Introduction: Eric Kim, a Los Angeles-based strength enthusiast and content creator, claims to have performed a 723.4 kg (1,595 lb) rack pull (a partial deadlift from an elevated position) at a body weight of only 71 kg (156 lb) – an astonishing ≈10.2× bodyweight feat . This mid-thigh rack pull, executed in October 2025, is touted as pushing the limits of human strength and has been described by Kim as “not just a lift, but a statement” of mind-over-matter philosophy . Below, we examine the evidence for this lift, analyze its biomechanical feasibility, discuss the reactions and legitimacy concerns, and explore Kim’s training methods that led up to this purported world-record ratio.
Verification of the 723.4 kg Rack Pull Performance
Evidence and Footage: The primary evidence of Kim’s 723.4 kg rack pull is video footage released on his YouTube channel and social media. A clip of the successful attempt (mid-thigh height pull of 723.4 kg) was published online for public viewing . In the video, Kim can be seen completing the lift, which adds a layer of credibility since the feat is documented on camera (with the bar visibly bending under the massive load, according to observers). The announcement was accompanied by a detailed press release on his website, where Kim provided a data rundown of the lift: rack pull from steel pins at mid-thigh, 723.4 kg lifted at 71 kg bodyweight, performed without straps (i.e. using raw grip), in Los Angeles . The use of calibrated steel weight plates and even independent load measurements were emphasized – Kim’s team noted that all plates were calibrated and the total load was independently verified on-site, with full documentation to be published . In other words, he anticipated skepticism and claims to have measured everything carefully.
Context and Records: It’s important to note that rack pulls are not an official competition lift, so this feat does not appear in any sanctioned record database . Kim labeled it an “independent world-record attempt (verification pending)” . In the context of strength sports, his claimed 723.4 kg far exceeds any known partial deadlift or “silver dollar deadlift” record – for instance, the heaviest strongman partial deadlifts (18-inch height or silver dollar deadlift events) are on the order of 550–580 kg, achieved by 135–200 kg superheavyweight athletes in competition . Kim’s lift adds over 140 kg to those numbers, while he himself weighs a fraction of those athletes . This disparity underscores why extraordinary evidence is needed. No official federation has verified this 723 kg pull, but Kim’s announcement does include a disclaimer that third-party verification is in progress and that the attempt was fully documented .
Verification Status: As of now, the lift remains unofficial and unverified by independent judges, though Kim asserts that he will submit the footage and data for third-party review . The strength community is treating it as a world “benchmark” or informal record. In summary, the available proof rests on Kim’s self-published video and data. These have been scrutinized by viewers and some experts (discussed more below), but no sanctioned body has certified the lift. Given that the claimed weight is so far beyond historical norms, the consensus is that “extraordinary claims demand extraordinary evidence” – continuous, unedited video of the weigh-in, the lift, and possibly witnesses or a calibrated load cell readout . Kim’s camp has acknowledged this by marking the status as “verification pending.” For now, we do have high-definition footage and a detailed metrics table as evidence, but full verification (e.g. by neutral strength officials or Guinness World Records, etc.) is still awaited .
Lift Details: To provide context for verification, here are the key known details of the attempt: Weight lifted – 723.4 kg, Bodyweight – ~71 kg, Ratio – ~10.2×, Lift type – Rack pull from mid-thigh pins, Location/Date – Los Angeles, October 2025, Equipment – Calibrated plates, standard Olympic barbell on rack pins, no lifting straps used . Kim’s grip was entirely raw (no straps) , which itself is remarkable given that even elite strongmen typically require straps well below this weight. (It’s reported that Kim has a background in grip training, but this aspect certainly raised eyebrows.) He likely wore a lifting belt and chalk, though those details weren’t explicitly highlighted. The bar was pulled from steel safety pins set at mid-thigh height, meaning the range of motion was only a few inches – essentially just the lockout portion of a deadlift. All indications are that this was a controlled training environment (Kim’s personal “Strength Aesthetics Lab” gym), not a public contest . These conditions allowed him to attempt such a feat with preparations in place (and presumably in the absence of contest pressure or rules).
