ABOUT GYMHIPPIE 🕉️

➡️ My Story 😁

Hi there, my name’s Luke. I was born in February 1988. I’m a Pisces – apart from all the bad bits, obviously! For any fellow Myers-Briggs nerds out there, I’m also an INFJ. I’ve always felt fairly unconventional & quirky; a bit of a personal-growth junkie; a bit of a hippie at heart – although it took me a fair while to embrace it. I’m certainly not hard to miss at 6’ 5”! I consider myself a warm & friendly person; and I try not to take life too seriously. I’m a mentor by nature, and have genuine positive regard for all those I coach. Other than my girlfriend, Keri, I have two big passions in my life: 1️⃣ my band – The Arusha Accord – and 2️⃣ my sustainable fat-loss & lifestyle-change enterprise, GymHippie.

I feel blessed to be pursuing the latter as a career, but it wasn’t always this way. An aspiring rock star well into my 20s, in 2010 I took a U-turn to study politics & economics at Sussex University – quite a shift in trajectory, I know! As per the plan at the time, my degree provided a springboard into the corporate world, where I was fortunate to secure a position as a graduate in financial audit. Whilst, admittedly, it was the first time in my life that I’d felt like a proper adult, the cut and thrust of corporate life wasn’t for me. Indeed, fairly early on I knew it wasn’t going to make me happy. I knew I needed to change course.

My own fitness journey had started in my early teens – not through a love of sports but, perhaps unusually, entirely through a desire to change the shape of my body. In the years since, my determination to better understand & conquer a poor body image has spawned a fascination with all things mind, body & self. Whilst I truly believe that self-esteem & self-love comes from within, I also believe that a cared-for & capable body helps. In January 2016, my passion for holistic wellbeing collided with a desire to find more meaning in my career, and GymHippie was born.

Since then, I’ve never looked back. The entire process has been a ball, and I’ve loved every minute! Each day is a school day, and I’m forever inspired to hone my skills & become better at what I do. I really enjoy running my own business – and, whilst it’s certainly demanding of my time & energy, it never really feels like work. I delight in helping my clients thrive & better themselves – something I’m lucky enough to do each and every day. I feel that GymHippie is what I was always meant to do – and I’d love to share it with you.

Here are a few progress photos from my own fat-loss journey ⬇️

➡️ My Mission

My mission is to create a growth- & results-driven coaching environment primed to deliver sustainable fat loss & and lifestyle change to holistically-minded individuals ready for positive change.

Having spent much of the last 10 years working towards designing my best life, I’ve become passionate about & dedicated to helping my clients do the same.

Here’s my story …

1️⃣ MIND 🧠

When it comes to mental health, I’ve tackled some tough times over the years. Social anxiety, comfort eating, body dysmorphia, agoraphobia, stress-induced alopecia – and even depression at times. Oh I’ve been there. I know first hand what “out of balance” feels like – and it sucks! I also know first hand how an effective fat-loss strategy can truly kick-start the process of positive change.

2️⃣ BODY 💪

I know what it feels like to be unhappy with your body. I know how it feels to avoid mirrors, to avoid having picture taken, and to avoid situations where my body would be on show. At best, it can be draining; at worst, it can be traumatic! I was overweight in my teens – and was teased for being so, In response, I developed an eating disorder & pretty-much starved myself thin. I was then teased for being skinny … so I overate to fatten myself up. My weight & wellbeing yo-yoed for years. I felt out of control. It was only when I discovered strength training, healthy eating & a healthy lifestyle that I found the solution.

3️⃣ SELF 🕉️

Finally, I know what it is to feel totally lost in life. No direction, no idea who I was – or who I wanted to be. When it comes to personal-growth & self-development – two areas I’ve become extremely passionate about – I truly believe that taking control of your body & mind can be a springboard towards self actualisation. Getting stronger breeds improved confidence, self-esteem, energy levels, mood & mindset – all of which empowered me to take more control over my life. I also understand how a poor body image can prevent you doing things that makes you happy. Whether that be wearing a swimming costume on holiday, going to a spa, getting back in the dating game – or anything else that requires you to make yourself vulnerable.

My Values 🙏

G         GUIDANCE – I will always offer you bespoke & goal-supportive guidance

Y         YOU-FOCUSED – my focus will always be on you & your improved wellbeing

M         MENTORING – I will always listen and be both nurturing & supportive

H         HONESTY – I will always be authentic, trustworthy & genuine

I           INDUSTRIOUSNESS – I will always work hard towards your continued success

P         PRIVACY – I will never share details of your story without your permission

P         POSITIVE REGARD – I will always respect your values & your ability to make your own decisions

I           INVALUABLENESS – I will always remain relevant by investing in my own education

E         EMPATHY – I will always be understanding, compassionate & kind

What former GymHippies say…