Mindi Smith
Competitor of the Month - March 2011
Interviewed by: Obi Obadike, WBFF Pro Male Fitness Model World Champion, B.A. B.S., M.S., CFT
Since 2009, Mindi Smith has lit up the fitness industry globally as a fitness model and as a competitor. Her first competition was the 2009 WBFF World Championships, where she competed in the Pro Division of the Diva Fitness Model category and placed in the top 5. A couple months later, she proceeded to the NPC/IFBB and made the fastest rise as a figure competitor; winning her first two NPC shows. One of shows was the 2009 NPC Nationals, taking the overall in Figure by beating the biggest favorite of the show; the great Ava Cowan, winning her IFBB Pro card. She went on to win her first IFBB Figure competition at the 2010 IFBB Phoenix Pro Show, as well as placing 4th overall at the Arnold Classic; the 2010 Ms. Figure International. Winning the NPC Nationals and her Pro debut was the first time any IFBB figure competitor has ever done that in history that we know of.
With all of these successes as a competitor, she has simulated the same success as an international cover model. She has notched over 6 covers since 2009, as well as, numerous features all over the world. She is, without a doubt, one of the top female fitness models in the world. She has come back to the WBFF this year with her eyes and focus on the 2011 Pro Diva Female Fitness Model world title at the WBFF World Championships on Aug 27th. Many insiders are saying that she is arguably the biggest threat to winning the 2011 WBFF Diva World Title. If you look at her marketability, her success in the fitness industry as a cover model and competitor, there is no doubt that she is one of the absolute favorites for capturing the 2011 WBFF Pro Diva Fitness Model world title. I would like to introduce our readers to WBFF Pro and one of the world’s top female fitness models, Mindi Smith.
"...I'm definitely working hard and am not going anywhere anytime soon! I plan on continuing my career as a competitor, helping and educating other competitors along my journey. I have my hands in so much this second in the fitness industry and have so many great things planned. My main goal is to continue working hard and kicking butt; making a name for myself whom people will look up to and remember through the years."
WP: First of all, Mindi, congrats on all the success you’ve attained in your career. So, what made you decide to come back to the WBFF?
After everything I’ve been through this past year, I was on the fence about many important decisions about my future. First and for most, was getting my health back on track.
Paul Dillett and I got in contact with one another and we spoke at length about my future and the future of the WBFF. Paul had been following my career and was well aware of what I had been going through. One very important factor in all of this is Paul Dillett and his respect and compassion for his athletes and their futures. He takes the time out of his busy day to follow up, get things done, and over all, just simply see how you’re doing and if you need anything! That really shows a lot about his character. Paul also was a competitor at one time himself, so he can relate and knows exactly what we go through on a daily basis in this tough and brutal industry. Paul truly cares and that left a lasting impression with me. My switch to the WBFF had to do with respect, appreciation, support, and just the fun of competing. I am competing because I enjoy it, and solely for that reason alone.
The WBFF definitely has some of the most talented, successful, and down-right sexy competitors to date! Everyone genuinely cares for one another and is one big family and is very supportive. They definitely bring their best to the stage and their shows are always top of the line. The venues are remarkable, top quality paying close attention to every minor detail, simply one of the best. The competitions are also very entertaining and down right fun and enjoyable to be a part of. The WBFF truly cares about their athletes and provides so many unique opportunities not only in the fitness industry, but is growing within the entertainment industry also. They have so many plans in store for 2011 that lie outside of just being on stage. This Federation is growing at an extremely fast pace. They have grown within the past couple years tremendously not only in Canada, but now in the United States, and we’ll eventually be seeing them in other countries, as well.
WP: So what is your training and dieting like currently?
I’ve taken some time off this past winter to let things heal and get back on track. Currently, I am back on my normal routine of training and dieting. I’m in the gym using weights and cardio, of course, about 6 days a week, give or take. Diet is back to my normal competition diet; just not as strict and tight as it is right before a show. I’m working on things gradually as to not over extend myself.
WP: Are you always in shape all year round or do you have an off-season weight?
I try to stay in good shape year round, but I definitely am not as lean and cut as I am right around a competition. On stage, I weigh in around 125 and 128 pounds. Off-season, I’m right around 135 pounds.
WP: What made you decide to compete in a fitness competition in 2009?
I have been active in the fitness industry for the past 10 years now and have always contemplated the idea of competing. I had a good friend who was competing at the 2009 WBFF World Championships and while working together and hearing about his training, I decided that it was a good time for me to give it a shot. I nailed down on my training and dieting, and the rest is history!
WP: What other sports or activities do you enjoy?
I’ve always been athletic and played sports, so most activities that get your blood flowing interest me. I also love to relax and unwind from all the strenuous activities by getting massages, meditating, and going to yoga. I have also enjoyed photography, dancing, and a big one is traveling.
WP: How has your training changed over the years?
