*TW – Conversations of Suicide* 

Today, I’m joined by Luke Fullbrook, an international strongman competitor based in Stoke, currently working as a personal trainer, who now consistently promotes the vitality of maintaining a healthy mindset as a complement to physical health and strength. 

Luke’s training was initially derived by his abusive home life and experiences of bulling he endured at school… wanting to make himself bigger, more intimidating… thus utilised as a coping mechanism to the accumulation of stressors.

Fortunately, improving his training performance, witnessing progression within lifts and developing his overall strength provided a sense of accomplishment, achievement and confidence – and thus a sense of purpose.

Luke discusses the lifestyle of a strongman competitor. The dedication, routine, training. The positive & motivating relationship he’s built, the sense of community…. but also the pressure of the high-expectation competitions, the constant anxiety of falling victim to significant injuries and debilitating performance comparison – which consequently enforces competitors to habitually diminish their achievements. The tendencies of bigorexia, unconventional relationships with food, and the shocking badges of honour within that culture – ranging from sleep apnoea, daily caloric intakes to exceptionally high blood pressure. 

Throughout the episode, we focus on the perception of discomfort equating to growth… how Luke values the trauma, the discomfort, the immeasurable personal challenges faced as they have only equipped him with transferable skills, tools, resilience, and a whole new perspective to life… through embarking on an enlightening journey which subsequently has allowed him to find happiness and peace.