EXERT & EXHALE
Finding Bliss in CrossFit
Four Barrel CrossFit member Mark Bliss shares the method to his (uber healthy) madness
PHOTOS & STORY BY JENNIFER MCNELLY
One man’s torture is another man’s lifestyle. For
some, waking up before daylight to hit the gym
is out of the question. For Mark Bliss, there is no
better way to start the day.
“I am trying to remember what got me motivated
to start working out and the only thing I can think
of is (women),” laughs Mark as he talks about his
foray into fitness. “It’s actually how I met my wife.”
Long time residents of Southern Indiana might
recognize Mark as the owner of Bliss Travel and
The Calumet Club in New Albany. What many
might not know about is his love for CrossFit and
dedication to his health.
“I had always been a gym rat, but over the years,
reality hit with children and family, and it didn’t
leave a lot of time for fitness. But I knew that wasn’t
a good excuse.” explains Mark.
Mark’s interest in CrossFit piqued after talking
with a friend. “I had heard about Four Barrel CrossFit
30 EXTOL : FEBRUARY/MARCH 2019
in the news a bit and even read some articles, so I
decided to check it out. I started going to a class at
7:15 a.m. that fit with my schedule. I got hooked,
and I’ve been going ever since.”
Now, CrossFit is more than just a morning
routine for Mark.
“It’s a way of life,” says Mark. “You can work
out all you want, but you have to add all of the
components to see results. We talk about nutrition,
sleep, exercise – it’s all important.”
Four Barrel offers a number of challenges and
team building activities that groups and individuals
can participate in to push their limits. Mark says
one of his first nutrition challenges was a game
changer. “I really learned how to eat. People ask if
I’m on a diet. I’m not on a diet; it’s a way of life for
me. It’s a combination of protein, carbs, vegetables
and good fats.” Mark has also cut out processed
food, sugar, dairy, and cut down on his intake on
bread. “The results are just amazing to me. I’ve
had to buy clothes twice in the last three years! It
just makes you feel really good.”
Mark is celebrating his third year as a member
of Four Barrel CrossFit, which is located at 322
Mt. Tabor Road in New Albany (there’s also a
Louisville location).
“I’m a 7:15 guy. We have the best group,” he
says. “It’s a family here. If someone doesn’t show
up for class, we’ll shoot out a text to see if they are
OK. We’ve really got to the point where we know
one another really well. There are classes that go
on all day long, but they’ve got nothing on 7:15.”
Mark’s advice for anyone wanting to change
their life through fitness?
“It’s all about how bad you want it. You just have
to want it. As soon as you do, you’ll get it.”