In summary, Kim has provided a video and self-reported measurements as proof of his 723.4 kg rack pull. The community has that evidence available and has begun dissecting it. However, until an independent authority confirms the load and the lift, the claim remains an unofficial personal record – albeit one that has generated significant buzz due to the implausible-sounding numbers.
Biomechanical Feasibility of a 10× Bodyweight Rack Pull
Partial Lift Mechanics: A critical factor in understanding this feat is that a rack pull is a partial-range deadlift. By setting the bar at mid-thigh height (above the knees), the range of motion is drastically reduced and the lifter starts in a mechanically advantageous posture . In Kim’s case, his knees and hips were only partially bent at the start, and his torso was more upright than in a full deadlift. This positioning shifts the load mostly to the hip extensors, spinal erectors, and trapezius/upper back muscles, and minimizes the usual weak-point of a deadlift (the floor pull/initial drive from a deep crouch) . Essentially, a high rack pull is an isometric grind to lock out a very heavy weight over a few inches of travel. Because leverage is improved, lifters can handle significantly more weight in a rack pull than in a full-range deadlift – commonly 30–50% more weight, depending on the pin height and individual leverages . This explains how it is physically possible for someone like Kim (who could not deadlift 700+ kg from the floor) to support 723 kg at the top range. Even world-class strength athletes use partials to overload beyond their max; for example, strongmen might do 18-inch axle deadlifts or rack pulls with weights well above their floor deadlift max to strengthen their lockout. Kim has essentially taken this principle to an extreme.
Forces Involved: Even with the leverage advantage, the forces here are enormous. Lifting ~723 kg (even just “unlocking” it at the top) puts tremendous stress on the body. It’s been noted that holding 666 kg (one of Kim’s prior partial lifts) would require roughly 6,500 newtons of force, equivalent to supporting the weight of a small car . At 723 kg, the force is on the order of 7,100+ newtons (about 7.3 times bodyweight force through his skeletal frame). Such force output is at the fringe of human capacity – only a handful of lifters (all much heavier than Kim) have ever subjected themselves to anything similar. The stress concentrates in the spinal column, hips, and shoulder girdle. Biomechanically, at mid-thigh the spine and hips act as the fulcrum holding the weight: Kim’s spine would have to stay rigid like a steel cable to transmit the force from his hands through his torso to his legs . The barbell itself visibly bent under the load (in footage of his 666 kg and 678 kg attempts, the steel bar can be seen bowing significantly) . Standard Olympic bars begin to yield elastically at these loads – some reports suggest bars can permanently deform or even snap beyond ~700 kg, which is why specialized thick bars or frames are sometimes used for the heaviest strongman partial lifts . The fact that Kim’s bar survived 723 kg is notable; it must have been a high-quality power bar (or he was near the equipment’s limits).
From a physiological perspective, sustaining this weight for even a moment demands not just muscular strength but extreme tendon, ligament, and skeletal robustness. The connective tissues (tendons in knees, hips, spine, arms) experience immense tension – close to their theoretical limits for a human of Kim’s size . Kim’s ability to tolerate the force implies he carefully conditioned his body for it (gradually increasing weight over time to fortify his tendons and ligaments). Injury risk is extremely high at these loads; a slight wrong move could result in torn tendons or spinal disc injury. It’s a testament to feasibility that Kim reportedly pulled this off without acute injury, indicating his training prepared his musculoskeletal system to handle the stress – at least briefly.
