Cover Shot Fitness Magazine NIcole Smith Issue 20 | Page 22

Nicole Smith

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Is there something that motivates and or inspires you to workout, diet and compete in fitness that non-competitors might connect with?

I think it is up to everyone to channel their individual “why”: health, fame, to see what you are made of, to be a role model to your family or children. Mine has and will always be a personal challenge I set for myself. I love goals and having a plan to follow. I tell my friends and clients who don’t have the passion, “One day if you stick with it long enough it becomes a hobby, desire, and a need”. “You will be disappointed if you can’t get to the gym that day or week. It takes time and consistency but I believe we all can reach that point”. Lastly, confidence! Everyone gains confidence with weight training and working out!

How do your goals on stage connect with your non-athletic activities?

I measure success not by winning but completing personal goals and enjoying the moment; that is one of the main things I hope connects with my clients over the course of training with me.

What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of your lifestyle?

That I am miserable or unhappy because I don’t eat good food or go out every weekend. I can do those things and I do! The difference between doing it every weekend is the difference between 5 and 20 lbs of weight gain. I enjoy getting up early to train. I also enjoy restaurant food 100% more than those who take it for granted and eat it anytime they want. Its discipline and reward without gluttony.

What’s the most comical or unusual comment someone has made to you? How did you deal with it?

“What are you going to do with all that muscle once you get it”? (Coming from an older gentlemen getting back into fitness at the gym). My reply: “I am going to step on stage and show it off”! It was early and I was hungry so I was also thinking let’s see how much we both squat? I kept the last part to myself though.

Do you use a coach or nutritionist and how has they impacted your journey?

I have worked with a few brilliant ladies over the last couple years learning something from each. Currently, I am working long distance with IFBB Pro Brooke Erickson. I have followed a more flexible diet approach this prep also IIFMM. I have also learned to really enjoy healthy food. With that said, NO, I am not one of those folks eating doughnuts or Oreos post work out. That’s not quite for me. But, IIFNM is not as strict as other competitors might have it (cont. pg 30)

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