The youth worker and fitness fanatic from Perth, Western Australia had an instant connection (and clear common interests) with the rugby star, but it wasn't just the pair's instant chemistry that we couldn't tear our eyes away from.
Brooke had some serious abs on show.
We spoke to
You’re obviously super devoted to health and fitness, what does a week of training look like for you?
Devoted definitely. So Monday afternoon is either a rest day or if I’m up to it, a heavier legs weights session. I like to start my heavier sessions at the start of the week to allow for recovery before weekend games.
Tues/Thurs are rugby union training and Wed/Fri are AFL training. Then Saturday is usually a rugby game and AFL game is Sunday. My week is always jam packed but I like it like that. Keeps me on my toes... maybe that’s why I was single for so long…
What’s your least favourite workout or exercise?
I don’t really have one. I enjoy cardio, have always enjoyed running as a kid and I love weights because I love seeing my strength improve... If I were really to pick one, it would be core exercises. But I know how beneficial it is!
What's the best health or fitness tip anyone has ever given you?
“Your mind will give up before your body does.”
What sparked your interest in team sport and why is it so important to you?
Team sport is just in built in me. I’ve played team sport since I can remember, starting from netball, I did a bit of athletics, AFL, basketball and now rugby.. I love the team, community aspect. Over time your team becomes like a family, so I love the fact when I’m going down to training, I get to see the team, and the girls every week, getting to catch up and then hitting the track.
What does your day on a plate look like?
Brekky — I would definitely start with a coffee and some eggs. I like to keep it clean and simple, for me with my lifestyle, simple and easy is life. Lunch is usually what I had for dinner the previous night. Living independently… you learn to make that one extra so you can use for the next day. I’m pretty big on meal prep, if I get the chance to do on a Sunday after footy.
Many girls have spoken about how hard it is to stay healthy in the house, how did you find your eating and exercise habits change?
I actually found being in the mansion a bit of a break from my lifestyle out of the house. Sometimes you need to be a little bit generous to yourself and I tried not to put high expectations on myself because for me that just creates more anxiety in yourself. I did exercise when I could and always did when I felt like my body needed those happy endorphins pumping. Eating habits, I was pretty good, a treat here or two is fine though I’ve always had a pretty good relationship with food and what my body does and doesn’t need. It’s about discipline. I guess the hardest thing for me was that I lost heaps of muscle.. but being back home I was straight back into the grind.
You and Nick obviously share a love of sport, is that a relationship essential for you?
It’s not too essential because I’ve realised through previous relationships, I need a lot more internal attributes than a physical ability. I want someone with compassion and empathy towards others, though motivation is definitely attractive in a person for me... to be on my level or to even keep up with me, you would need to tick those 4 boxes minimum.
This article originally appeared on Women's Health Australia
