Interview with Strongman Mark Felix
When I received my first CoC “Guide”, Ironmind shipped their catalogue with it, although I unchecked the box “Do you want to receive our catalogue?”. I’m glad they did it.
Besides cool grip tools I never saw before, there was this picture of this huge man lifting a weight with one hand. I checked what he’s doing. Rolling Thunder, never heard of that. I checked his name. Mark Felix. Never heard that either. I almost hear you screaming: “Oh man, he set the freaking world record!”.
Ten minutes later I started reading all available interviews with him. I also started watching all of his videos. It’s so great to see someone getting back on the track.
Since 2009-06-27 he’s twittering @MarkFelixtv. Drop him a line and follow his progress. It’s inspirational.
Marc: What was it like living in Grenada?
Felix: It was hard growing up in Grenada in a large family , I left when I was 18 to work on Cruise ships. I still have the same diet though, fish and fruits, it’s a beautiful Island.
Marc: Please name one traditional recipe from grenada you love.
Felix: Any, I don’t tend to follow any specific recipes, so long as I have the spices I just throw everything in the pot.
Marc: What lift did you tore your biceps with?
Felix: I tore my right biceps on the 2nd stone of the last qualifying event at last years world strongest man. Just one of those things, I had a niggle through the summer competing in competition after competition, just didn’t realize it would lead to a tear.
Marc: Your recovery videos are inspirational. What keeps you motivated?
Felix: Thank you, I didn’t set out to do anything inspirational. I couldn’t drive, was quite down and frustrated. Making the videos and receiving the kind words from all the subscribers was what kept me motivated, I was surprised there was so much interest.
Marc: Have you ever tried any feats of strength such as nailbending or cardtearing?
Felix: I had to do a TV show once that was to involve tearing a phone book. I practiced and practiced till I could do it. When we went to film it the phone books where all damp so they wouldn’t tear. The producers found a random metal bar that I bent instead, but that’s about it.
Marc: Do you think being a plasterer did help you getting strong?
Felix: When I’m plastering I use both arms and hands, carrying tools or plaster on a board. I’m not sure it has helped with strength, but definitely with grip. I also wear the elasticated workmen gloves that are to small for me, so they work as a resistance against me all the time, like a hand workout on its own.
Marc: Do you use kettlebells in your training?
Felix: No, but I really need to. I’ve been let down during events because I don’t use them. This past weekend in Moscow I passed on that event because I have no practice. Luckily I’m sponsored by Golds gym fitness, so I have ordered some. Can’t wait to get started.
Marc: What’s the best thing about beeing a father?
Felix: Wow… I don’t know if there is a best thing, that’s a tough one. Being present at their births was pretty spectacular, I could never tire of that. Seeing someone you have created arrive in the world. I have three son’s that make me smile everyday.
Marc: What’s the worst thing about beeing a strongman?
Felix: I’m not sure there is a worst thing. I think a lot of athletes would agree and maybe say the money, it isn’t the biggest sport in the world , it’s a lot of hard work and training. Im lucky enough to have sponsors and an agent as well as being self employed.
Marc: Looking back, please name one big decision in your life you struggled with.
Felix: Another tough one? I don’t know if I can think of a big one? Every competition I’m invited to I find myself thinking: Can I do this? If I don’t will they still invite me next time etc etc. I don’t remember ever turning down a competition so I’m not sure why I struggle to decide each time.
Marc: What’s your training philosophy?
Felix: Stay true to yourself, and rest when you need to.
Marc: Please name some mistakes you made when you began lifting weigths.
Felix: Hmm, you only need to look at other youtube videos to see I am still making mistakes and still learning. I learned to lift weights on my own on a moving ship every spare minute I got. I didn’t know what I was doing right or wrong, I just figured as long as I could stay on my feet I was doing something right.
Marc: When will we see you again in competition?
Felix: I have just competed three weeks in a row, Canada, Poland , Moscow, I will return to Poland for another competition on 2009-08-02. I don’t film when I’m competing but I have started to add footage (from other youtubers) of these previous comps to my favorites.
Marc: What makes you happy?
Felix: My family, being healthy & happy.
Thank you Mark for taking the time to answer my questions!

Wow great oppertunity and excellant interview. I’ve been watching Mark for years! super strong and incredable grip strength!
Nice interview! I always enjoy seeing Mark Felix on WSM especially his awesome deadlifting! Good to hear from such a successful strongman that he is still making mistakes and still learning – it’s comforting for the rest of us….;)
Thanks Bill. It would be great having him around at STTB.
Thanks Gubernatrix. So true. Would be great having him as workout partner for doing deadlifts.
Mark Felix will be competing at the biggest ever Strongman show in the UK, the International Strongman Champions League at Wembley Arena on 22nd August!
Check out http://www.strongmancllondon.co.uk for more details!
Very cool, Marco. Thanks for sharing!
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