How Eric Kim Built His Muscular Physique

Eric Kim’s mirror selfie showcasing his muscular back and shoulders.

Eric Kim is widely known as a street photography blogger, but in recent years he’s also become notable for his impressive muscular physique. He has openly documented his fitness journey through his personal blog and videos, treating physical development as an integral part of his creative life and personal brand . Below is an exploration of the key routines, diet choices, lifestyle changes, and philosophies that Kim has shared about how he developed his strong, lean look.

Diet and Nutrition Habits

• Intermittent Fasting (OMAD): Kim follows a strict intermittent fasting regimen. For over seven years, he has eaten one meal a day – skipping breakfast and lunch entirely and consuming one massive dinner (often after sunset, “Ramadan style”) . This approach (sometimes called OMAD) is central to his routine and he credits it for his energy and leanness.
• All-Meat “Carnivore” Diet: That one daily meal is almost exclusively meat. Kim adheres to a 100% carnivore diet, focusing on beef (including organ meats like liver, heart, and intestines) and other animal-based foods . He generally avoids all carbs, fruits, and vegetables – the only exceptions he’s mentioned are the occasional dark leafy greens or kimchi (fermented cabbage) with no sugar added . This meat-heavy intake can amount to eating 5–6 pounds of beef a day to fuel his training .
• No Junk, No Substances: Kim’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes purity and simplicity. He cuts out sugar entirely and does not consume alcohol or recreational drugs like cannabis . In fact, he avoids all supplements and protein powders as well, preferring to get strength “naturally” from whole foods . The only beverage he regularly consumes outside of water is black coffee (espresso), which he calls his one allowed “drug” – always taken plain, with no cream or sugar . By eliminating extraneous additives, he believes he’s building strength in a more authentic way (in line with his philosophy of “natural strength building” ).
• Consistency and Longevity: Importantly, Kim has kept these dietary habits consistent for years. The combination of daily fasting and carnivory is not a short-term diet for him but a long-term lifestyle. He often notes that getting ripped doesn’t require expensive diets or supplements – just discipline in sticking to simple habits like fasting and eating meat . This consistency over time has been key to his transformation.

