Mark Bell (powerlifter)
| Mark Bell | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 10, 1976 |
| Residence | Sacramento, CA |
| Occupation | Professional Powerlifter, was a football coach in 2008 |
Mark Bell is an American elite powerlifter, patent holder, owner of Team Super Training Gym, and former professional wrestler. His best lifts in competition include a 1,025 lb (465 kg) squat, a 832 lb (377 kg) bench press, and a 722 lb (327 kg) deadlift. He is the 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 end of a high school, Mark was regarded as one of the strongest teenage powerlifters in America, holding multiple national and state records. He also trained for boxing and was coached by Kevin Rooney, Mike Tyson's former trainer.[citation needed]
Wrestling
After high school Mark concentrated on his professional wrestling career. He developed his own training routine, making his practices much harder than the actual sport itself. 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 2xUltimate Pro Wrestling Champion, under the ring name of "Smelly".
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.
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.)[1]
- 19th highest total of all times in 308 lb./140 kg. category (2502.2 lb./ 1135.0 kg.)[2]
- 2010 Ranked #1 Bench Press in America in 275 lb. category (771 lb.)[3]
- 2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Total in America in 308 lb. category (2304 lb.)[4]
- 2008 Ranked #1 Single Ply Bench Press in America in 308 lb. category (805 lb.)[5]
Team Super Training Gym
Mark is the owner of Team Super Training Gym, 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.
Awards
- One of The 30 Best Gyms in America by Men’s Health Magazine[6]
- 2009 Powerlifting Gym of The Year [7]
The Sling Shot
In early 2009 Mark Bell created a bench press training accessory consisting of a special elastic material called the Sling Shot. There are multiple variations of this device; Original, Reactive and Maddog. His main website is how much ya bench. His products are also sold in the UK by Improve Your Bench.
The Sling Shot is a supportive and protective upper body device that allows to handle an approximate 10% overload in the bench press while avoiding the pain that comes along with benching heavy. The Sling Shot works by mimicking the body's natural movement by lengthening and shortening with the muscles, thus giving support on the raising and lowering phases of the bench press. This support can greatly reduce stress on the shoulders, elbows and chest.
The Sling Shot has been tested nationwide by many powerlifters, strongman competitors, college athletes, pro wrestlers and football players.