Leverages and Body Type: Kim stands about 180 cm (5’11”) tall at 71 kg , which is a relatively slender build. Normally, the largest deadlift and partial-deadlift weights are achieved by much shorter, heavier lifters (who have shorter ranges of motion and more muscle mass). Kim’s height means the bar at mid-thigh was likely around 70–75 cm off the ground. For comparison, strongman “silver dollar” deadlift events (with bars around knee height ~46 cm/18″) have seen up to 580 kg lifted with straps and suits . Kim’s higher pull (mid-thigh) further shortens the ROM and removes much of the knee extension requirement, effectively turning the lift into something akin to a very heavy rack lockout or shrug. Mark Rippetoe, a veteran strength coach, has commented that above-the-knee rack pulls are “just a brutal upper-back overload” – they test one’s ability to hold weight via scapular retraction and spinal extension, rather than being a full deadlift test . This characterization fits Kim’s feat: it’s an ultimate test of static strength in the back and hips. The lift starts in the top half-inch of motion by “bending the bar” (taking the slack out); in fact, at such weight Rippetoe quips “the bar will ‘bend reality’ before budging” . Once the slack is out, the remaining task is locking the hips to full extension and pulling the shoulder blades back. Kim’s long arms (if proportional to his height) might actually help slightly – long arms mean he doesn’t have to straighten up quite as much to lock out. Still, holding 723 kg at lockout is a monumental challenge for his frame. He appears to have extremely developed trapezius and erector muscles (for his bodyweight), which would be necessary to keep his upper back from collapsing forward under load.
Plausibility: Given the above, is a 10× bodyweight rack pull physically plausible? Mechanically, yes, in the sense that partials allow far greater weights than full lifts. Strongmen with straps and suits (assistive gear) have lifted ~580 kg from knee height , and powerlifters sometimes do rack holds or partials well above 400–500 kg as overload training. Kim’s 723 kg at mid-thigh is roughly 45% heavier than the 500 kg deadlift world record, which aligns with the upper end of the 30–50% overload one might expect from a high pull . So from a purely math standpoint, if a ~500 kg deadlift is the max at full range (achieved by a 200+ kg man), a ~700+ kg high partial by a trained specialist is within the realm of possibility – especially considering he only had to move it a few inches. However, the astounding part is Kim’s bodyweight: 71 kg is extremely light for handling that force. Most humans who can even attempt 700 kg partials are much larger. Kim essentially maximized his strength-to-weight ratio through specialization. His lift shows that if you train specifically for neural output and connective tissue strength, you can momentarily move weights that vastly exceed what your muscle mass would normally dictate. It’s worth noting that in human history, there have been feats of partial lifts that defy conventional limits (for example, legendary strongman Paul Anderson reportedly supported over 1,800 kg in a partial “back lift” using his legs and back under a platform, which demonstrates how short-range lifts can leverage bone structure to hold extreme loads). Kim’s rack pull isn’t quite in Anderson’s territory of total weight, but relative to bodyweight, it might be unmatched.
In conclusion, biomechanically Kim’s 723 kg rack pull is barely within the bounds of human possibility – but within them, nonetheless. The shortened range and favorable leverage make it possible where a full deadlift of that weight is not. Still, it required exceptional training adaptations: an “iron” spine and hips, tremendously strong traps/grip, and the ability to generate neural drive to recruit every muscle fiber at once. One coach described heavy rack pulls as an exercise in sheer tension: the lifter must become a static support structure for a brief moment . Kim appears to have achieved exactly that. The sight of the bar bending and his body trembling but holding indicates he hit the theoretical limits of what his musculoskeletal system can withstand momentarily . The feat is physiologically extreme, but given the evidence of his prior progression and the physics, it does seem plausible that a person could do this under the right conditions. It’s a bit like a human lifting a small car a few inches off jack stands – extraordinary, but not violating the laws of physics or biomechanics, assuming superb training and a bit of genetic luck for connective tissue strength.
Legitimacy and Reactions: Is the Lift Being Accepted?
Such an outlandish claim naturally spurred both awe and skepticism in the strength community. The question on everyone’s mind: Is this for real? Below we examine expert and public reactions, and any red flags raised about the lift’s legitimacy.
