Austin Perkins has achieved something few strength athletes ever accomplish: becoming the strongest tested powerlifter on the planet pound-for-pound.
In a recent Renaissance Periodization video, Dr. Mike Israetel sat down with the reigning world champion to explore the training, mindset, and recovery habits behind Perkins’ remarkable success. The pair also put his strength to the test with a series of gym challenges designed to answer an interesting question: how does elite powerlifting strength transfer to everyday gym exercises?
Numbers That Defy Belief
At just 163 pounds bodyweight, Perkins has built one of the most impressive resumes in powerlifting. His current best lifts include a 750-pound squat, a 450-pound bench press, and a 755-pound deadlift.
Despite those world-class numbers, Perkins explained that his path into strength sports was far from conventional. Originally, he lifted weights to improve his football performance before realizing his future likely wasn’t in the NFL.
“I was always told I was too small,” Perkins said. “Stuff like that sticks with me forever. That’s why I push so hard.”
Why Structure Changed Everything
One of the biggest surprises from the interview was Perkins’ admission that he spent years training without a structured powerlifting program.
“I’d just go into the gym and try to deadlift 600 every day,” he said. That changed in his early twenties when he began following a more organized approach to training and recovery.
“I think people assume they need a coach. Realistically, you just need structure. If you’re not following anything structured and you’re not consistent, nothing works.”
According to Perkins, that commitment to consistency helped unlock another level of performance.
Strength Is Highly Specific
Throughout the workout, Dr. Mike tested Perkins on exercises ranging from pull-ups and chest press machines to preacher curls and cable pushdowns. The results highlighted an important lesson.
While Perkins dominated some challenges, others proved surprisingly difficult despite his incredible powerlifting numbers.
“Strength is highly specific,” Dr. Mike explained. “It’s specific to the muscles you train and the movement patterns you train.”
The segment served as a reminder that being elite in one lift does not automatically translate to every exercise.
Chasing Legacy, Not Records
Despite already winning the sport’s biggest titles, Perkins says his motivation comes from something deeper than trophies.
“I want to be on the Mount Rushmore of powerlifting,” he said. “I want people to look back 20 years from now and say Austin Perkins was ahead of his time.”
At just 27 years old, the strongest 165-pound man in the world appears to be far from finished.
About the Author
Jeremiah Oliva
Jeremiah Oliva is a writer passionate about fitness, sports, and active living. He has experience in songwriting and managing content and social media for online radio and magazine platforms.
He covers HYROX, CrossFit®, and competitive fitness, with a focus on performance, mindset, and athlete development.
Outside of writing, Jeremiah trains in boxing, cycles, explores the outdoors with his kids, and plays the guitar.