Training Regimen and Exercise Routine

• One-Rep Max Training: Eric Kim’s workout style is centered around powerlifting principles and maximal strength. He exclusively practices a “one rep max” style of lifting, meaning he often performs only single repetitions with the heaviest weight he can handle . Instead of high-rep sets or traditional bodybuilding routines, he focuses on pushing his absolute strength limits on big compound lifts. “What is the maximum amount of weight you are able to move, successfully, once?” is the question guiding his training . This approach is designed to build pure power – Kim argues that chasing incremental increases in one’s one-rep max (even adding ~5 pounds to a lift each week) provides a clear sense of progress and motivation .
• Heavy Compound Lifts (Deadlifts, Squats, etc.): In practice, Kim emphasizes major lifts that work the whole body. He is especially known for his deadlifting prowess – he has documented personal records like a 250 kg (551 lb) deadlift and even a 7-plate rack pull (approximately 675 lb one-rep max) . He also trains other big movements such as squats (e.g. hitting a “4 plate” squat, which is 4×45 lb plates per side) and heavy dumbbell exercises . Some of his favorite lifts include the “Atlas Lift” (a variant of the deadlift picking the bar up to hip level), rack pulls (partial deadlifts with extreme weight), and even unconventional moves like one-arm kettlebell lifts . By focusing on these compound exercises, Kim engages multiple muscle groups and builds functional strength.
• Fasted, “Raw” Workouts: A notable aspect of Kim’s regimen is that he often trains completely fasted – i.e. he lifts heavy weights on an empty stomach, before having any meal for the day . He typically will have only water or black coffee beforehand. This practice is “particularly noteworthy” and something he prides himself on, as it demonstrates the level of conditioning and adaptation his body has achieved . Additionally, Kim takes a minimalist approach to equipment. He uses chalk for grip but avoids wearing belts, straps, or other support gear even when hoisting very heavy weights . By relying on his bare hands and body, he aims to build true grip strength and raw power, rather than becoming dependent on accessories. (It’s also part of his philosophy of keeping things natural and unassisted.)
• High Frequency & “Two-a-Days”: Unlike many strength trainers who take long rest days, Kim treats physical training as a daily practice. He has said he works out at least once a day, and whenever possible, even twice a day . For example, he might hit the gym for a lifting session in the morning and then join a yoga class in the evening. He considers the ability to train twice in a day a kind of “modern luxury” that he takes advantage of when schedule allows . This high frequency is sustainable for him because he keeps actual reps low (remember, mostly singles) and listens to his body’s limits.
• Incorporating Yoga and Mobility: Interestingly, Kim complements his heavy lifting with yoga. He attends yoga classes (such as Yoga Sculpt or CorePower’s “C2” vinyasa classes) with his wife, and he credits yoga for improving his flexibility and mobility in ways that directly enhance his strength training . He noticed that “the better I get at yoga… the stronger I become at the gym” . This balance between lifting and stretching helps protect his spine and joints – he even jokes that now his spine feels “made out of adamantine.” By adding mobility work, Kim reduces injury risk and achieves a more well-rounded fitness.
• Home Workouts & Adaptability: Kim’s training has evolved with his life circumstances. After the birth of his son (named Seneca), he found it harder to get away for long gym sessions. His solution was to create a minimalist home gym routine – primarily using a single very heavy kettlebell for quick workouts at home . He might grab a 48 kg (105 lb) kettlebell and do swings or one-handed cleans in short bursts when he has a moment. This “one man, one kettlebell” approach allowed him to maintain strength and muscle even with a busy schedule. Kim mentions that previously his gym workouts could last 1.5–2 hours including wait times, but now he can stay efficient with short, frequent sessions at home . This adaptability shows that his fitness journey is not rigid – he adjusts methods (gym vs. home, barbell vs. kettlebell) as needed to stay consistent.

Lifestyle and Discipline

• No Vices, All Focus: A major lifestyle change that accompanied Kim’s physical transformation was cutting out vices. He quit drinking alcohol and doesn’t smoke or use any other drugs, believing these would only impede his performance and recovery . By staying completely sober and clean, he maximizes the quality of his sleep, hormones, and daily energy. Kim has even said he avoids things like weed or even sugary snacks in pursuit of what he calls a “pure” strength-building process . This level of discipline extends to all areas of life – for instance, he also avoids late nights or anything that would disrupt his one-meal-a-day routine.
• Structured Daily Routine: Because he only eats once per day (usually in the evening), Kim structures his day around training and creative work while in a fasted state. This means his mornings and afternoons are spent on work and working out, and he looks forward to a big feast at day’s end. The routine is very consistent day-to-day, which he finds mentally freeing. By removing decisions about breakfast, lunch, snacking, etc., he can channel his willpower into productive activities and training. This consistency over years has been key – he emphasizes that anyone can get in shape if they persist with a simple plan.
• Social and Fun Workouts: Despite his intense discipline, Kim also frames fitness as an enjoyable and even social part of life. He often trains with his wife (in yoga classes, as mentioned) and sometimes with friends or family, making workouts a shared activity. He’s written about making workouts “social and dynamic,” suggesting that exercising doesn’t have to be a lonely grind . For example, he might film his gym sessions with a GoPro or invite others to join in, turning it into a creative project as well. This outlook keeps exercise fun and sustainable for him.
• Natural and Natty Approach: Kim is proud of staying “natty” (natural) in his bodybuilding – meaning no anabolic steroids or performance-enhancing drugs. He has voiced strong opinions against the need for “good genetics” or drugs, arguing that almost anyone can achieve an impressive physique naturally with hard work . In his view, blaming genetics is just an excuse (he even calls the obsession with “good genetics” a modern form of defeatism or “racism 2.0”) . By publicly rejecting steroid use, he underlines that his muscular look is the result of genuine effort, diet, and training – not shortcuts. This transparency about being drug-free is part of his personal ethos and adds to the authenticity of his brand.