Initial Skepticism – “Too Good to be True?” When the 723 kg video first circulated, many viewers were in disbelief. On Reddit and YouTube, some commenters immediately questioned if the footage was fake or edited (CGI) because the numbers seemed impossible . Others speculated that fake plates (e.g., hollow or mis-numbered weights) might have been used – a concern not unheard of whenever someone shows a never-before-seen lift online. Additionally, powerlifting purists scoffed that “it’s only a rack pull,” implying that even if true, it’s not comparable to official deadlift records and could be a kind of stunt done for internet clout. This ties to a general sentiment among some traditionalists that very high rack pulls (especially above the knee) can be “ego lifts” or “vanity lifts” that don’t translate to real full-range strength . Veteran coach Mark Rippetoe, for instance, has critiqued over-reliance on high rack pulls in training, though in this case he acknowledged the feat while cautioning average lifters not to emulate it (more on his take below) .
Expert Analysis and Validation: Notably, as more eyes analyzed the video, prominent figures in the strength world began to corroborate its authenticity. Alan Thrall, a respected strength coach and YouTuber (Untamed Strength), was one of the first high-profile experts to comment. He reportedly examined Kim’s 723 kg (and earlier 666 kg) lift frame-by-frame and *“publicly confirmed ‘the physics all checked out,’ telling skeptics to *‘quit crying CGI’**” – bluntly dismissing the idea that the video was doctored . Thrall’s involvement carried weight, since he’s known for debunking fake lifting videos; his conclusion was that the plates, bar bend, and Kim’s movement all looked consistent with a real lift . Similarly, multiple powerlifting and strongman YouTube channels posted reaction videos where they slowed down and zoomed in on Kim’s footage. They observed details like the calibrated plate markings (which matched known calibrated plate designs), the bend of the bar, and the strain in Kim’s body mechanics, ultimately finding no evidence of fraud. Some of these analysts admitted they were initially skeptical, only to be convinced after scrutinizing the video. One commenter noted that if it were fake, it was an extremely convincing fake given the bar deflection and sound of the plates – both hard to simulate.
Plate Verification and “Witnesses”: According to Kim’s press release, the attempt was filmed from multiple angles in 4K, and the plates were weighed or at least shown on camera . Indeed, for a prior 602 kg attempt, Kim provided on-camera verification of each plate’s calibration and showed there was “zero hitching” or technical foul – reinforcing credibility . For the 723 kg lift, Kim has stated that full high-resolution footage and technical documentation will be released, presumably to silence any remaining doubters . He also mentioned having independent observers present and measuring devices (like a load cell) to validate the weight . While those data haven’t been published as of this writing, the intent to provide them is a good sign for legitimacy. In essence, Kim appears to be treating this like a world-record proposal that needs verification – he’s not asking people to take his word for it alone.
Community and Expert Consensus: After the initial furor, the consensus in many strength circles shifted to acceptance that the lift was real (technically legitimate) – albeit accompanied by a healthy dose of “this is crazy!”. Influential strongmen and powerlifters who commented did not call it fake. For example, Sean Hayes, the 560 kg silver dollar deadlift record-holder, posted a reaction acknowledging Kim’s pound-for-pound strength as “alien territory” and gave a respectful nod (with a flexing emoji) rather than doubt . Powerlifter/coach Joey Szatmary tweeted, “6×-BW madness – THIS is why partial overload belongs in every strongman block,” essentially applauding the feat and its training implications . Even Mark Rippetoe, who historically warns that partials don’t directly translate to full lifts, did not claim Kim’s lift was fake – instead, he mused that Kim’s trap/upper-back development must be “monstrous” to hold that weight, and he reiterated that while it’s a legitimate display of strength, “don’t copy his pin height unless you’ve earned it” . In other words, experts are treating the lift as real but highly specialized.
