Luke Fattore at the IFBB event with wife Elizabeth. Photos: Supplied.
A Griffith electrician has excelled at one of Australia’s premier bodybuilding competitions while launching a new career on the side as a personal trainer.
Luke Fattore competed in last month’s NSW State Championships of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), the global organisation that runs bodybuilding competitions and promotes the sport around the world.
The 32-year-old competed in the light heavyweight open category, for competitors weighing between 80 and 90 kg, as well as the novice open-weight division.
He placed fifth in both.
Fattore, who was born and bred in Griffith, has trained on and off since he was 16, but became serious about bodybuilding in 2020.
“About six years ago, I got back into the gym, training twice a day. Four years ago, I took on a coach, Chris Thomas, from Queensland,” he said.
He entered his first bodybuilding competition in April 2023, placing second in the first-timers category.
He returned in April 2024 and placed fourth before stepping up again this year.
But his performance at last month’s NSW championships represented a career highlight.
“The line-up wasn’t as strong back in 2024. This time I was with bigger boys who’d won shows, so the competition was fierce,” he said.
Luke shows his stuff on stage.
Getting a physique capable of competing at that level does not come easily.
Fattore follows a strict diet, eating six meals a day.
“I have breakfast at 4 am, which is eye fillet, avocado and greens. Then I’ll train and have some oats with berries, honey, cinnamon and protein powder,” he said.
“Throughout the day I’ll have two meals of chicken, rice and greens and then for dinner, white fish with rice and greens and a smoothie before bed.
“I’ve had the same foods at the same time for four years.
“People ask, ‘How can you eat the same thing? Don’t you crave chocolate?’
“But I don’t care. I don’t eat for taste, I eat for fuel. I don’t eat shit because I know I’ll regret it.”
He won’t be drinking to celebrate his success either.
“I haven’t touched alcohol since Easter and I don’t think I’ll drink ever again,” he said.
Luke with his son Elias, who is one.
His advice for people wanting to improve their diet is similarly straightforward.
“Just don’t have snacks in your pantry. Prep your food beforehand, and eat that when you’re hungry.”
Fattore has also used his bodybuilding journey to launch a new career in personal training.
While preparing for the competition, he completed his Certificate III and IV in Fitness and will begin training clients at LiveFit Gym in Griffith on Saturdays, with the possibility of adding morning sessions before work.
“I’ll focus on all aspects of personal training, from people just starting out to those wanting to rehabilitate, not just bodybuilding,” he said.
Fattore’s success comes as bodybuilding gains a higher profile in Griffith, following the recent international breakthrough of local mum Lara Louise.
Louise has taken her bodybuilding career to the United States, competing against some of the world’s best athletes after transforming her physique and qualifying for major international competitions.
Now Fattore hopes to use his own experience to help other Griffith residents achieve their fitness goals — whether they want to step on stage or simply become healthier and stronger.
