Mark Bell

Background

Mark Bell was born in Poughkeepsie, New New York

Education

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.

Career

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*). He began lifting weights at the age of 11, and entered his first powerlifting meet when he was 13.

He also trained in boxing and was coached by Kevin Rooney, Mike Tyson"s former trainer.

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.

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

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 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. ELITE classification in 4 weight categories (242 lb, 275 lb, 308 lb, SHW)

12th highest benchpress of all times in 308 pounds/140 kg. category (8267 lb/ 3750 kg)

19th highest total of all times in 308 pounds/140 kg. category (25022 lb/ 11350 kg)

2010 Ranked #1 Bench Press in America in 275 pounds category (771 lb)

2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Total in America in 308 pounds category (2304 lb)

2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Bench Press in America in 308 pounds category (805 lb)

Mark is the owner of, 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. Mark is also the inventor of the, a device utilized to assist a lifter in maintaining proper bench press form, while also allowing the lifter to overload either in weight or representatives

The comes in five different variations.

Mark hosts a podcast called the Powercast, along with Jim McDonald and Michael Farr. New episodes are released weekly, on Wednesdays.

Achievements

• One of The 30 Best Gyms in America by Men's Health Magazine 2009 Gym of The Year.