Well-Rounded Perfection: Model Luke Holbrook | PnV Network
by Tom Peaks @MrPeaksNValleys
Gorgeous Luke Holbrook is not just pleasing eye candy. He is passionate about maximizing life. Luke loves helping patients with physical therapy exercises. And he wants to teach people about fitness—the mental & physical aspects. He displays his incredible body to inspire others to fitness heights. Born to British parents and growing up in rural Illinois, bagpipe-playing Luke has found the big city of Chicago. In the Windy City, he’s had the good fortune to experience the great photographic and mentoring capabilities of photographer Joem Bayawa. I present the stunning images from the Luke/Joem collaboration:
So, first some basics. What is your age, weight, and height? Hair/eye color? Birthday? What agency (if any) represents you? What is your hometown & current residence?
Ok, the basics: I come from a small town (Winnebago, IL) where I grew up on a farm under the guidance of two British parents that had moved here from England independently. I moved to Chicago for my undergraduate education at UIC, and I still reside here. I’m 22 years old, 6’2, and 190lbs. Dark blonde with blue eyes. I was contracted with Lily’s Talent Chicago.
Luke, you just graduated college. Tell us about the whole collegiate experience, your degree, and besides friends and relationships, what will you miss most about school?
First off, I came to UIC to experience the city of Chicago. Like I said, I’m from a small town and my graduating class in high school was 137. In no way shape or form, did I want to stay in a small town. Ever since I was young I’ve wanted to explore and experience many different things, and be presented with opportunities. I knew Chicago was the best place for me to make this happen. This is exactly what I received in my collegiate experience. I met so many different people, some affiliated with the school some not, all with different backgrounds and perspectives on life. To me, this was very interesting, and helped me surround myself with the environment that I had envisioned. I also swam my first year for the school, which was essential for me to establish a group of friends right from the beginning. Through swimming I was able to befriend most the athletes at the school, so once I decided to focus more on school after my first year, I was still tightly connected with everyone in the athletic community yet I had the freedom to pursue other goals, hopes, and dreams. After swimming, I eventually got involved in UIC’s EMS program. I became a certified EMT-B (Emergency Medical Technician), and worked for UIC on an ambulance. I spent the next 3 years attempting to rescue students, and providing the occasional homeless man (who was bullshitting symptoms) a place to sleep in a hospital, haha. The thing I will miss most about school in one word: opportunity. Never again will I be provided with so many building blocks and a driver seat to head where ever I want in life.
Career-wise, Luke, what is your ultimate goal?
It was med school, but I’ve switched to wanting to do Physical Therapy and Personal Training – much better environment for me. I work as a part time Rehab Aid at an Athletico, in Chicago’s East Bank Club. I get to work with all types of patients and help them through their rehab exercises. Ultimately, with the help of my brother, we want to own our own PT practice and online personal training programs. Where along with rehab we also provide strength and fitness training. A totally new mix of services done in a way that’s never been done before. If anyone is interested in training with me contact me on my email at trainwithholbrooks@gmail.com
So fill in for readers about how you got into fitness competition
After my swimming career, I started to lift weights to stay in shape. Then one day I decided to try and get into the best shape I could, which snowballed over time into full blast fitness and bodybuilding competitions. If you have the right mindset the lifestyle is very addictive.
So, am I right that your fitness drive morphed into modeling. Luke, tell us why you decided to break into modeling.
I’ve been in and out of modeling for the past 3 years, I haven’t broke into full time modeling due to my chest size and muscularity. The biggest market is fashion and commercial, which I’m too big for. I’ve tried multiple times to lose muscle and go give the bigger market a try, but every time I try I find myself missing my lifting lifestyle too much. I have to pursue what makes me happy, and that’s fitness and bodybuilding. I will still be available to do fitness and underwear modeling for that which suits my body type much better. In the meantime, I’m focusing on building my own brand name and doing what I love.
What is it that you like so much about modeling?
I like displaying what I’ve worked for in terms of my body, and also hope to inspire others to go after their fitness goals. It’s also fun to portray emotion and have fun with different looks in front of the camera.
I know you have worked a lot with Joem Bayawa, who is such an excellent photographer in Chicago. He is really great at grooming and mentoring new model talent. Tell us what it’s been like working with Joem and what he has meant to you.
Joem is an excellent photographer to work with. He takes his time with you and is very willing to collaborate on any ideas that you have. Joem possesses the characteristics that you need to be a great photographer: he’s open minded, honest, hardworking, passionate, and personable. He spent the first 30 minutes of our time together trying to convince me to downsize my muscle and pursue fashion modeling, and he succeeded at first. However, over time I realized that I can’t give up on what I love. But, it showed how much he cared, and how he wants to help others succeed. These genuine qualities are rare to find, especially in a photographer, I’d recommend for anyone to work with him, especially those who are trying to get into modeling.
Tell us what kind of modeling work you envision yourself doing.
As of now, I envision myself doing fitness and underwear modeling. However, I’m open to collaborate on new ideas, and if they’re any clients that want me to model their commercial or fashion looks I’m more than willing to do so.