My training has definitely become much more a part of my every day life. It’s more of a career now, than it has been in the past. Before I worked out as a recreational activity, but now I train with purpose and a goal in mind.
WP: What are your long term ambitions and goals for the fitness industry?
I’m definitely working hard and am not going anywhere anytime soon! I plan on continuing my career as a competitor, helping and educating other competitors along my journey. I have my hands in so much this second in the fitness industry and have so many great things planned. My main goal is to continue working hard and kicking butt; making a name for myself whom people will look up to and remember through the years.
WP: How difficult is to balance what you do in the fitness industry and what you do in your social life?
It is very difficult, to me almost impossible. I think once I decided to start competing, that was when my social life slowly dissipated. Living a fit lifestyle has its advantages and disadvantages, one of which is the lack of social life. I guess it’s just something you get use to.
WP: Can you give us an example of a normal workout for yourself?
I will spend about an hour and a half, to two hours, in the gym. With weights, I will focus on one to two different muscle groups that day, and then get in about 45 minutes of cardio afterwards.
WP: What supplements do you currently take?
My supplements consist of some German American Technologies products. JetFuel Pyro is a popular fat burner I take. I also take many vitamins daily with Glutamine and protein.
WP: What do you consider to be important in life and why?
At the end of the day, what’s most important to me is treating everyone with respect and care. I’ve experienced so much in life and I think that no matter what direction we lead in, we should do what is best for ourselves, but do it with the respect of everyone around us. We all are equal and deserve the best, but we should be supportive and happy for everyone else also. Having family, friends, and support from loved ones, makes a world of difference.
WP: What are the key factors that dictate the way you train now as opposed to getting ready for a competition? Does it change at all?
My weight training really doesn’t change all that much. I may training somewhat harder or focus on specific areas that need fine tuning when I’m closer to a competition. The cardio is what mostly changes around show time. Cardio will pick up more depending on my conditioning needs before a show.
WP: What was the hardest thing you had to overcome when you first started in the industry?
The fitness industry is very competitive. I had to work hard to make a name for myself and brand myself different than others around me. Working with the right photographers and figuring out my strengths all come with experience.
WP: What are some of your pet peeves?
My biggest pet peeve of all time is when people say they’re going to do something and then don’t follow through. Don’t make promises you can’t keep!
WP: Could you tell me about your future projects?
2011 is filled with so many exciting things in the works! I have photo shoot after photo shoot planned for covers and inside spreads, I’ll be writing many columns for a few different fitness magazines, many video shoots will also be done for my photo shoots and also promoting my return to the WBFF later this fall, and I may even be starring in an exciting movie this year! Stay tuned!
WP: How excited are you stepping back on a WBFF stage?
Excited does not even begin to cover all of my feelings about stepping back on that stage! I am absolutely ecstatic and cannot wait until August, when it’s time to get back on stage with the WBFF! All the competitors are amazingly gorgeous and fit and I am so proud to be part of the WBFF family again!
WP: What do you feel it means to be a WBFF ambassador and Champion and do you think there are certain normal duties of an ambassador and champion?
To be a WBFF Ambassador and Champion would be a complete honor and it would be my duty to present in its largest capacity what that title means to the fitness industry. I would use that title proudly and exemplify to everyone in the fitness community what it means to be a champion and a WBFF ambassador. I definitely cannot let something that large go unseen without taking full advantage of all the included benefits that come along with that title!
WP: You’ve been on quite a few covers Mindi in your career. Do you still get excited when you land a magazine cover?
Oh, yeah! Anytime I land a cover is a huge accomplishment! We put in so many hours of hard work and this industry is so unbelievably competitive, so when your image is the one picked for a cover over hundreds of others trying for the same, you can’t but help jump for joy and celebrate!
WP: We hear you are a writer, Mindi. What do you enjoy most about writing articles?
Over the years in the industry and while competing, I have learned so many valuable things in life and about health and fitness. I find myself writing to so many inquirers about their health and fitness related questions. I believe that the only true way to respond on an important topic in question is from experience; otherwise it is very hard to truly believe in your words. I love helping others along their journey and guiding them to true health and success.
WP: Do you believe fitness models are role models?
I truly believe that fitness models are role models 100%! Like I said prior, I am constantly writing to people who inquire from my own experience and who look up to me for guidance and help along their way. That’s why I feel it is so important to treat everyone with respect and to display the image of a true role model.
WP: Mindi is there anybody you would like to thank or give a shout-out before we conclude this interview?
First, I’d like to thank my family and friends who have always supported me through all my decisions. I would also like to thank you, Obi Obadike, for coming into my life and showing so much support and kindness as a friend in the industry. I also would like to thank Paul Dillett and the WBFF family for truly caring, supporting me, and going far beyond anything I could have ever asked for. Thank you Paul Dillett!
Mindi, it is a pleasure interviewing you and thank you for sharing so much of yourself to the World Physique family. We wish you much success in your career and most importantly on a WBFF stage. Good Luck at the WBFF World’s on Aug 27th.
