Raising the bar is something Dr. Matt Smith (Waukesha) is used to doing in his professional life, and quite literally when it comes to his hobby of bodybuilding. Growing up in Marinette, Dr. Smith got an early lesson in hard work and business ownership. Working at his parents’ restaurant, Real Pizza, from early age through high school with his two brothers, he learned valuable skills that would shape his path to successful careers in both dentistry and bodybuilding.
“Going into my undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I had a strong interest in medicine,” Dr. Smith said. “After my first summer of shadowing several careers in health, I shadowed a dentist. The relationships and connections I saw the dentist have with his patients really caught my eye, and was similar to what I saw at my parents’ restaurant. I really valued that in addition to the ability to become a business owner and apply an artistic side to dentistry.”
Well before deciding on dentistry, Dr. Smith found a strong interest in fitness. His love of the gym started when he was a multi-sport athlete in high school, and is something that’s stuck with him through college, dental school and beyond.
Bodybuilding didn’t enter the equation, however, until about seven years ago when he began to notice people training for competitions at his gym.
“I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted to with my own routine, so I hired a coach to guide my nutrition and workouts,” he said. “Setting goals is a huge part of my work and personal life, so it was only natural to set ones in my workout, with the ultimate goal to eventually compete on stage.”
After several years of training and dietary discipline, he was able to transform his body to a level where he felt he was able to compete. Starting his competitive career at regional shows in the Fox Cities and Waukesha, he eventually moved up to national shows. In total, Dr. Smith has competed in six competitions – three national and three regional.
Specifically, Dr. Smith trains for “physique competitions,” where judges focus on the upper body, paying close attention to muscle striations and definition. “A bodybuilding competition is a platform to show your work in and out of the gym,” says Dr. Smith. “You never know what the competition will bring, so your aim has to be to bring your personal best. If you do that, you’ll always walk on stage already a winner.”
Dr. Smith’s favorite memory from his time competing came at his most recent competition in Orlando where he earned his International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro Card – the highest honor at the national level. To achieve this, a bodybuilder must first win or place highly in a regional contest weight class. After that, they earn an invite to compete at the National Championships contest for that year. The winners of each weight class at the National Championships then go head-to-head in a separate contest to determine an overall champion for the year.
“Just like traversing through dental school and building a successful practice, becoming a bodybuilder takes time, hard work, self-control, continued learning and a desire to push yourself. I started the sport for myself, but along the way, I’ve been able to inspire several others to live a healthier lifestyle. Most importantly, I’ve been able to show my children that you can do anything you set your mind to with dedication. If I can do it, so can you!”
“Just like traversing through dental school and building a successful practice, becoming a bodybuilder takes time, hard work, self-control, continued learning and a desire to push yourself. I started the sport for myself, but along the way, I’ve been able to inspire several others to live a healthier lifestyle.”
