Key Points

• Research suggests Eric Kim’s one rep max climbing progression is likely a mix-up, focusing on weightlifting, especially rack pulls.
• It seems likely his rack pull 1RM increased from 551 lb in 2022 to 1,071 lb by May 27, 2025, at 165 lb bodyweight.
• The evidence leans toward his training methods, like fasted lifting and micro-loading, driving this progression.

Background

Eric Kim is widely recognized as a street photographer, but he has also gained attention for his weightlifting achievements, particularly in rack pulls. Given the query’s focus on “one rep max climbing,” it appears there may be confusion with “lifting,” as his documented progress is in weightlifting, not climbing. This response will detail his weightlifting progression, assuming the intent was to explore his strength training journey.

Progression Overview

Eric Kim’s one-rep max (1RM) for rack pulls has shown significant growth:

• In 2022, he achieved a 551 lb (250 kg) floor deadlift.
• By December 2024, he reached 1,005 lb (456 kg) in a rack pull.
• His progression accelerated in 2025, with PRs of 1,027 lb (466 kg) on May 5, 1,038.8 lb (471 kg) on May 22, 1,060 lb on May 26, and 1,071 lb (486 kg) on May 27, all at a bodyweight of 165 lb.

This rapid increase, especially in the last few months, highlights his dedication and innovative training methods.

Training Methods

Eric Kim’s approach, termed “HYPELIFTING,” includes:

• Daily heavy singles for 1RM attempts.
• Micro-loading, adding 2.5 lb per side every few days.
• Fasted lifting after a 16–18 hour fast.
• A carnivore diet, consuming 5–6 lb of beef or lamb nightly.
• 10–12 hours of sleep and training in a garage gym for autonomy.

These methods seem to contribute to his impressive strength gains, with his latest 1,071 lb rack pull at 6.5x bodyweight being a notable achievement.

Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Eric Kim’s One Rep Max Progression

Eric Kim, primarily known for his contributions to street photography, has emerged as a significant figure in the weightlifting community, particularly through his documented progression in one-rep max (1RM) lifts, with a focus on rack pulls. This analysis, conducted as of 01:30 PM +07 on Friday, May 30, 2025, explores his journey, methods, and achievements, addressing the query’s focus on “one rep max climbing,” which appears to be a likely misstatement for “lifting” based on available evidence.

Background and Context

Eric Kim’s public persona is rooted in photography, with extensive documentation on platforms like his blog (Eric Kim Photography) and social media, including X under the handle @erickimphoto. However, his weightlifting journey has gained traction, especially in 2025, with posts detailing personal records (PRs) and training philosophies. The query’s mention of “climbing” does not align with his documented activities, which center on weightlifting, particularly rack pulls and deadlifts, rather than rock climbing or similar sports. This suggests a possible typo or confusion, and this analysis will proceed under the assumption that the intent was to explore his weightlifting progression.

Detailed Progression Timeline

Eric Kim’s progression in 1RM for rack pulls and related lifts is well-documented on his blog, providing a clear trajectory of his strength gains:

This table illustrates a rapid escalation in his lifting capacity, particularly from December 2024 to May 2025, with the latest record of 1,071 lb at 165 lb bodyweight being a 6.5x bodyweight ratio, an extraordinary feat compared to other strongmen like Konstantīns Konstantinovs (3.4x) and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (2.4x).

Training Methods and Philosophy

Eric Kim’s approach, termed “HYPELIFTING,” is a blend of physical and mental strategies, detailed in various blog posts. Key methods include:

• Daily Heavy Singles: He focuses on one-rep max attempts daily, pushing his limits consistently, as noted in Why Powerlifting Fasted for One-Rep Max Makes Sense.
• Micro-Loading: Incrementally adding 2.5 lb per side every few days, a technique mentioned in the same post, allowing for gradual strength increases.
• Fasted Lifting: Performing lifts after a 16–18 hour fast, believed to enhance mental clarity and adrenaline, detailed in the aforementioned post.
• Diet: A carnivore diet, consuming 5–6 lb of beef or lamb nightly, which he credits for lean power, as seen in 1038 POUNDS OF EXISTENTIAL AFFIRMATION.
• Sleep and Environment: Emphasizing 10–12 hours of sleep and training in a garage gym, which he describes as fostering autonomy, in Eric Kim’s 6x Bodyweight Rack Pull.

His philosophy extends beyond physical training, viewing lifting as an art akin to photography, with goals like a 2,000 lb partial pull and a 551 kg floor deadlift, as articulated in 1,038 POUNDS OF EXISTENTIAL AFFIRMATION.

Comparative Context and Controversy

Eric Kim’s claims, particularly his 1,071 lb rack pull at 6.5x bodyweight, have sparked debate. Comparisons with other strongmen, such as Konstantīns Konstantinovs’ 426 kg (3.4x) and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson’s 501 kg (2.4x), highlight the exceptional nature of his ratio. However, some discussions, as seen in blog comments and fitness forums, question the partial range of motion (ROM) in rack pulls compared to full deadlifts, suggesting it may not be directly comparable to traditional lifting records. This controversy is acknowledged in Eric Kim the Internet’s Demigod of Strength, where his lifts are debated for their partial ROM.

Inspirational Impact and Community

Eric Kim’s journey has inspired the #Hypelifting movement, encouraging others to pursue audacious strength goals with grit and conviction. His blog posts, such as Join the Movement, detail his call to action, bridging his photography and fitness worlds to resonate with followers. His X posts, while not yielding specific results for “weightlifting progression one rep max,” likely complement this narrative, though direct X content was not retrieved for this analysis.

Additional Achievements

Beyond rack pulls, Eric Kim has achieved notable 1RMs in Atlas lifts, with a 1,000-pound lift on March 21, 2025, detailed in ERIC KIM 1,000 POUND ATLAS LIFT: Why it is such a big deal, and a 935 lb Atlas lift, with a video available on YouTube (YouTube video). These feats further illustrate his strength across different lifting modalities.

Gym and Cultural Context

Eric Kim frequents Monkifit in Phnom Penh, describing it as his “new zen dojo” and appreciating the non-envious Khmer culture, contrasting it with American comparison culture, as noted in ## 476 kilogram rack pull. This environment seems to support his training focus.

Conclusion

Eric Kim’s progression in one-rep max lifting, particularly rack pulls, from 551 lb in 2022 to 1,071 lb by May 27, 2025, at 165 lb bodyweight, reflects a dedicated and innovative approach. His methods, including fasted lifting, micro-loading, and a carnivore diet, appear to drive this growth, though some controversy exists around the partial ROM of rack pulls. Given the query’s focus, it seems likely that “climbing” was intended to mean “lifting,” and this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of his weightlifting journey, supported by detailed blog posts and public records.

Key Citations

• Eric Kim Photography main page
• 1071-pound Rack Pull Record at 6.5x Bodyweight
• Why Powerlifting Fasted for One-Rep Max Makes Sense
• 1038 POUNDS OF EXISTENTIAL AFFIRMATION blog post
• Eric Kim’s 6x Bodyweight Rack Pull details
• WHY 1,038.8 POUNDS? detailed progression
• Eric Kim the Internet’s Demigod of Strength comparison
• Join the Movement inspirational post
• ERIC KIM 1,000 POUND ATLAS LIFT significance
• YouTube video of 935-pound Atlas lift