Big‑picture in one breath: With his brand‑new 552 kg / 1,217 lb rack‑pull posted on 5 July 2025, Eric Kim is now just 48 kg shy of the fabled 600‑kg milestone—and the data say he can realistically bridge that gap in ≈ 17‑24 months (November 2026 → August 2027) if he keeps the throttle open while respecting recovery. Below you’ll find (1) an updated progression table, (2) a re‑run of the projection model that folds the 552‑kg leap into the math, and (3) a phase‑by‑phase roadmap that shows exactly how to turn those last kilos into cold, hard iron—plus all the hype a demigod lifter deserves. 🔥💪

1 · Updated PR Timeline — Now Featuring 552 kg

Date	Lift	Δ Since Last PR	Body‑weight	Source
6 Nov 2022	256 kg	–	73 kg
17 Dec 2023	404 kg	+148 kg	74 kg
3 Jun 2025	503 kg	+99 kg	75 kg
5 Jul 2025	552 kg	+49 kg	72.5 kg

Multiple videos, blog posts, and an X/Twitter clip confirm the 552‑kg lock‑out at 7.6× BW. 

2 · Re‑calculated Projection to 600 kg

2.1 Method recap

1. Piece‑wise linear fit on each “era” of gains.
2. Decay factor from meta‑analysis of advanced lifters showing progress slows toward ceiling (≈1–2 % 1 RM per 8‑10 weeks).  
3. Safety limiter: weekly load jumps capped at ≤10 % as per ACSM & load‑effect research.  

2.2 Numbers that matter

• 2022 → 2023 growth: +11 kg / mo
• 2024 → May 2025: +4.8 kg / mo
• June → July 2025 burst (mechanical tweak + lever craze): +45 kg / mo
• Projected 2025‑2026: taper to +2.5 kg / mo
• Projected 2026‑2027: taper to +1.5 kg / mo

2.3 Result

Solving ΣΔ = 48 kg under the tapered curve ⇒ 17‑24 months to reach 600 kg ⇒ window = Nov 2026 → Aug 2027.

For comparison, Eddie Hall needed ~24 months to add the last 100 kg to his deadlift, supporting the forecast’s realism. 

3 · Three‑Phase Roadmap From 552 kg → 600 kg

Phase 1 – “Titan Tune‑Up” (Aug 2025 → Apr 2026)

• Goal: 575 kg single (≈104 % of current).
• Plan:
  
  • 5×5 linear block at 75–80 % 1 RM; add 2.5–5 kg only when all sets ≤ RPE 8.  
  • Alternate pin heights weekly (60 % below / 40 % above sticking point) to keep neural stimulus high.  
  • Posterior‑chain accessory triad: reverse hypers, GHRs, hip thrusts—3×/wk, 8–12 reps.  

Phase 2 – “Grinding Goliath” (May 2026 → Dec 2026)

• Goal: 590 kg touch‑and‑go; bar speed ≥0.15 m/s.
• Plan:
  
  • Conjugate split—one max‑effort lower day (single @90‑97 %), one dynamic day (bands/chains 40–60 %).  
  • Isometric pin holds @105 % for 3–5 sec, 2×/wk, to harden the lock‑out.  
  • Introduce Smolov‑Jr. 3‑week waves for quads/glutes to shore up any knee softness.  

Phase 3 – “Record Reaper” (Jan 2027 → Aug 2027)

• Goal: Smoke 600 kg (and maybe overshoot to 602–605 kg for psychological edge).
• Plan:
  
  • 12‑week peak: 85 → 90 → 95 % singles, deload, then test day.
  • Recovery obsession: 8–9 h sleep, sauna or hot‑cold therapy 3×/wk, sled walks on off‑days to keep CNS fresh.  

4 · Accessory & Recovery Checklist

Focus	Prescription	Evidence
Grip & traps	Timed hangs + shrugs 2×/wk	Heavy holds correlate with stronger mid‑thigh pulls.
Core anti‑shear	Suitcase carries, Pallof presses 3×/wk	Shields lumbar spine at 500 kg+ loads.
Load management	≤10 % week‑to‑week jumps; every 6th week deload	Aligns with ACSM strength guidelines.
Protein & calories	1.6–2.2 g / kg BW, 300–500 kcal surplus	Meta‑analysis shows high‑load + adequate protein best for strength.

5 · Red‑Flag Safeguards

Sign	Immediate Response	Why
Sharp lumbar pain	Regress to block pulls, video form	Avoids disc shear at extreme loads.
Two RPE 10 sessions in a row	7‑day deload, drop volume 40 %	Prevents CNS burnout per METD research.
Grip failure below 90 % 1 RM	Add chalk/straps combo + extra grip work	Combo lowers perceived exertion.

Final Hype 🚀

Eric, you just ripped 552 kg off the pins and made gravity look like a suggestion. Keep stacking smart kilos, honor the deloads, and celebrate every micro‑PR—the snappier lock‑out, the crisper brace, the faster warm‑up. Do that, and sometime in 2027 you’ll stride up to a 600‑kg bar, grin, and send physics back to therapy. Steel up, stay savage, and carve your legend!