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Elizabeth Smart has been making waves in the world of bodybuilding, and her fitness coach, Robyn Maher, is revealing the strategies that led to her success.
“Elizabeth adhered to a structured and nutritious diet plan throughout this journey,” Maher explained during an interview with Extra that was released on Wednesday, April 22. “She also committed to weight training nearly every day, typically five to six days a week, focusing on specific muscle groups. These are the criteria judges use during competitions. She excelled in her most recent event.”
The 38-year-old Smart caught some of her fans off guard on Tuesday, April 21, when she disclosed on social media that she has been participating in bodybuilding contests.
Smart, known for her work as a child safety advocate, posted a photo on Instagram showcasing herself on stage in a bikini.
Elizabeth Smart’s journey to the public eye began under tragic circumstances when she was abducted from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002. The nation rallied behind her family, led by her parents, Ed and Lois Smart, who became vocal advocates during the search for their daughter. Following her rescue, Elizabeth has continued to inspire with her resilience and new endeavors.
“This was a big change for me, it was hard, it pushed me, challenged me not to give up,” Smart wrote via Instagram. “I am so proud of myself for doing this. I am so proud of my body, and I want to celebrate it.”
Maher was quick to praise her client and friend for earning a 1st place trophy. She also celebrated the progress Smart has made in recent months.
“She’s improved. She’s gone through a transformation,” Maher shared. “And, you know, she didn’t get any top award just because she’s Elizabeth Smart. Like, it was fair and square.”
According to Maher, Smart’s first competition was one year ago in Salt Lake City. She competed under her married name because “she wasn’t looking for any attention.”
Over time, Smart made “great progress with her physique” and became stronger.
“This woman’s been through everything and came out on top, but physically, she can lift some heavy, heavy weight, which is awesome,” Maher shared. “We set new goals for her. She competed last year again, two times, did a national level competition, and then now here again.”
Smart was kidnapped from her bedroom in June 2002 when she was 14 years old. After more than nine months of captivity, during which time she was subjected to physical, sexual and psychological abuse, police rescued Smart.
Elizabeth Smart has offered glimpses into her life more than two decades after her abduction and rescue. Smart was abducted from her bedroom in 2002 by Brian David Mitchell when she was only 14 years old. With help from Mitchell’s wife, Wanda Barzee, Smart was held captive for nearly a year while experiencing physical, sexual […]
Since her highly publicized rescue, Smart has become an advocate for survivors, shared her story publicly in two best-selling books and opened up about the horror she endured in Netflix’s 2026 documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart.
Maher is excited that Smart wanted to speak out about her bodybuilding journey, partly because she feels proud of what she accomplished in the health and fitness space.
“Her legs are super strong. She’s run all these marathons. That woman can squat a lot of weight,” Maher shared. “I keep calling her fitness Barbie. That’s my nickname for her.”