Exercise Scientist Critiques the World’s Strongest Grip
In a Nutshell
Dr. Mike Israetel critiques Ben Galper (Hercules), whose insane grip feats—like upside-down offset lifts, 672-lb hangs, double overhand 516-lb deadlifts, and one-arm pull-ups on tiny grips—show elite precision, control, and power but are hard to validate as "world's strongest" due to their odd, non-standardized nature. He praises the raw strength required (e.g., psychotic balance, massive forearms) while wishing for comparisons to IPF powerlifters via standardized lifts like squats, benches, and weighted pull-ups to contextualize claims. Dynamic lifts outperform isometric holds for growth, and Ben rates as Hollywood stuntman-level impressive.
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Hercules has the strongest grip on the planet due to precision, control, and raw power. It's tough to validate claims of being stronger than others with lifts no one else has done except you or two others. Guinness Book of World Records could validate odd lifts, but comparison remains difficult.
Dr. Mike from RP Strength was a professor of exercise and sports science until a giant controversy ended that career. He did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu until another controversy ended it. He had a short career as a stuntman, actor, and pound-for-pound world's strongest human, lasting 30 seconds in planning. Ben Galper, aka Hercules or Very Polite Hercules, is the subject. Compare his claims to International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) top lifters.
In an upside-down lift with offset weights, gravity assists by pulling the weight and body. Total around 455 pounds on bar, body 160 pounds offset, plus 135 pounds. Bar bends. Not as much load as it seems due to offsets, but requires psychotic balance, coordination, pushing upside down while lifting heavy weight. Getting into position is hard. Intense, circus vibes. Thomas Inch dumbbell visible with Coke can handle. Hack squat also shown.
Takes shitload of grip, lat, and pressing strength. These are odd lifts: non-typical, non-standardized, no world rankings. Impressive but hard to validate relative strength. Limit strength testable via standard technique lifts like close grip bench or underhand pull-ups with weight for reps, or gold standard: strongman or powerlifting (squat, bench, deadlift) testing multiple angles.
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