Exercise Scientist Critiques the Strongest Human Alive
In a Nutshell
Dr. Mike analyzes 25-year-old South African powerlifter Colten Engelbrecht, who deadlifted 520 kg (1,146 lb) single and 500 kg double, plus a 1,036 lb squat and 573 lb bench at 264 lbs body weight. Colten's sumo deadlift technique uses extreme foot width and hip positioning to minimize range of motion, while his consistent technique across all lifts prevents injury and maximizes performance. At 25 years old, Colten is positioned to break more records as he continues training and potentially increases his body weight.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Dr. Mike from RP Strength introduces Colten Engelbrecht, a 25-year-old South African powerlifter. Dr. Mike describes Colten as already the greatest of all time in some sense, noting that he is young and trains smart, making it likely he will continue to get stronger. Dr. Mike references his own competitive background as a bodybuilder, Brazilian jiu-jitsu grappler, and powerlifter with competition lifts of a 490-lb squat, 385-lb bench press, and 567-lb deadlift.
Colten performed a 520 kg (1,146 lb) deadlift, which is 22 lbs more than Thor Bjornsson's 510 kg record. Colten weighs 122 kg (270 lbs) and lifted using a single belt and straps. The lift occurred after completing a full powerlifting meet. Dr. Mike addresses common criticisms about sumo deadlifts, explaining that sumo provides a leverage advantage by allowing feet to slide out farther, keeping hands in, and reducing range of motion. He notes that conventional deadlifts are seen as more honest because everyone's feet and hands are roughly in the same position, but acknowledges that some people naturally have longer arms, creating unaccounted advantages.
Colten performed 500 kg (1,102 lb) deadlifts for doubles, the first time in history this has been done. Dr. Mike explains the progression of the 500 kg barrier, noting that Eddie Hall was the first to achieve it, followed by Thor, and now Colten at 130 lbs less body weight than these competitors. Dr. Mike explains human strength progression using a bell curve distribution, stating that once the first person breaks a barrier, more people will eventually follow as the population's abilities shift.
Sign in to read the full notes
Get access to AI-generated notes, topic timestamps, and more.