How have friends and family reacted to you modeling?
I’m pretty quiet about my modeling to my friends unless asked about it. I don’t like being the center of attention, especially when it comes to talking about my accomplishments, I let them talk for themselves. I hate the idea of people making assumptions about who I am before they really know me. Models can be mistaken for being vain, self-absorbed, or unintelligent, which is certainly not always the case. My family has been encouraging, they just want me to be happy, which I’ve learned to be optimistic so most the time I am!
Luke, earlier you mentioned your older brother, Seth. Now, he is also doing some modeling. You guys look so similar. Tell us about your relationship with him.
Seth and I have a rare relationship. Imagine growing up with, and being with the same person 24/7 your whole life from the beginning. On top of that being counseled by great parents teaching us to love each other, focus on not competing with one another, and to remember that at the end of the day blood runs thicker than water. Now on top of this, this person is almost identical to you in terms of physical ability and appearance, and has a friendly mindset like you. I’m not saying we never fought – we had plenty of fights, mostly over wearing each other’s clothes to school, but overall we’re lucky to have one another. I have his back to the end, and he has mine, period. However, our adjacency can come at a price. I’m a pretty independent person, and there were lots of times where I just wanted to do my own thing. There were certain situations where I’d be frustrated because I wanted to be seen as an individual not always hearing, “where’s Seth?” So not for this reason alone, we went to different universities that were over 6 hours apart. This actually strengthened our relationship. We were able to grow as individuals, so when we were reunited a year ago we appreciated our bond that much more. 
Who are some photographers you would dream to shoot with?
Brian Jamie, Wayne Stryke, and Pat Lee are a few that I know I want to shoot with in the future. I’m not very knowledgeable on big time photographer names, so I’m sure that list will grow.
You have spoken openly on Instagram about dealing with and overcoming anxieties. Tell us about that.
When I was 17, I went through a 6 month period experiencing lots of crippling anxiety and depression. My parents are very different people which has made me a versatile person in terms of temperament. I am laid back, and non-judgmental but at the same time I’m secretly intense, passionate, and analytical. At that point in my life I hadn’t learn how to cope with anxiety, and these conflicting aspects to my personality. So when certain events took place in my life, I wasn’t prepared. I completely over-thought things, and my anxiety snowballed. Over that period, I went through a self-help program, and read several self-improvement books. I learned valuable life lessons and perspectives that I utilize every day. So, even though the experience was miserable, I’m glad it happened, because it taught me how to shape my thinking for success and happiness.
How would you describe your personal fashion style, Luke?
I’m all about dressing for comfort. I love joggers, at work they call me MC Hammer. However, I do like to pay attention to detail when I go to events or important parties. I like to look trendy in my own way (if I’m not bulging out of my clothes). I try to fit into slim fitted jeans, and rock stylish flannel but it normally ends with me walking around upright and lacking the ability to tie my shoes.
Who are your male modeling inspiration(s)?
Rob Riches, Steve Cook, and other fitness guys that have a good personality or have intelligence.
Upon reflection, describe your personality.
This is the generic question that always has you pondering about how you act in certain situations as a reference to label yourself with fitted personality traits. I’m very adaptable to situations, it just depends who I’m with and what I’m doing. I can be introverted, or extroverted, just depends where I am and how much sleep I got the night before. I’ll leave it at that.
You also counsel diet and fitness training. If you had to give oversimplified (in this setting) advice to someone overweight who can’t find a launching point to get on the fit bandwagon, what would you say?
Structure your thinking first. If you fix your attitude and mindset to a place where your thoughts are working for you and not against you, the rest will take care of itself.
With your own training, what are the one or two exercises that you find most beneficial to your success?
Like I’ve said before, I think my greatest exercise that has led to my success are my mental ones. I’m always trying to arrange my thoughts to positive productive ones.
Tell people something off the beaten path that we would be surprised to know about Luke Holbrook.
I can play the bagpipes, and enjoy watching Sex and the City. Seriously, I’m almost done with season 3.
Now the Flash Bulb Round…..quick responses:
–Favorite all-time movie? The Count of Monte Cristo.
–Hardest academic class you ever took? Organic Chemistry II.
–Favorite vacation site? Cornwall, England.
–Favorite underwear brand & style? Gotta love my CK briefs.
–Favorite sin food? I’m a Burgboy.
–What do you wear to bed? Whatever underwear I’m in.
–What political issue could make you become an activist? Energy Efficiency.
–Your biggest vice? I’m unorganized.
–What physical feature(s) do people compliment you on the most? My physique as a whole.
–Favorite brand and style of blue jeans? Fcuk, Slim-Fit.
What is the best way on social media for people to reach out to you?
Email – trainwithholbrooks@gmail.com\
Instagram DM: @lukeholbrook_
Or Facebook message always works.
https://www.instagram.com/lukeholbrook_/
https://www.facebook.com/luke.holbrook1
Social media for Joem Bayawa:
https://www.facebook.com/joemcbayawa
https://www.instagram.com/joembayawaphotography/
http://joembayawaphotography.tumblr.com/
https://twitter.com/joembayawaphoto
