ABOUT GYMHIPPIE 🕉️

➡️ Luke’s Story

Name: Luke Robert Williams
Date of Birth: 19/02/1988
MBTI: INFJ
Zodiac: Pisces

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 health & fitness journey ⬇️

➡️ Luke’s Values

In no particular order …

• GymHippie – i.e. building the business
• Health & Training – i.e. improving my health & physique
• Family – i.e. my girlfriend Keri & son Shay
• Coaching – i.e. mastering the craft & becoming the best coach I can be
• The Arusha Accord (my band) – i.e. fulfilling my musical ambitions
• Personal Development – i.e. becoming the best version of myself

➡️ Luke’s Qualifications

In no particular order …

• Level 3 Diploma in Fitness Instructing and Personal Training
• Resistance Training Specialist – Integra Education Foundations
• Student of Muscle Mentors Education
• Motivational Interviewing Practitioner
• Graduate of the M10 Personal Training Mentorship
• Graduate of Mark Coles’ Elite Business Mastermind
• Impact Brand Mastery – Mark Coles
• SuperStrong Business – Phil Graham
• Graduate of the Shredded By Science Academy
• Graduate of the Personal Training Collective Core Programme
• Advanced Stretching and Foam Rolling
• Advanced Nutrition for Physical Performance and Weight Management
• Indoor Cycling (Spinning)
• Postural Assessment and Corrective Exercise
• Suspended Movement Training (e.g. TRX)
• Kettlebell Training
• Advanced Circuit and HIIT Training
• Nutritional Advisor
• Levels 1 & 2 Counselling Skills
• 1-2-1 Mentoring with Dan Smith @M10
• 1-2-1 Mentoring with Mark Coles @ M10
• 1-2-1 Mentoring with Martin Fenn @ MF Performance
• 1-2-1 Mentoring with Gary Mendoza @ Stages of Change
• 1st Class BA in Politics & Economics from the University of Sussex

➡️ Our Holistic Mission

Our mission is to create a growth- & results-driven coaching environment primed to deliver sustainable fat loss & lifestyle change to holistically-minded individuals seeking positive change. Having spent many years designing our best lives, we’ve become passionate about helping our clients do the same. Here are my reflections on the importance of holistic health …

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 certainly depression at times. Oh I’ve been there! I know exactly what “out of balance” feels like – and it sucks! I also know first hand how an effective health & fitness strategy can kick-start the process of positive change in many areas of life.

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 pictures taken, and to avoid situations where my body would be on show. At best, it can be draining; at worst, it can feel 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 a sustainable solution.

3️⃣ SELF 🕉️

Finally, I know what it is to feel 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. I find the process of getting stronger breeds improved confidence, self-esteem & mental wellbeing – all of which have 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 going swimming, going to a spa, getting back in the dating game – or anything else that makes you feels exposed or vulnerable.

➡️ GymHippie 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 Our Clients Say …