When it comes to record-breaking lifts, most of us think of legends like Eddie Hall or Hafthor Bjornsson. But recently, an anonymous lifter stunned the strength community by performing a 1,168-pound deadlift behind his back—right in his backyard.
No fame. No endorsements. Just raw strength.
This 29-year-old lifter, known only as Jop, is 100% natural and trains with a minimalist approach. His achievement is inspiring not just for the sheer weight lifted but also for his unassuming dedication to lifting for the love of it—not for social media clout or competition.
Here’s a closer look at his incredible feat, his unconventional training, and what you can learn from his approach.
What Is the Behind-the-Back Deadlift?
Also called the hack lift, the behind-the-back deadlift is an unconventional yet powerful movement. Instead of lifting a barbell in front of your body as in a traditional deadlift, you grip the bar behind your legs.
This setup shifts the load closer to your natural center of gravity, making it more of a lower-body-focused movement. It allows lifters to engage their quads more while reducing stress on the lower back.
For many, this lift can feel awkward at first, but with practice, it often becomes stronger than a conventional deadlift.
Why Some Lifts Work Better for Certain Bodies
Your body proportions play a significant role in how comfortable and effective certain lifts feel. For example:
- Long legs and a short torso often force lifters to lean forward more during a conventional deadlift. This increases stress on the lower back.
- Shorter legs and a longer torso allow for a more upright position, which better engages the legs.
In Jop’s case, the hack lift complements his natural mechanics, allowing him to maximize strength. This concept applies to everyone—choosing the right lift for your proportions can make training safer, more effective, and more enjoyable.
Jop’s Minimalistic Training Approach
One of the most striking aspects of Jop’s success is his simple training routine. He focuses on minimal volume and maximum intensity, proving that you don’t need endless sets and reps to get results.
Here’s his weekly deadlift workout:
- Warm-Up: Works up to a single heavy front squat (up to 353 pounds).
- Main Lift: One top set of deadlifts—this could be a behind-the-back deadlift, a conventional deadlift, or deficit deadlifts.
- Accessory Work: A few sets of back extensions, depending on energy levels.
That’s it. No excessive volume, no fancy equipment—just pure, focused effort.
Why You Should Try the Hack Lift
The hack lift offers unique benefits for lifters of all levels:
- Adjusts to your proportions: Great for those who struggle with conventional deadlifts due to body mechanics.
- Builds leg strength: The bar’s position allows for greater quad activation.
- Eases lower back strain: Reduces pressure on the lower back, making it a more comfortable alternative.
To get started, simply place the barbell behind your legs, grip it, and lift. You’ll need to adjust your weight distribution slightly, leaning more onto the balls of your feet than your heels. Start light to get the hang of the movement.
The Untapped Potential of the Hack Lift
Jop’s lift isn’t just impressive—it’s a reminder of the untapped potential in unconventional movements. While powerlifting competitions don’t allow behind-the-back deadlifts, the lift could set new strength benchmarks if adopted by elite athletes.
Imagine someone like Eddie Hall or Hafthor Bjornsson training this movement—it’s exciting to think about the possibilities.
What We Can Learn from Jop
Jop’s journey teaches us that strength training doesn’t have to be complicated:
- Focus on simplicity: Stick to a few key lifts and train them consistently.
- Train for the love of it: Passion drives progress. Don’t chase social media likes—chase personal growth.
- Listen to your body: Find exercises that suit your unique proportions and goals.