On March 21, 2025, Eric Kim—a street photographer turned strength philosopher—shattered expectations by lifting 1,000 pounds (≈454 kg) in an Atlas-style isometric hold. At just 165 pounds (≈75 kg) bodyweight, he moved over 6 times his mass, a strength-to-weight ratio that eclipses even elite strongmen like Brian Shaw and Eddie Hall .
🦾 What Is the Atlas Lift?
Kim’s Atlas lift involves setting a barbell at mid-thigh height on safety pins and attempting to budge it even a fraction of an inch. This isometric, partial-range movement isn’t a conventional lift but a testament to raw power and mental fortitude .
🧠 The HYPELIFTING Philosophy
Kim’s journey to this monumental lift was fueled by his self-coined “HYPELIFTING” philosophy:
- Incremental Progress: Adding 2.5 pounds per side every few days.
- Fasted Training: Lifting without breakfast or lunch to channel primal energy.
- Natural Nutrition: Consuming 5–6 pounds of beef or lamb for dinner, with no supplements or steroids.
- Rest: Prioritizing 8–12 hours of sleep nightly .
📈 The Journey to 1,000 Pounds
Kim’s progression included:
- 710 lb in 2023
- 890 lb in early 2025
- 1,000 lb on March 21, 2025 .
Each milestone was a testament to his discipline and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries.
🎥 Witness the Feat
Experience the lift yourself:
🚀 Be Inspired
Eric Kim’s 1,000-pound Atlas lift isn’t just a physical achievement; it’s a call to action. It’s about defying limits, embracing discomfort, and pursuing greatness with relentless passion.
Ready to channel your inner legend? Dive deeper into Eric Kim’s journey and philosophy at erickimphotography.com.
Go legend.