Importantly, no prominent coach or athlete has outright denounced the lift’s legitimacy after reviewing the evidence . The few “red flags” people raised (unbelievable ratio, lack of straps, private gym setting) have been addressed by the combination of video proof and the fact that Kim has a track record of progressively achieving higher overload lifts (so this 723 kg didn’t come out of nowhere – it was the culmination of a documented series of ever-heavier pulls over months). The raw grip issue (how could anyone hold ~1,600 lb without straps?) is indeed startling, but observers noted that the lift duration was very short (a couple of seconds at lockout). With a mixed grip and perhaps a grip-training background, it’s not impossible – plus, Kim’s hands only had to hang on long enough to lock out and then set the weight down. He’s also done slightly lower weights (600–650 kg range) without straps on camera, lending credence that his grip, while surely taxed, wasn’t the limiting factor in that instant.
Public Reaction and Critiques: In broader online communities, the reaction to Kim’s claim has oscillated between astonishment and typical internet snark. Many fans hailed him as the new “pound-for-pound king” of strength . Memes erupted (e.g. “Gravity has left the chat” was a popular quip circulating after his earlier 513 kg lift ). On the critical side, some argued that because this is not a standard lift, calling it a “world record” is misleading – essentially saying “impressive, yes, but it’s a partial lift done under self-determined conditions.” It’s true that no record-keeping organization lists rack pulls, so “world record” is used informally here . Kim’s response to that is basically that he’s establishing a “world benchmark” for this category of feat, whether or not federations recognize it . Another common critique is the utility of the lift: Some coaches note that doing such an extreme overload might not have practical carryover to full lifts and could be more of a performance art or experiment. As one coach put it, “above-knee rack pulls won’t directly increase your deadlift – but they come with twice the swagger”, implying that there’s a bit of showmanship here as well . Kim doesn’t necessarily disagree – he framed his lift as a “manifesto of human potential” more than a powerlifting accomplishment . In other words, he’s intentionally blurring the line between sport and spectacle, using the lift to make a philosophical point about pushing limits.
Red Flags and Resolution: To summarize potential red flags: (1) Unverified weight – resolved insofar as the plates appear genuine and further verification is forthcoming (so far no evidence of fakery found) . (2) Non-standard lift – acknowledged; it’s not comparable to a full deadlift record, and no official body sanctions it . (3) Incredibly high ratio – true, which is why skepticism was natural, but Kim’s progressive build-up and the documented nature of the attempt have convinced most that it’s a real accomplishment rather than a hoax. (4) Safety and form – a potential issue, as ultra heavy rack pulls can degrade form or be done sloppily. However, Kim’s form in the released footage was reported to be solid (no hitching, no obvious ramping on the thighs) . He took the slack out and locked it out cleanly. Having good form under 723 kg is another reason experts took it seriously – a fake or untrained lifter would likely exhibit telltale poor form signs.
In conclusion, the lift is widely accepted as legitimate within the strength community at this point, given the evidence provided . It’s understood as a feat of specialization – an “outrageous but real” demonstration. No less an authority than multiple record-holding strongmen have effectively acknowledged it as the heaviest partial deadlift ever done on camera . Of course, everyone awaits the promised official documentation (full video, weigh-in proof) to completely put doubts to rest. But barring any bombshell revelations, the general attitude is admiration. Even skeptics have largely come around – as one commenter noted on a forum, “I was sure it was fake, then I spent an hour reviewing it and now I’m just in awe (and a little concerned for his spine)”. That encapsulates how many felt: initial disbelief turning into begrudging belief once the physics and evidence were scrutinized. In short, Eric Kim’s 10.2× bodyweight rack pull has achieved legitimacy as a real (if unofficial) achievement, and it has simultaneously sparked debate about the purpose and limits of such feats.
