INSPO Fitness Journal March 2018

MAD
MIKE
When it comes to setting goals
and achieving them, Waikato
bodybuilder Mike Smith
continues going from strength
to strength.
BY CALEB SHEPPARD
The 43-year-old is proof that age is
no barrier in his sport. This year he’s
gearing up for the Brisbane Commonwealth
Classic, honing his skills and continuing
his dedication to a sport which requires
massive amounts of dedication and training.
In a sport where he is regarded as an ‘old
fella’, he’s continuing to impress and last year
picked up five wins, including the NABBA
National Championship.
He also managed to earn himself a WFF
Pro Card, something he’s worked towards for
six years.
“I’m now entitled to enter the WFF pro
shows around the world where prize money
is offered, and can no longer compete as
a WFF amateur. I’ve been offered some
assistance by the federation to compete in a
variety of countries from Kuwait to Mexico
to Singapore.”
This year Mike’s focus is largely on the
Brisbane Commonwealth Classic. He’s aiming
to produce his best look from last year,
which is a combination of his peaks from
four different shows.
“I have to be very precise to pull it off but
the effort will be there to do my family and
NZ proud,” he says.
Mike owns and operates Trainstation gym
in Te Awamutu, which means his time is
stretched pretty thin. However he thrives on
helping and inspiring others.
His own training begins at 4am with a
weights session followed by 30 minutes to
one hour’s worth of cardio. He’ll then complete
another weights session mid-morning
and spend the rest of the day working as
a trainer in the gym. And that’s just the
off-season.
Something that sets Mike apart from other
body builders is what he calls “Shatterday”
- a Saturday ritual of climbing one of the
many peaks Waikato has to offer.
“It started with the Hakarimatas and
then came Pirongia, Kakapuka, Te Aroha,
Maungatautiri, Karioi or whatever is the best
in the region we are in at the time. “In 2017
it became a Saturday and Sunday ritual. Now
I’ve taken it one step further and do two
a day. Once even three just as a personal
challenge.”
This ambition to go the extra mile has
earned him the nickname “Mad Mike” in
bodybuilding circles.
To stick to such a rigorous training regime
and still manage to help others achieve
their fitness and body goals takes exceptional
time management skills and a lot of determination.
“I believe if you want something bad
enough you make it work no matter what. I
make it work and pride myself on it.”
As if balancing heavy training commitments,
work and doing all his own nutrition
wasn’t enough, Mike lost his father early in
his competition prep phase last year. Mike’s
father was one of his most passionate supporters
and says that loss drove him to train
harder in tribute.
He also says he couldn’t do it all without
the devoted support from his partner
Amanda.
“She is as big a part of the team as I am,”
he says. “I joke that she has the hard part. I
just turn up. She takes care of the tanning,
grooming and navigating all which are more
tricky than most would imagine.”
Mike is also grateful to Te Awamutu’s
West End Autos and Unichem for their
support.
44 INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL MARCH 2018