| Where and when were you born? True southern belle...Savannah, GA What is your profession? Well, I have been a nurse for 12 years, and will do that for about another month. I also private train, and have just been offered asst. manager at Golds Gym, which I am going to accept, and compeletly sink myself into improving my body...and thank you so much for the compliment, I really had nobody to compare myself to, and was worried that my body lagged. What kind of activities/sports did you do before you started lifting weights? I was a gymnast from the age of 4 to 20, a competitive powerlifter at the national level from 18-22, a boxer and kickboxer How and when did you get involved into lifting weights? I started as a strength program for gymnastics when I was 16, and liked it more then the gymnastics, I trained at an all mens hard core wrestling type gym in La, and had to lift as a 114 man since at the time women's powerlifting was still in the developmental stages. Was it a goal for you to compete in bodybuilding competitions right from the beginning or was it something that grew in your mind as time went on and you saw the progress in your body? I started saying in highschool about age 16 that I would one day be like Bev Frances or Laura Combes..I like the heavy muscle look, and admired them tremendously. It has been funny to see my old classmates when they realize I followed my dream! What was your first competition and how did you place? I had just had my daughter, I dieted from 105 to 88 pounds, I took second, it was the era of disco, so I love to look at the pictures and laugh at the big hair days. I did not have a clue what I was doing with posing or diet. But I was hooked on the rush you get on stage. And which contest has been the biggest success for you yet? I competed about 12 years ago in the Southern Classic, and took second to a girl with more muscle...I competed in 2003 I came in at 117.5 from 136 I took the light weight and the overall. The promoters of that contest are such wonderful people and do such a good show. I was determined to use that show to get qualified for nationals. Could you please add a history of all contests that you have entered so far? Wow, I have been in about 30 amateur shows, all the way from La, Tx, Ark, Ms, and lastly Chicago, at Jr Nationals. I have plans to compete in Dallas at Nationals and intend to focus on only 2-3 shows a year Jr.s , Nationals and the USA's. Please describe a typical day in the life of Brenda Smith. I have decided because of going to and from LA to train with Charles Glass, I have decided not to take the Golds position, and cont. to work in nsg as an ER nurse, I only have to do 3 work days a week, and have more flexibility to do my own training, and am finding that with a multitude of those that want to be trained, it holds the potential to not want to go back into the gym for my own training...I had always wondered why so many pro bodybuilders are isolative in the gym, and I am learning that its simply people in their own aspirations to train sometimes forget you are there at that particular time to train yourself. As I said I am so into what ever it will take to get me to my goals, that I am attempting to keep my eyes open for potential complications. My entire life is really focused on eating and training. If I can I will take a nap mid day...not very exciting huh. Not much of a social life, but I love what I do, so thats okay. On my free time I hang out with my daughter, and little dog Dixie who is the mistress of our home, a 5 LB yorkie who is 9. Please tell me something about your daily training routine. I have really had to focus on bringing up my leg mass, my calves grow like crazy and Its really easy for them to overpower everything!!! I hit legs twice a week, and fill in with back, chest...which I am crazy strong..I still have the state benchpress record in La..On a good day I can still throw up about 215 lbs. How often do you train in a week? Contest time I train mid day, and do cardio in the am and pm. In off season I am getting at least to 165, I got to about 152, oh Im 5 ft tall!!! I run below 12% bodyfat and really eat well all year. Off season I do 2 on one off If you don't mind would you give me some stats (best lifts and some body measurements)? I would have to give my best guess, I know my calves are about 14-14 1/2 my biceps are pretty balanced with them, and my waist is about a 23, I work on keeping balance with my upper and lower body, I think bodybuilding is about working to keep good lines, and proportion, a little more artistic then just building bulk. Which bodypart is your best in your opinion? hands down my calves What is your favorite exercise in the gym and which one you don't like so much? I love to go heavy on bench, that was my best competitive lift. Judging in Women's Bodybuilding has always been criticized in one or the other way. Please tell me your honest thoughts about today's judging in Women's Bodybuilding. I have different views them most I think on the judging aspect. When I get ready for a show, I try not to think about what they will be looking for, or who will show up against me. I have an idea of what I like to look like and have to go with being in the best shape I can be...because its all so subjective and depending on that particular day and judge...although I would like to see and increased overall interest in women's bodybuilding, and have some life breathed back into it. Please tell me about what else you are doing when you don't work out (profession, hobbies, etc.) I still like to workout with a heavy bag and move around in the ring. I just moved to southern Ca so I am exploring the area, and think some mountain climbing and surfing are sounding fun. Please note: Brenda does not do sessions or wrestling of any kind. Please don't ask!! | 
