Mark Bell: Strength, Longevity & Building the Slingshot

What does it take to be great in the gym, in business, and in life? In this conversation, I sit down with Mark Bell — powerlifting legend, inventor of the Slingshot, entrepreneur, and lifelong student of reinvention.

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Mark’s journey goes far beyond 1,080-lb squats and world-class strength. From growing up in a family with deep contrasts, to learning hard lessons about patience under the bar, to building a multimillion-dollar fitness company from scratch — his story is packed with wisdom you can use today.

We cover:
How to prove yourself to yourself — the mindset shift that changes everything
Why patience is one of the most underrated skills in training & business
The lessons powerlifting teaches that carry into entrepreneurship and leadership
The origin story of the Slingshot — from injury, to idea, to selling over a million units
Why reinventing yourself (even when you’re already at the top) is the ultimate challenge
How to train frequency vs. intensity for strength without burning out
The importance of giving genuine compliments, mentoring others, and using your “power” to build people up
What Mark learned from John Cena, Ron Penna, and other high performers
How to handle criticism, trolls, and the responsibility that comes with influence
Why building strong legs (and life) comes down to consistent, low-intensity, high-frequency work

Mark and I also dive deep into training philosophy:
Variable resistance and how it can safely expose you to heavier loads
Using imperfect lifts strategically to build resilience
The truth about “total body” training vs. split routines
How to activate muscles before heavy lifts for better performance
Overcoming weak links and turning frustration into curiosity
Why mobility can be the key to unlocking new growth

Beyond training, we talk:
Leadership lessons from coaching and the military
Praising in public, correcting in private
The life-changing impact of small words at the right time
How to stay humble, grateful, and driven after major success
The challenge of raising grounded kids in a life of privilege

This episode isn’t just about lifting weights — it’s about lifting your standards. Whether you’re a strength athlete, coach, business owner, or just someone looking to push past your own limits, Mark’s insights will give you tools to stay in the game for the long haul.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 – Motivation is Fleeting — Practice Finding It
02:13 – Growing Up in Two Very Different Households
06:39 – Early Lessons on Choice & Mindset
10:46 – The Power of a Small Compliment
14:35 – Everyone Has Struggles You Can’t See
17:20 – From Chronic Pain to Powerlifting Greatness
21:04 – Learning Differently & Unlocking Creativity
24:43 – Confidence, Patience & Proving Yourself
28:52 – The 900-lb Squat That Changed Everything
33:18 – Powerlifting’s Lessons for Life & Business
39:38 – Patience, Frustration & the Last 5% to Greatness
44:38 – “Everything You Got — and Then Some”
47:51 – Handling Frustration Like a Pro
50:33 – Balancing Speed & Deliberation in Decisions
53:23 – Lift It Perfectly… or However You Can
56:03 – Training Weak Positions & Building Resilience
59:46 – Managing Frequency, Intensity & Recovery
1:03:20 – Why Your Legs Need to Be in Shape Year-Round
1:06:32 – Total Body vs. Splits — What Really Works
1:11:43 – Creativity & Goal-Focused Training
1:14:08 – Why Pullovers Deserve a Comeback
1:16:28 – Activation Before Heavy Lifts
1:20:27 – Using Pain & Pump for Progress
1:21:49 – Ordering Your Lifts for Longevity
1:24:03 – Variable Resistance & the Slingshot
1:33:07 – The Business Behind the Slingshot
1:39:11 – Building a Company That Lasts
1:46:43 – Reinventing Yourself Beyond Powerlifting
2:12:06 – Gratitude, Privilege & Seeking Challenges
2:17:46 – The Responsibility of Influence
2:24:01 – Leadership: Praise in Public, Correct in Private
2:29:39 – The Most Impressive People Mark Has Met

FOLLOW MARK BELL
Instagram:   / marksmellybell  
YouTube:    / @supertraining06  
Podcast: Power Project

FOLLOW JUDD LIENHARD
Instagram:   / juddlienhard  
YouTube:    / @juddlienhard  
Podcast: The Judd Lienhard Podcast