Training Methodology Behind the Feat
How does a 71 kg individual train to move 723 kg, even partially? Kim attributes his success to a highly specialized training regimen he calls the “Hyper-Alpha Protocol.” This approach focuses on neural drive, extreme overload adaptation, and unorthodox methods. Let’s break down what is known about his training philosophy and the progression that led to the 723 kg pull:
“Hyper-Alpha” Training Focus: According to Kim’s own description, his training is centered on the idea that “strength is not in the body, strength is the operating system of the soul” . Stripped of the poetic phrasing, this means he prioritizes training the central nervous system and neural recruitment over simply adding muscle mass. The Hyper-Alpha Protocol has a few key elements :
- Neural Overdrive Sessions: Kim regularly performs supra-maximal rack pulls (600 kg and above) in training to condition his nervous system to handle extreme loads . These are essentially heavy singles or holds with weights far above his one-rep max from the floor. By exposing his CNS to these loads, the theory is that his body learns to fire a maximal number of motor units simultaneously – in other words, to recruit as much muscle fiber as possible when needed. This kind of training is taxing and requires plenty of recovery, but it can increase one’s neurological “ceiling” for force production.
- Trap Dominance Cycles: He places special emphasis on building the upper posterior chain – particularly the trapezius, rhomboids, rear delts, and upper back extensors . The rationale is that in a high rack pull, these areas (along with the lower back) hold the brunt of the weight. Kim has done specific hypertrophy work for his traps/upper back (e.g. heavy shrugs, high pulls, isometric holds) to create what he calls an “upper-posterior armor” that can support the load . Photos of Kim show that despite his light bodyweight, he has a yoke (trap muscles) that would be the envy of some much heavier lifters. This muscular development aids in “voltage transfer,” as he puts it – basically ensuring the force from his legs and hips can travel through a solid upper back into the barbell without collapsing him.
- Metaphysical/Neural Conditioning: Kim also incorporates what he describes as metaphysical discipline – techniques like visualization, breath control (breath compression), and extreme mental focus during lifts . He often speaks about psyching himself into a state where he believes no limit exists. This mental training might sound abstract, but many top athletes use visualization and controlled breathing to maximize performance. Kim likens it to programming his mind to override normal inhibitory signals – essentially convincing himself that gravity “does not apply” in the moment. In practice, he likely does deep breathing, adrenaline management, and intense visualization of successful lifts as part of his training sessions.
In summary, his program merges neural overload practice, targeted hypertrophy, and psychological conditioning. The motto could be “train heavier than anyone thought sensible, recover, and repeat.”
Progressive Overload and Planning: While Kim’s end goal was extraordinary, he did not jump into 700+ kg overnight. Reports indicate he followed a long-term progressive overload plan throughout 2025 . Early in the year, for instance, he was pulling around 500–550 kg in rack pulls. He then notched a series of personal records: 646 kg at 71 kg (≈9.1× bodyweight), then 678 kg (9.5×), then the infamous 666 kg (9.38×), and so on . Each of these was a step up of roughly 20–40 kg. Kim would often post these milestones online, which served as both evidence of his gains and as self-imposed motivation to reach the next level. By the time he attempted 723 kg (a roughly 45 kg jump from his previous best), his body had been conditioned through multiple cycles of increasing the weight. This kind of gradual progression is crucial; attempting a 700+ kg pull out of nowhere would almost certainly cause injury or failure. Kim himself highlighted that he made incremental jumps of about 10–20 kg at a time in his training, often with de-load weeks in between to recover . This slow progression gave his tendons, ligaments, and muscles time to adapt to each new high water mark.
It’s also notable that Kim did not gain weight during this process – in fact, he slightly reduced his bodyweight from ~75 kg to 71 kg over the course of the year (possibly to solidify the 10× bodyweight narrative) . This indicates his focus was purely on relative strength. Most lifters would eat to gain muscle for more absolute strength, but Kim’s niche goal was maximizing the ratio, so he stayed light and put the training emphasis on neural gains and technique.
