At 5’3’’, 120 pounds, Autumn Smith, senior, doesn’t have the typical “bikini bombshell” body—and that is exactly how she likes it. She competes in the bikini division of female bodybuilding competitions, and though she is judged on appearance, the emphasis is strictly on fitness.

“It all started when I started to diet to lose weight,” Smith said. “But then I read about female bodybuilding in a fitness magazine on a plane and it really interested me.”

Smith’s interest was piqued in January and she hired her coach in March. Just five months later in July, Smith won first place in her very first competition. In August, she landed a sponsorship with Peak nutrition and Intec supplements.

Smith started her training at the same time as her sister, Kourtney Heitz.

“We actually ended up competing against each other because we have similar heights,” Heitz said. “We were just so glad we had each other and were really supportive.”

Smith said at first, her parents called her “little butch,” and refused to pay for the expenses associated with the competitions. Paying for the expenses depleted Smith’s savings and checking account.

“But now they are a lot more supportive and understand I have to make time for what I do and what is important for me,” Smith said.

Smith follows a high protein, low carb diet, eating only six small meals a day with diet changed week to week.

“It is hard to adhere to for sure,” Smith said. “I was a huge foodie and the restricting diet can get really boring and I go pretty crazy, but it is worth it.”

But the diet is only one half of the equation. Smith has an extensive exercise regiment that keeps her toned and prepared for competitions.

“I go to the gym every day, twice a day,” Smith said. “Once before school to work on cardio and once at night to work on weights.”

At the competitions, Smith is judged primarily on muscle tone.

“This is a three hours a day, seven days a week passion,” Smith said. “It is difficult but I am in it to win it. I want it so bad and that is what keeps me going.”

Smith said training consumes the majority of her time and has consequentially affected her life beyond just giving her an increased fitness level.

“Let’s put it this way. The entire summer I didn’t see even one person from school because I spent so much of my time preparing for the July competition,” Smith said. “But I am happy with what I do and I made a whole new group of friends who keep me going at the
gym.”

Smith said she gets a wide variety of responses from people when they hear about her status as a “bikini competitor.”

“People have a lot of misconceptions about what I do,” Smith said. “Some people get really inspired and some have extremely negative responses.”

Though proud of her figure, Smith said it is first and foremost about fitness and not about simply “looking
hot.”

“I actually get really annoyed when people only compliment me on my superficial looks as a product of all of this,” Smith said. “I would much rather be applauded on my commitment than how I look. I hate that kind of attention from it.”