LUKE GULBRANSON is an unabashed striver among the group on Bravo’s Winter House and Summer House. While he now lives in New York City, the Minnesota native flaunts an outdoorsy fitness routine and never misses a chance to promote one of his numerous businesses, such as the Renaissance man-inspired retail brand R_Co. His playboy behavior on Bravo’s reality shows can be controversial, but his hobbies off the screen seem pretty laid-back, even possibly… humble.
Here, we asked Gulbranson rapid-fire questions about his personal life. He obliged, revealing his workout favorites (including jump roping and jump squats), his romantic tips (don’t slack on your GIF-sending game), and his obsession with, yes, the cello.
MH: What have been the biggest surprises going into reality TV?
LG: Becoming really good friends with some of the people that I was in a house with. You’re in a situation where some people are nothing like you. And then sometimes you’re like, “Holy shit, now you’re one of my best friends.” I think we’ve grown up as individuals. You’re forced to face things that outside of that situation, you probably don’t face. You learn a lot about yourself.
Living a jet-setting lifestyle is your job now. How do you stay in shape wherever you go?
I was an athlete growing up. I played football and hockey. It’s just who I am. When I am traveling, I always have to find ways to do it. And it’s interesting, especially with Covid. I’ll find a log in the woods and use that on my back for squats. One thing that I always have when I travel is a jump rope because jump roping is great cardio. It’s great to be able to mix in circuit training with like four-minute rounds of jump roping into your jump squats and your pushups. You’re trying to hit all your body parts.
What does your ideal jump rope workout look like?
Here is a breakdown of a jump rope workout I do while I’m traveling or off in the woods hiking, camping, etc.
[I do] a total of 20 minutes jumping with the rope. I do 5 sets of 4-minute rounds. After each round, I begin my bodyweight exercises. For these 4-minute rounds, I like to get some good tunes on my headphones. Something I can find a beat to. A good rhythm helps your rope skills.
I proceed with one-leg jumps, counting up to 10 on each leg, then back down from 10 on each leg. Then 20 with both legs. Onto alternating feet for a count of 20. Then double-bounce jumps, alternating feet for a count of 20. Then alternating heel taps for a count of 20. Next, double heel taps alternating for a count of 20. Followed by a few crossovers, left to right, right to left. Then two-foot crossovers into high knees for 15-20 seconds. I’m usually gassed by this point, but battle into 5 one-leg jumps, up and down the count, repeating until I hit 4 minutes. I always burn the last 15 seconds doing fast feet with high knees and double jumps.
Your bodyweight exercises in between rounds of jump rope include push-ups, jump squats, wide grip lat pullups, biceps pullups, triceps extensions, shoulder raises, mountain climbers, V-up twists, crunches, planks…
You do the rope-plus-bodyweight circuit for a total of 5 circuits. This usually takes about 45 minutes total. Oh, and no big breaks. You go from one movement to the next, then take 1 minute and 30 seconds to rest at the end of the circuit. This way you’re getting a good cardio session in while you’re attacking your muscles.
We know how you work out when you’re camping, but what about fitness at the airport?
One thing that I try to do if I’m not rushing for my flight is, instead of taking those moving walkways, I take stairs. I do everything I can to make sure I’m giving my body movement. That’s why I don’t have an electric bike. I pedal.
And your most dreaded exercise?
Oh my God. Okay. There’s this machine called the reACT machine. My legs want to fall off when I’m doing it. But I love doing it because I love to exhaust myself and grind it out at the gym.
And what about your diet? What does that look like?
As far as my diet, I’m horrible. I should probably have one. I work out so I can eat and drink what I want. As I get older, though, I am more aware of how my body feels and am going to start a more heart-healthy diet. I also think it’s important to hydrate a ton! When I was in the best shape of my life, I did high protein, low carbs, low fat. With small meals, you can’t maintain that for an extended period of time. But if you have bigger portions and healthy snacks between, I believe it’s a recipe for getting ripped. Alcohol is the killer. Anyone wanting results needs to cut it out of their lifestyle.
What’s your favorite meal, cheat or otherwise?
I’ve been fortunate enough where I have a pretty quick metabolism. I think it’s important to make sure you’re getting some vegetables in your diet because it’s your body. Your body is your home. But I love a really good steak, like from Manny’s Steakhouse in Minneapolis.
What do you always throw in your bag for a trip?
My fragrance [Renaissance Man from R_Co., $125].
Ideal first date?
Probably having a nice meal, grabbing specialty cocktails at a speakeasy. If it’s active, hit some golf balls.
What do you consider your love language?
My love language would probably be spending time in nature with the person. I grew up in northern Minnesota.
What was your mental wellness activity over the past week?
Playing guitar and walking. I’m by no means a pro [at guitar]. But I can fingerpick.
Secret pop culture obsession?
Maybe it sounds weird, but I’m a big fan of stringed instruments and just listening to cello music. The cello is one of my favorite instruments. And I love just the sound.
Product you swear by?
As far as kitchen stuff, the trays for big ice cubes.
What’s your strategy for winning over a woman?
Sending them something cute. Pay attention to what they’re saying. Maybe it’s a cute message or a GIF. Or maybe write a song.
Paul Schrodt is a freelance writer and editor who also contributes to Esquire, GQ, Money, The Wall Street Journal, and more.