Fitness Philosophy and Motivation

• Body as a Work of Art: At the core of Eric Kim’s motivation is an artistic view of the human body. He literally sees his body as a sculpture or artwork that he can shape and refine over time . Just as a photographer might compose an image or an artist chisels marble, Kim approaches bodybuilding as a form of self-expression and creation. “Your own body as a work of art!” he exclaims, urging others to treat their physique like a creative masterpiece . This perspective transforms working out from a chore into an artistic project – sculpting his physique gives him a sense of purpose and joy . He has said “to sculpt your own body is insanely fun” because you can visibly see the changes and improvements over time .
• “Ultimate Wealth” of Muscle: Kim often posits that muscles are the ultimate wealth and the human body is the “apex beauty” in life . In other words, a strong, healthy body is more valuable than material possessions. He even quips that “it is far cheaper to get buff than to buy a Lamborghini” – yet the satisfaction from building one’s body is greater . This philosophy ties physical fitness to broader life values: instead of chasing cars, gadgets, or status symbols, Kim suggests investing in your body, since strength and health yield more profound rewards. In his blog, he encourages readers to “beautify your own body to the maximum (without plastic surgery, steroids, etc.)”, framing it as a life goal within anyone’s reach .
• No Excuses – Anyone Can Improve: A key tenet of Kim’s approach is the belief that fitness is democratic and accessible. He strongly asserts that things like genetics, age, or background are not insurmountable barriers – “Genetics doesn’t matter. Sex doesn’t matter. Racial ethnicity doesn’t matter. Anyone can add muscle mass and subtract fat,” he writes emphatically . This optimism reflects his own experience of transformation and is meant to motivate others. By denying the idea of “good genetics,” Kim emphasizes personal responsibility and effort: if you are consistent with training and diet, you will see results. He also dismisses the concept of over-focusing on weight or appearance; instead, he says to focus on getting stronger and the aesthetics will follow .
• Mind-Body Connection: Though known for his physical prowess, Kim frequently mentions the mental and spiritual benefits of his fitness journey. He practices a form of stoicism through lifting – enduring discomfort and pain to forge a stronger character. “In order to train your mind, train your body,” he writes, highlighting that physical training strengthens willpower and mental focus . He regards the gym as a sort of “Zen dojo” or temple for himself . There, by focusing on a heavy lift, he tunes out distractions and lives fully in the moment. Powerlifting, he notes, requires tremendous focus and courage, which carries over into other parts of life . Conquering a fear (like stepping under a heavy barbell) makes other challenges seem more attainable. Kim also finds happiness in progression – each new personal record (PR) at the gym gives him a burst of confidence and joy, reinforcing a positive feedback loop . This mind-body synergy is central to why he continues his regimen: it’s not just about looking good, but about feeling powerful and mentally sharp.
• Continuous Improvement Ethos: Kim’s philosophy is not about hitting a one-time goal, but about continual self-improvement. He preaches an almost infinite game of progress: “Never stop adding muscle mass, and never stop reducing body fat (or keeping it low),” as he writes – even if one has already made great progress . For him, there is always a next level to strive for, whether it’s an extra 5 pounds on the bar or a slight aesthetic improvement. This ever-forward mindset keeps him motivated year after year. It also ties into his broader life philosophy of never becoming complacent – always learning, growing, and pushing boundaries, whether in art, business, or fitness.