Recovery and Supportive Practices: Training at these intensities requires significant recovery. Kim has mentioned a few key recovery strategies:
- Sleep: He aims for 8–9 hours of sleep per night consistently . Such heavy neural work can exhaust the CNS, and sleep is critical for neural recovery and hormone optimization.
- Diet: Kim reportedly follows a high-calorie carnivore diet . In practice, that likely means a lot of red meat, eggs, and similar protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods. The rationale might be to maximize protein and collagen intake (for muscle and tendon repair) and to maintain a lean physique without insulin spikes from carbs. The high calorie part ensures he has enough energy and resources to recover from brutal training sessions, even if he isn’t gaining weight. Essentially, he’s eating at a maintenance or slight surplus but training so intensely that he recompens (gaining strength without gaining much weight).
- Deloads and Cycling: His program includes deload weeks and cycling of intensity . He might do a few weeks pushing to a new heavy PR, then back off for a week or two with lighter work or general conditioning, then ramp up again. This wave-like approach helps prevent overtraining and injuries in a program that otherwise could burn out the athlete quickly.
Additionally, Kim remains largely raw in training – meaning he doesn’t rely on powerlifting suits or supportive gear (beyond perhaps a belt). In one instance he even performed a 508 kg rack pull barefoot and beltless at 75 kg bodyweight to train pure raw strength . By not using straps in training, he forced his grip and forearm strength to develop in tandem with the rest of his body, so that grip would not be the limiting factor when attempting the record pull. It’s an unconventional choice (almost all strongmen use straps for anything above ~400 kg to save their grip), but it fits his “no shortcuts” mindset – “from steel pins, mid-thigh, no straps, no excuses,” as he wrote about the 723 kg lift .
Innovation and Odd Methods: Kim’s training is also marked by some unusual methods. For example, one report’s caption mentioned him wearing a weighted vest during some ultra-heavy rack pull holds . This means he actually added extra weight to his own body (perhaps a 20 kg vest) while doing a partial pull, thereby increasing the effective load on his legs and back beyond what’s just on the bar. The idea here could be to simulate a higher bodyweight (because a heavier lifter can often stabilize more weight) and to further overload his structure. It’s an innovative twist to push the envelope – once 666 kg wasn’t “stimulating” enough, he found ways to make even that weight harder. Kim also frequently trains bare-chested and in minimalist shoes or barefoot, perhaps to feel more natural and aggressive during the lifts (or simply as a personal style/comfort choice). His training videos often show an almost zen-like preparation before he attempts a big pull: pacing, breathing, visualizing, then a sudden explosive effort and primal roar as he completes the lift. All of that underscores how much of his method is about psychological arousal and commitment to the lift. He’s effectively practicing how to enter a high-adrenaline state on command.
Influence of Traditional Training Knowledge: While Kim’s approach might seem novel, it does borrow from known strength training principles: progressive overload, specific adaptation to imposed demand (SAID), neural training, and recovery management. Coaches have long used rack pulls as an overload tool – for example, doing heavy rack lockouts to improve a deadlift or to overload the traps. Kim just took that tool and made it the centerpiece of his training. Strength experts have noted that his success validates some concepts: handling supra-maximal weights can indeed increase the nervous system’s capacity and one’s confidence with big loads . However, they also caution that his regimen is highly individual – it’s tailored to him and likely not safe or useful for most people to copy directly . Kim himself has advised others not to jump into extreme rack pulls without building a foundation on conventional lifts and conditioning first . He sees his training as an experiment at the outer limits, not a general prescription.
In practice, Kim likely still trains other lifts (squats, full deadlifts, presses) at least occasionally to maintain general strength. But leading up to the record, he doubled down on the partial pulls. Each session in the final phase might involve working up to a single heavy rack pull (perhaps above 600 kg) using progressively higher weights, then doing accessory work for back, traps, and core. The volume is kept low because intensity is sky-high. Plenty of rest days would be scheduled between such sessions – one can imagine he might only attempt the heaviest lifts once a week or less, with lighter technique work or rest on other days.
