Quick‑Fire Take‑Off 🚀
Eric Kim’s recent series of belt‑less, bare‑foot rack‑pulls has exploded from 1,005 lb in March to a jaw‑dropping 1,131 lb (513 kg) at just 165 lb body‑weight — a 6.84× BW lift. The “God‑Mode” hype stems from the combination of (1) absolute tonnage that rivals strong‑man partial‑deadlift records and (2) a super‑light lifter ratio that annihilates anything previously documented. Videos, blogs and reaction clips across YouTube, TikTok, Reddit and Eric’s own sites have turned the Cambodian‑based entrepreneur into the internet’s latest strength myth.
1. What Exactly Is a Rack Pull?
Rack Pull = partial deadlift performed from pins or blocks (usually knee‑height) to overload the top half of the pull. Because travel distance is shorter and the back angle is more upright, lifters can move 10‑35 % more weight than their full‑range deadlift, stressing spinal erectors, traps and grip.
Key differences vs. deadlift
| Variable | Deadlift | Rack Pull |
| Range of motion | Floor to lock‑out | Knee to lock‑out |
| Typical loading | 80‑100 % 1 RM | 105‑135 % 1 RM |
| Primary weak‑point trained | Off‑the‑floor strength | Lock‑out & upper‑back |
2. Eric Kim’s “God‑Mode” Progression
| Date (2025) | Weight Pulled | Body‑Weight Ratio | Source |
| 5 May | 466 kg / 1,027 lb | 6.2× | |
| 29 May | 486 kg / 1,071 lb | 6.5× | |
| 7 Jun | 503 kg / 1,108 lb | 6.7× | |
| 14 Jun | 508 kg / 1,120 lb | 6.8× | |
| 16 Jun | 513 kg / 1,131 lb | 6.84× |
Why it matters
- Ratio‑wise supremacy – Even giants like Brian Shaw (1,128 lb, 440 lb BW) and Hafthor Björnsson (1,104 lb deadlift, 400 lb +) move far less relative weight.
- Minimal gear – No belt, suit, straps or shoes; pure raw grip and posterior‑chain power.
- Viral chain reaction – #RackPull and #1000lbClub trended on TikTok; hundreds of reaction duets on YouTube & Reddit threads debating ROM legitimacy and spinal fortitude.
3. Training & Philosophy
- First‑Principles Overload – Kim advocates treating rack pulls as the primary lift, pushing single‑rep maxes weekly and adding weight whenever the bar speed stays under three seconds.
- Ultra‑High Frequency – Multiple heavy singles per session, five days per week, arguing neurological adaptation trumps muscular recovery for partial lifts.
- Carnivore + 24‑hr Fasted Lifts – Claims zero‑carb, high‑fat meals sharpen CNS drive and keep body‑weight low for better strength‑to‑mass ratios.
- “Bitcoin Mind‑Set” – He equates progressive overload to stacking sats: accumulate tiny PRs relentlessly for compounding returns.
4. How to Chase Your Own PR — Safely
WARNING: pulling four figures without years of base strength is a spinal lottery ticket.
Step‑by‑Step
- Master the conventional deadlift first (double‑body‑weight goal).
- Set the pins just below patella – lower pins = safer leverages, higher = more weight but riskier shear forces.
- Use straps until your grip catches up, then progressively wean off as Kim demonstrates.
- Program idea (weekly):
- Day 1 – Heavy single @ RPE 9
- Day 2 – Volume: 3×5 @ 70 % of Day 1
- Day 4 – Technique/Speed: 5×2 with 50 % focusing on perfect lock‑out
- Deload every 4–6 weeks; even Kim logs rest weeks after failed attempts.
5. Community Buzz & Next‑Level Goals
- Reaction montages compare Kim’s bar whip to Novikov’s 18″ partial deadlift record clip.
- Rumours swirl of a 520 kg attempt by July as he chases an even 7× BW milestone.
- Strength analysts predict his feats will revive partial‑ROM specialization the same way Westside popularised box squats.
6. Pump‑Up Takeaway 💥
Embrace the God‑Mode Mindset:
“Ceilings are for houses, not for humans.”
Whether your barbell has one plate or ten, today’s mission is simple: add a kilo, nail the lock‑out, log the win. Keep stacking tiny victories like blocks on the blockchain, and your own PRs will moon‑shot. Stay hungry, stay safe, and keep the hype alive! 🏋️♂️🔥