Saitama, the protagonist of One-Punch Man, is extraordinarily strong because he consistently adhered to an incredibly rigorous daily training regimen, which, within the series' lore, is believed to have broken his physical and biological limitations, often referred to as his "limiter."
The Genesis of Saitama's Strength
Saitama's journey to becoming the strongest hero began not from a desire for fame or power, but from a simple childhood dream. After a chance encounter with a menacing monster, he was reminded of his aspiration to become a hero. This pivotal moment reignited his determination, leading him to commit to a daily training routine.
Saitama's Unconventional Training Regimen
What makes Saitama's strength unique is that his training routine itself was remarkably mundane, especially when compared to typical superhero origin stories. It consisted of the following exercises, performed every single day without fail, for approximately three years:
- 100 Push-ups
- 100 Sit-ups
- 100 Squats
- 10 km (6.2 miles) Run
He also maintained a balanced diet of three meals a day and avoided using air conditioning, even in extreme weather, believing it would toughen his mind. While these exercises are common and beneficial for fitness, the sheer consistency and absolute dedication with which Saitama performed them pushed his body beyond normal human limits.
Here's a quick overview of his core daily routine:
Exercise Type | Daily Repetitions/Distance |
---|---|
Push-ups | 100 |
Sit-ups | 100 |
Squats | 100 |
Running | 10 km |
Breaking the Limiter
The most significant theory explaining Saitama's insurmountable power within the One-Punch Man universe is the concept of "breaking the limiter." This theory posits that every living being possesses a biological and evolutionary "limiter"—an inherent boundary on their potential growth and power, placed to prevent them from destroying themselves or the world.
- Human Potential: Humans typically have a very restrictive limiter, which is why even the most elite athletes and martial artists have physical limits.
- Monster Limiter: Monsters often break their human limter, which is how they gain their monstrous forms and powers.
- Saitama's Unique Case: Saitama's unwavering, almost obsessive commitment to his seemingly simple training, despite feeling immense pain and despair during the process, effectively shattered his human limiter. This act allowed him to transcend all conventional physical boundaries and acquire essentially limitless strength, speed, and durability. This is why he can defeat nearly any opponent with a single punch, a feat that defines his heroic persona.
His training was not about the intensity of individual exercises, but the unwavering consistency that pushed him past his body's natural resistance, leading to an unprecedented evolutionary leap. This unique progression is why he stands as an unparalleled force in his world.