The German strength athlete tackled an insane 160-kilogram curl during a gym session in Georgia
German strength athlete and arm wrestler Leonidas Arkona has once again demonstrated his incredible power, this time attempting a massive 160-kilogram (352-pound) barbell curl during a gym session in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Arkona shared the lift on Instagram, drawing attention for both the enormous weight and his unconventional technique. The video shows Arkona preparing to curl a heavily loaded barbell as a crowd gathers around him.
While the lift is an impressive display of raw strength, it has also sparked debate among fans. Several viewers questioned the significant backward lean and body movement used to get the weight moving.
The attempt was not presented as an officially judged record. However, it adds to Arkona’s growing collection of extraordinary strength feats.
Leonidas Arkona Takes On 352-Pound Barbell Curl
In the Instagram video, Arkona stands in front of a heavily loaded barbell while spectators watch from behind.
The caption reads:
“160kg Curl with georgian power.”
The 160-kilogram weight is far beyond what most experienced lifters could handle in a traditional barbell curl.
However, the technique is noticeably different from a strict curl. Arkona uses a pronounced backward lean and body momentum to help move the weight.
That distinction quickly became a talking point in the comments.
One viewer wrote:
“I’m sure that dude is strong but nothing was gained there. Better off hang cleaning that.”
Others responded with fire emojis and praise for the tremendous weight.
The debate highlights an important difference between a strict curl and a cheat curl. Strict curls limit assistance from the back, hips and shoulders, placing greater emphasis on the biceps.
Cheat curls allow more body movement, helping athletes overload the arms with weights that would be impossible to lift using strict technique.
Although Arkona’s attempt demonstrates exceptional strength, it should not be confused with an officially sanctioned strict curl world record.
Arkona Has a History of Record-Breaking Strength
Arkona is no stranger to handling extraordinary weights.
In 2022, he competed at the German Cheat Curl Championships and successfully lifted 135 kilograms (297.6 pounds), setting a German record in the discipline.
He initially broke the record with a 130.5-kilogram attempt before successfully completing 135 kilograms on his third lift.
Unlike an unrestricted gym lift, that competition operated under specific rules governing body movement and technique.
Arkona also has an impressive background in competitive powerlifting. His documented competition bests include:
- Squat: 360 kg (793.7 lbs)
- Bench Press: 235 kg (518.1 lbs)
- Deadlift: 350 kg (771.6 lbs)
- Three-Lift Total: 925 kg (2,039.3 lbs)
Those performances demonstrate that Arkona’s strength extends well beyond his arms.
In recent years, he has also established himself in professional arm wrestling, competing against some of the biggest names in the sport.
He defeated Larry Wheels at King of the Table 9 in 2023 and earned a notable victory over former World’s Strongest Man Brian Shaw at East vs. West 23 in April 2026.
Does Using Momentum Take Away From the Lift?
The criticism surrounding Arkona’s latest attempt raises a familiar question in strength training: How much does technique matter when the weight becomes this extreme?
For bodybuilding purposes, strict curls generally provide a more controlled way to target the biceps. Excessive swinging can shift some of the workload away from the intended muscles and increase stress on the lower back.
However, cheat curls have a place in certain strength-training routines. Advanced lifters sometimes use controlled momentum to handle heavier loads, although the movement carries additional risks.
In Arkona’s case, the 352-pound attempt is best viewed as a demonstration of extreme strength rather than a conventional bodybuilding exercise or an official record.
Whether fans approve of the technique or not, moving that much weight remains an extraordinary feat.
Arkona continues to push the limits of his strength, and his latest viral lift shows why he remains one of the most talked-about power athletes on social media.
Image embed via Instagram @leonidas_arkona
