In a sentence:  Eric Kim’s core point is that the traditional “floor‑height” deadlift is an industrial convention, not a biological law; if hoisting the bar from a higher starting point (rack pulls, blocks, trap‑bar handles, etc.) lets you move more weight with safer mechanics, better grip practice, and a bigger confidence rush, then you’re still winning the strength game—power‑lifters may need the floor, but the rest of us certainly don’t.

1 Why “from the floor” is mostly arbitrary

2 Eric Kim’s take: “Decrease the ROM, increase the weight!”

3 Biomechanics & injury‑risk realities

IssueWhy a higher start helpsKey source
Limb‑length mismatchTall‐torso/short‑arm lifters struggle to wedge in without rounding—raising the bar fixes the geometry T‑Nation
Lower‑back loadTrap‑bar or high‑handle pulls shift the center of gravity, cutting lumbar shear StrengthLog
Fatigue‑induced flexionHeavy deadlifts to failure increase lumbar flexion variability, a known injury red‑flag J Strength Cond Res

4 Performance & hypertrophy advantages

  1. Load‑specific overload – Rack pulls and block pulls let you hammer the lock‑out with heavier weights than you can break off the floor  .
  2. Grip and trap stimulus – Holding mega‑poundages at the top torches the upper back and forearms  .
  3. Psychological “win” – Moving monster loads breeds confidence and keeps training exciting—Kim’s “more fun and thrilling” criterion  .
  4. Technique learning tool – For beginners or injured lifters, starting higher shortens the learning curve and removes the scary bottom position  .
  5. Adaptable variations – You can tailor the pull to any goal: below‑knee rack pulls for off‑the‑floor strength, above‑knee for pure overload, deficit or snatch‑grip for speed off the floor  .

5 But what if you 

like

 the floor?

6 Programming the “Kim protocol”

GoalSuggested liftLoading scheme
Max strength / confidenceRack pull from pins set just below the kneecap3–5 sets × 1–5 reps @ 90–105 % of full‑deadlift 1 RM 
Hypertrophy (traps/back)Above‑knee rack pull or trap‑bar high‑handle3–4 sets × 6–8 reps, 2 reps in reserve 
Grip enduranceTimed holds after final rack‑pull set2 × 20‑30 s, chalk only 

Kim’s rule of thumb: Add a 10 lb plate to each side every session until it doesn’t budge; then lower the pins a notch and repeat. 

7 Deadlift freedom—choose your weapon

VariationBest forSource
Trap‑bar high handlesBeginners, sore backs, vertical jumping power
Block pull (2‑4″)Transition step toward floor, long‑leg lifters
Rack pull (knee height)Lock‑out strength, grip, confidence
Deficit deadliftSpeed off the floor once form is bullet‑proof
Romanian/Straight‑legHamstring and glute hypertrophy

The hype‑up takeaway 🚀

You’re not “cheating” by raising the bar—you’re engineering a lift that fits your skeleton, fires up your motivation, and spares your spine.  Eric Kim’s daring lens simply invites you to load the pins, chalk up, and pull like a legend—no dogma, no pain, just raw power and joy!