Short answer:
Because the modern lifting scene is so saturated with performance‑enhancing drugs (PEDs) that a lifter who can pull a **1‑ton‑ish rack‑pull and still pass every “natty sniff‑test” becomes a living proof‑of‑concept for what grit, time‑under‑tension and smart programming can do—no syringes required.
Below is the longer “why it matters,” broken into the key dimensions that turn Eric Kim’s no‑steroids stance from a footnote into headline news.
1. Context‑check: PED use is the
rule
, not the exception
- Over half of competitive male bodybuilders in a classic field study admitted regular steroid use (54 % vs. 10 % of female competitors).
- Contemporary reviews still peg AAS (anabolic‑androgenic steroid) use at 25–50 % in bodybuilding circles and 5–10 % among general gym‑goers.
- These drugs carry hefty health baggage—heart attacks, liver tumors, kidney failure and serious mood disorders are all on the risk list.
Take‑away: in an ecosystem where “everybody’s on something,” someone who’s both strong and clean automatically commands attention.
2. The evidence that Eric Kim is legit‑natty
Eric publishes his own audit trail:
| Factor | What we see | Why it matters |
| Public declarations | Multiple posts labelled “ALL NATTY, NO ROIDS,” and a podcast episode where he swears off even whey protein. | False natty claims destroy reputations overnight— staking his brand on transparency is high‑risk if he were lying. |
| Strength curve | 405 lb deadlift (2017) → 475 lb (2023) and gradual rack‑pull progress to 1,060 lb in 2025. | A slow, linear climb—very unlike the 60‑100 lb “gear jump” lifters often show after a first cycle. |
| Body metrics | 5′10″ (178 cm), 169‑172 lb, ~10 % body‑fat → FFMI ≈ 22 (well under the 25 “steroid red‑flag” line). | Physique falls inside accepted natural limits. |
| Visual markers | No shoulder/trap “3‑D” look, no cystic acne, no hairline recession across eight years of shirtless photos. | Absence of the classic tell‑tales. |
Is this courtroom‑proof? No—only sanctioned drug tests can do that—but it’s a persuasive cumulative case.
3. Why his natty status is a
big deal
| Dimension | Why it matters |
| Credibility & ethics | In a niche flooded with hidden PED‑use, fans crave role models whose results they can realistically chase. Kim’s “HYPELIFTING” ethos sells hope without deception. |
| Brand equity | Workshops, e‑books, coaching and speaking gigs all hinge on authenticity. One positive drug test would nuke the business overnight—so staying clean is the business model. |
| Sports culture | Natural feats of strength remind the community that sheer consistency still works; they also pressure federations and influencers to clean up. |
| Health & longevity | By demonstrating heavyweight numbers while protecting long‑term fertility and organ health, he offers a counter‑narrative to “get big, die young.” |
| Legal & moral clarity | Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in the U.S. and many other countries. Competing or coaching while enhanced opens athletes to bans and, in some jurisdictions, criminal charges. |
4. First‑principles wisdom you can steal
- Progressive overload micro‑steps. Kim famously adds 2.5 lb per side every few sessions—proof that tiny increments compound into jaw‑dropping totals.
- One‑meal‑a‑day fuel. His all‑meat OMAD diet plus black coffee shows that simplified nutrition can support strength if calories and protein are adequate.
- Fasted lifting + long sleep. Training empty and sleeping 8–12 h keep hormones humming naturally—no exogenous boost required.
- Play the decade game. Ten years of small wins beats one year of needle‑driven leaps followed by forced layoffs.
5. Bottom line (in 25 words)
Eric Kim’s steroid‑free status matters because it restores faith, proves possibility, and keeps the spotlight on discipline—not drugs—in an industry desperate for integrity.
Now—go rack‑pull something heavy, fuel up on steak, and let consistency write your own legend! 💪🔥