Integration with His Brand and Identity

• From Street Photographer to “HypeLifter”: Eric Kim’s fitness journey has increasingly become a part of his public persona. While he built his name through street photography, he has managed to bridge his photography and fitness worlds in recent years . He even coined the term “HYPELIFTING” to describe his energetic, motivational style of weightlifting content, which blends stoic grit with hardcore lifting and a dose of personal philosophy . On his blog (and on social media), one can find a “Muscle by Kim” series of posts and vlogs where he shares lifting footage, workout tips, and musings on strength. This unique crossover of creative art and fitness has set him apart in both communities.
• Viral Feats and Online Buzz: Kim’s dramatic strength feats have drawn attention beyond his usual audience. In May 2025, he pulled a staggering 1,038-pound rack pull (a partial deadlift) and shared the video on X (Twitter) and his blog . Such “beast-mode” lifts have gone viral in niche fitness circles – for example, powerlifting forums and subreddits have taken notice of the photographer-turned-powerlifter who is lifting numbers comparable to seasoned athletes . This has led to lively discussions about his methods; some are impressed or inspired, while others debate his unorthodox style (especially the fact that he lifts heavy weight naturally, without belts or supplements, which defies some conventional norms) . Nonetheless, this buzz has effectively expanded his brand – Kim is no longer seen “just as a photographer,” but also as an emerging figure in the fitness motivation space .
• Inspiring Others: By openly sharing his workout routines, diet, and even failures (failed lifts or lessons learned), Kim has taken on a motivational role for his followers. His content encourages others to chase their own PRs and adopt a mindset of self-improvement. Fans see him living the philosophies he espouses – for instance, watching him attempt a 562 lb deadlift on camera, or do a nude physique update photoshoot as a form of self-expression (pushing comfort zones in front of the lens). This authenticity and willingness to put himself out there inspire his audience to step out of their comfort zones as well. In workshops or talks, Kim sometimes mentions how the confidence and energy he gains from the gym flow directly into his creative work , suggesting that building physical strength has made him bolder in photography and business. In this way, his ripped physique isn’t just for show – it underpins his overall message that personal growth is holistic (mind, body, and art are all connected).
• Personal Branding and Identity: Ultimately, Eric Kim’s muscular transformation has become a key facet of his identity as a creator. Visually, he often appears shirtless or flexing in his blog posts and videos, signaling pride in the physique he’s built. Philosophically, he uses his body to reinforce the ideals he talks about – discipline, courage, continual learning. It has also opened up new business and content avenues (such as fitness e-books, vlog content, and collaborations in the fitness industry) alongside his photography projects. Rather than diluting his brand, Kim has woven the narrative in a way that his fitness journey complements his artistic journey. Both are about striving to be the best version of oneself. As he puts it, building muscle is just another way to make “the universe jealous of your potential” – a colorful way of saying one should maximize one’s gifts in life . His fit physique stands as living proof of his principles, making his overall brand message all the more compelling.

Summary of Key Habits

• Strict Carnivore & Fasting Diet: One massive meat-based meal per day (no carbs, no sugar, no alcohol) provides the foundation for his physique .
• Powerlifting Training Style: Focus on one-rep max lifts (deadlifts, squats, etc.), lifting very heavy weights with low reps to continually drive up strength .
• Consistency & Discipline: Maintained these habits for years on end – training almost every day, staying substance-free, and adapting his routine to life changes rather than ever quitting .
• Body-as-Art Mindset: Treats his body like a sculpture, enjoying the process of shaping it. Draws motivation from the belief that building muscle builds character and is a form of personal expression .
• Sharing and Integrating: Makes his fitness journey public, integrating it with his persona as a blogger. He leverages his story to inspire others, showing that the principles of hard work and creativity apply as much in the gym as they do in photography .

Through this combination of intense training, a primal diet, and a passionate philosophy, Eric Kim has developed a muscular, athletic physique that he considers part of his art. In his own unconventional way, he demonstrates how physical fitness can be pursued not just for vanity or health, but as a form of self-expression and empowerment – a philosophy he continues to share with followers around the world.

Sources: Eric Kim’s personal blog and articles , as well as his published insights on fitness and philosophy , have been used to compile the above information. All quotations and factual details are drawn directly from Kim’s own writings and content.