In One Punch Man, Saitama — also known as the “Bald Hero” — possesses unparalleled strength, able to defeat any opponent with a single punch. When asked about the origin of his power, he claims it’s the result of a simple workout routine: 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run every day. But is that really enough to explain his superhuman power that defies all logic? Let’s dive deep into the theories behind Saitama’s mysterious strength!
Who Is Saitama?
Saitama is the main protagonist of One Punch Man, a former office worker who became a hero “for fun.” After training for three years with the same routine, he became the most powerful being on Earth — but also lost all his hair and the thrill of battle, as no enemy can challenge him. The biggest question fans ask is: how did such a basic workout create the unstoppable “One Punch Man”?
Saitama’s Training – A Joke or the Real Deal?
What He Claims
- 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats: Basic exercises for muscle development.
- 10 km run daily: Improves stamina and endurance.
- No air conditioning: A test of willpower during extreme weather.
He followed this routine for three years straight, never skipping a day — even when it was unbearably painful. The result? Saitama broke past all human limits and could defeat planet-destroying threats like Boros and cosmic-level beings like Garou with ease.
Is It Scientifically Possible?
From a scientific standpoint, while intense, this routine doesn’t explain Saitama’s feats — like destroying meteors or leaping from the moon back to Earth. Many professional athletes train harder without reaching even a fraction of his power. This suggests his explanation may be a gag — or just the surface of a deeper mystery.
Theories Behind Saitama’s Power
Theory 1: Breaking the Human Limiter
Dr. Genus, a scientist from the House of Evolution, explains that humans are naturally limited by a biological “limiter.” Saitama may have broken this limiter by:
- Unyielding Willpower: He kept pushing his body beyond its limits without quitting.
- Singular Focus: Saitama had no distractions — just the pure goal of becoming a hero.
This may have unlocked a state of limitless strength, unconstrained by physical laws.
Theory 2: Divine Intervention
Some fans theorize Saitama’s power is linked to a godlike being:
- “God” Entity: In the manga, “God” grants powers to Garou and Homeless Emperor. Saitama may have unknowingly received a blessing during his training.
- Clues: Losing his hair and emotional detachment might be the “cost” of god-given strength — similar to Garou’s transformation.
Still, there’s no direct evidence of supernatural involvement, keeping this theory speculative.
Theory 3: Power Through Will and Motivation
Saitama may have turned belief into reality:
- Heroic Drive: He risked his life to save a child before even becoming strong, showing true heroism and emotional resolve.
- Philosophical Message: ONE might be parodying other shounen heroes, showing that strength doesn’t always need a tragic backstory or complicated bloodline.
Theory 4: An Unexplainable Phenomenon
Another theory is that Saitama’s power defies logic itself:
- Manga Hints: In the battle against Garou (chapters 166–168), Saitama’s power scales infinitely with emotion, violating the laws of physics.
- No Limit: Unlike even Blast, Saitama’s power continues to grow — suggesting he’s a literal outlier in the universe.
The Impact of Saitama’s Power
On the Story
Saitama’s strength drives the series’ core humor and philosophy. While he can solve any conflict instantly, this creates emotional depth as he struggles with boredom, loneliness, and existential questions.
On the Fans
His mysterious strength invites endless discussion. He’s become an icon of simplicity trumping complexity — a hero who challenges every trope in the shounen genre.
Did Saitama Really Just Train?
Saitama insists his power comes solely from training, but this is likely a narrative device used by creator ONE and illustrator Murata to mock overused anime power systems. Theories of limit-breaking, divine influence, or unexplained forces all hint at something deeper:
- ONE’s Intention: Saitama might represent a satire of overcomplicated power scaling in anime — like Naruto or Bleach — by being absurdly overpowered for no reason.
- Ongoing Mystery: The manga has yet to reveal the full truth, leaving fans to wonder and speculate.
Conclusion
The origin of Saitama’s strength is likely more than just “100 push-ups and a jog.” Whether it’s a broken limiter, divine power, or something beyond comprehension, Saitama’s abilities defy logic and redefine heroism in the most unexpected way. He is both parody and mystery — a character who makes us laugh, question, and think.
Will the truth ever be fully revealed, or will ONE keep the joke going forever? Stay tuned to One Punch Man to find out!