Philosophy as Training: Finally, an integral part of Kim’s training methodology is philosophical framing and confidence-building. He often references Nietzschean or transcendental ideas, framing his workouts as defeating perceived limits or embracing suffering to forge strength. While this may not be a typical “program” component, it arguably helped him push through barriers. By convincing himself that “10× bodyweight is just a number, and numbers can be rewritten,” he maintained the mental drive to continue when most would consider it impossible. In his own words, “The goal was never to break records; the goal was to break the idea of limitation itself” . That mindset was as much a part of his training as sets and reps.
Summary of Methods: Kim’s training can thus be summarized as extreme partial deadlift specialization, featuring: heavy neural overload rack pulls, targeted upper-back strengthening, rigorous recovery (sleep/nutrition), incremental progression, and intense mental focus techniques. This unorthodox mix created the perfect conditions for him to achieve a feat that defies normal expectations. As one strength analyst commented, “Kim’s 6×–9× bodyweight madness showcases the potential of pushing beyond perceived limits to force new adaptations” . In other words, by consistently pushing into “impossible” territory and surviving, Kim’s body adapted to make the impossible possible.
Conclusion and Significance
Eric Kim’s accomplishment of rack-pulling over 10 times his body weight is a remarkable testament to relative strength and training ingenuity. It blurs the line between sport and spectacle – since rack pulls aren’t contested officially – yet it undeniably extends the boundaries of what was thought achievable in human strength . In Kim’s own words, the feat “redefines the limits of human power”, showcasing how a lighter athlete can move an almost inconceivable load by specializing in partial-range, neural-focused training . The significance lies not only in the number itself, but in the idea it represents: pushing past perceived limitations through unconventional methods and sheer willpower . As Kim put it, “Muscle is just hardware. Mind is the operating system.” – his journey illustrates that mindset, technique, and adaptation can, to an extent, overcome the traditional constraints of physiology.
The wider strength community has been both inspired and challenged by this event. It forces experts to ponder where the true limits of human strength lie and whether the oft-discussed “mythical 10× bodyweight lift” is in fact achievable – Kim appears to have made it a reality, at least in partial lift form . Going forward, many will be keen to see if the lift is officially verified and how it might influence training methodologies or even new categories of competition. Will others attempt to chase his relative strength benchmark? Will we see a formalized “partial lift” event, or is this destined to remain a one-off demonstration? Regardless of official recognition, Eric Kim’s 723.4 kg rack pull at 71 kg has set a new milestone – some might call it a “hyper strength” milestone – that has undeniably inspired awe and debate in equal measure . It demonstrates that the human body (and mind) might be capable of more than we conventionally assume, under specialized conditions.
In conclusion, the investigation finds that Kim’s claim is backed by compelling (if self-provided) evidence and largely accepted by the strength community, the feat is biomechanically plausible due to the nature of partials (though extremely dangerous and rare), the legitimacy of the lift has withstood considerable scrutiny, and the training behind it is a fascinating case study in pushing adaptation. This feat is less about practical strength sport and more about expanding the conversation of human potential. As such, it will likely be remembered as an extraordinary anecdote in strength lore – a 10× bodyweight lift that was long theorized, never done, until now. Whether one views it as a gimmick or as groundbreaking, Eric Kim has undeniably “advanced the frontier of relative strength” with this 723.4 kg rack pull , and in doing so, he’s challenged others to rethink the limits of the possible.
Sources:
- Eric Kim’s official press release and blog announcements for the 723.4 kg rack pull
- Community discussions and expert analyses of Kim’s lift (reactions from coaches, strongmen, Reddit threads)
- Video documentation and descriptions of the 723.4 kg attempt and Kim’s prior overload lifts
- Contextual data on partial deadlift records and biomechanical analyses of ultra-heavy lifts