Mark Bell (powerlifter)

Mark Bell is an American professional powerlifter, patent holder, owner of Team Super Training Gym, and former professional wrestler. His best lifts in competition (in powerlifting gear) include a 1,025 lb (465 kg) squat, a 832 lb (377 kg) bench press, and a 738 lb (335 kg) deadlift. He is the younger brother of Mike Bell and Chris Bell (Director of Bigger, Stronger, Faster*).

Early life

Mark Bell was born in Poughkeepsie, New York. He began lifting weights at the age of 11, and entered his first powerlifting meet when he was 13. By the time he finished high school, Mark was regarded as one of the strongest teenage powerlifters in America, holding multiple national and state records. He also trained in boxing and was coached by Kevin Rooney, Mike Tyson's former trainer.

Wrestling

After high school Mark concentrated on his professional wrestling career. He developed his own training routine, making his practices much harder than seemingly anyone in the sport. He utilized various form of conditioning: hill running, body weight circuits, interval type cardio on treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, and rowers. All of this allowed him to have a superior endurance. Mark Bell was a 2x Ultimate Pro Wrestling Champion, under the ring name of "Smelly".

Bell was still wrestling professionally as of 2008, but has since retired from the sport. ^[1]

Powerlifting

During his wrestling career, Mark continued his strength training. At the peak of his wrestling career, Mark benched 500 lbs raw at 240 lbs body weight. After professional wrestling, Mark switched to powerlifting, mainly competing in The United States Powerlifting Federation. He trained with Westside Barbell Team, under the guidance of Louie Simmons, for 2 years before moving to Sacramento. In March of 2014, Bell announced his retirement from competitive powerlifting on his podcast.^[2]

Achievements

• ELITE classification in 4 weight categories (242 lb, 275 lb, 308 lb, SHW)
• 12th highest benchpress of all times in 308 lb./140 kg. category (826.7 lb./ 375.0 kg.)^[3]
• 19th highest total of all times in 308 lb./140 kg. category (2502.2 lb./ 1135.0 kg.)^[4]
• 2010 Ranked #1 Bench Press in America in 275 lb. category (771 lb.)^[5]
• 2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Total in America in 308 lb. category (2304 lb.)^[6]
• 2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Bench Press in America in 308 lb. category (805 lb.)^[7]

Team Super Training Gym

Mark is the owner of Team Super Training Gym, the strongest gym in the west , home of some of the strongest powerlifters on the West Coast . He spends 5 to 6 hours a day in the gym, helping his team in between his own lifts.

Slingshot

Mark is also the inventor of the Slingshot, a device utilized to assist a lifter in maintaining proper bench press form, while also allowing the lifter to overload either in weight or reps. The Slingshot comes in five different variations.

Mark Bell's Powercast

Mark hosts a podcast called the Powercast, along with Jim McDonald and Michael Farr. New episodes are released weekly, on Wednesday's, he also has a career in music, with his new music video "meathead millionaire".

Awards

• One of The 30 Best Gyms in America by Men’s Health Magazine^[8]
• 2009 Powerlifting Gym of The Year ^[9]

References

External links

• Team Super Training Official Website