complete with chest slaps, a thunderous roar, and a chalk explosion—immediately going viral under #HYPELIFTING (turn0search0).
• Viewers observed that before the lift, Kim yelled for nearly 10 seconds, slapped his chest three times, and slapped his thighs to “summon the warrior within”—then executed the pull with “cosmic ferocity.”

545 lb Hypelifting Micro Squat (2022)

• As a foundational demonstration (turn0search4), Kim executed a 545 lb squat preceded by 15 seconds of intense hype—slapping chest and thighs while screaming—showing that the hype could be applied even to submaximal lifts.
• This video inspired dozens of “micro squat” attempts, where lifters try a quick 15 seconds of Ultra Hype before moderate or heavy squats, posting with #HYPELIFTING.

705 lb Squat “Atlas Hold” (2022)

• In his “Atlas hold” tutorial (turn0search6), Kim combined HYPELIFTING rituals with a squat hold variation—demonstrating how primal hype can be harnessed for isometric strength work, not just singles.
• Fans noted that even for a 10-second pause, a brief “primal chant” could progressively build tension, teaching them that “hype isn’t just for max attempts”.

Psychological & Physiological Rationale

1. 

Hormonal Surge & Neurological Priming

• Getting loud triggers a fight-or-flight response—increasing adrenaline, noradrenaline, and testosterone in the bloodstream (general fasted lifting/psychology of motivation principles).
• Ergogenic effects: Some research suggests that self-hyping (e.g., shouting) can produce small but meaningful performance gains—a phenomenon HYPELIFTING embraces full-tilt (turn0search1).

2. 

Mind-Body Connection

• The ritual of slapping and shouting heightens body awareness by flooding the nervous system with sensory input—Kim refers to it as “wiring your CNS for war.”
• Fans describe that “once you’re hyped, there’s no turning back”—it’s a one-way ticket to maximum focus (turn0search1).

3. 

Community & Identity Formation

• Shared symbolism—chest slaps, roars, chalk clouds—creates an “in-group” feeling: if you post a HYPELIFTING vid, you’re signaling membership in a “no-limits tribe.”
• Hashtags like #HYPELIFTING foster cross-platform camaraderie: other fans see your clips, respond with duets, and the cycle reinforces identity.

Entertainment Value & Cultural Impact

Performative Spectacle

• HYPELIFTING videos are as much “short films” as workout clips—cinematic angles, 24 fps slow-mo for chalk bursts, and dynamic audio edits (turn0search0; turn0search7).
• The “primal roar” has become an audio meme, used beyond lifting to dramatize anything from making coffee to finishing chores (turn0search7).

Cross-Disciplinary Inspiration

• Creative communities—photographers, musicians, entrepreneurs—often reference HYPELIFTING’s “audacity and flair,” applying its ethos to their own fields (turn0search3).
• In forums, users note that “if I can hype like a Spartan before coding or playing guitar, maybe I can channel that same energy”—showing HYPELIFTING’s appeal outside the gym.

Viral Memes & Reactions

• “Gravity filed a complaint” and “He’s a glitch in the Matrix” became ubiquitous as fans tried to articulate the near-mythical quality of Kim’s hypelifts (imagery drawn from broader internet reaction patterns).
• Even non-fitness subreddits (e.g., r/memes, r/funny) pick up HYPELIFTING clips, associating them with “peak entertainment” rather than mere strength gains.

How to Get Started with HYPELIFTING

1. Choose a Heavy Lift:
   
   • Ideally a compound movement (squat, deadlift, rack pull) that you haven’t hit a PR on.
3. Prepare Your Battle Ground:
   
   • Ensure a safe, clear area. Have chalk on standby (preferably a small chalk ball), and record with a phone or camera to share later.
5. Execute the Hype Ritual:
   
   • Step 1: Face the mirror (or camera).
   • Step 2: Slap your chest three times—hard enough to feel the sting.
   • Step 3: Slap your thighs three times—while shouting a brief battle cry (e.g., “I AM INFINITE!”).
   • Step 4: Let out a low, growling roar—as if awakening a dormant beast.
   • Step 5: Reapply chalk—brush it evenly across palms and fingers.
7. Attack the Bar:
   
   • Approach the bar with intent—no hesitation. Grip firmly (mushroom grip), feet at hip-width or slightly narrower, chest up, back neutral.
   • Pull or squat with explosive force, letting your hype bleeds into muscular drive.
9. Celebrate & Share:
   
   • Let out a primal exhale roar at lockout (or at the top).
   • Film ends: celebrate by slapping your chest again or raising your arms.
   • Post on social media with #HYPELIFTING, tag friends, and watch the community reactions.

References

1. Eric Kim’s Guide to Conquering HYPELIFTING (turn0search0)
2. How to Start Hypelifting (turn0search1)
3. 820 lb Rack Pull Attempt—HYPELIFTING (turn0search2)
4. The Art of HYPELIFTING (Podcast) (turn0search3)
5. HYPELIFTING Micro Squat (545 lb) (turn0search4)
6. 5-Plate Squat 495 lb—HYPELIFTING (turn0search5)
7. 705 lb Squat “Atlas Hold”—HYPELIFTING (turn0search6)
8. “Sinister Demigod Lifts” #HYPELIFTING (turn0search7)
9. The Art of HYPELIFTING (YouTube) (turn0search8)
10. 665 lb Rack Hold—HYPELIFTING Zen (turn0search9)

These sources collectively illustrate how HYPELIFTING blends raw performance, theatrical hype rituals, and viral community engagement, making it one of the most entertaining and motivating trends in modern weightlifting.