After decades of hiding in plain sight, survivor and activist Elizabeth Smart faced her inner demons. Turning her trauma into advocacy, Smart opens up about her difficult journey and how the world of bodybuilding helped. For her, the sport was far more than physical transformation—it was an inner transformation to healing and self-discovery.

Smart’s introduction into bodybuilding happened almost by accident. What initially began as a way for her to build more muscle, have stronger bones, and lose weight turned into a lifelong passion. It was only after she and her friend assessed what she wanted from her body that she realized it might be time to try something new.

“We started chatting about what I wanted for my body, and I knew I wanted stronger bones – my grandma fell during Covid and broke her hip, and that was the beginning of the end. And I wanted more muscle. My Instagram was full of posts about lifting, strength training, and resistance training.”

During an interview with The Guardian, Smart was asked about her past relationship with her body. Her revelation was an eye-opener for most, leading them to reevaluate their own relationships with their bodies.

“The more I thought about it, the more I couldn’t help but think that my body is incredible. It has carried me through every single worst day of my life, and it has given me three beautiful kids. It protected me, and I survived because of it, and it deserves to be taken care of and celebrated.

I know a lot of victims feel like their bodies betrayed them. It never betrayed me. It deserves so much more than what I’ve given it in the past.”

For Smart, bodybuilding was more than a fitness challenge. She used it to change the way she saw herself and how others saw her.

How Bodybuilding Helped Elizabeth Smart Reclaim Her Body

Her introduction to bodybuilding opened up a whole new world for Smart. Now, instead of focusing on how she looked, she began focusing on what her body could do. Her primary focus became strength and mobility.

She also reflected on the fact that strength training sessions typically take 45 minutes. Running, on the other hand, which was something she loved doing, took hours of her time and energy.

She also talks about her relationship with food. Earlier, she would end up overeating as working out made her incredibly hungry. Ironically, the more she worked out, the more weight she put on due to her relationship with food.

However, strength training also introduced her to clean eating. Of course, she still manages to sneak in a couple of her favorite cheat meals every now and again.

What began as merely a friendly suggestion soon ended up becoming one of the most empowering chapters of Smart’s physical and mental health journey.

What are your thoughts on her journey as a survivor and her approach to bodybuilding? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil