The Shirtless Wonder
Outdoors with Knox Peake
When going through Knox Peak’s Instagram you can’t help but notice this guy’s smile can light up a room. It was that infectious smile that compelled me to reach out to Knox and ask if he had time to sit down and talk to me about who he is and his passion for the outdoors.
Tell us about Knox Peake.
I am a lover of life! I believe you should make the most out of every day and always look on the bright side. Happiness is your choice and if you open your heart to positivity, you will attract it in return!
As for who I am? I am a fitness instructor and my passion is indoor cycling. I work at a YMCA which I love dearly. I use my position and popularity of my classes to spread my body positive message to as many people as possible.
What are you passionate about?
I am so passionate about Mother Nature and I am an avid hiker and outdoorsman. I love to hike and explore the great outdoors on most weekends and I have visited most of our country’s National Parks and forests. I love water activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiing. I would say nature is one of the most important influences in my life, it’s where I find peace, beauty, and freedom. I’m super excited about my trip to Montana and Wyoming at the end of the month. I also love gardening.
In almost all your photos on Instagram you are outdoors and shirtless. My two favorite combos. What are your top 3 destinations that you have visited?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I love to be shirtless!!! It brings me closer to nature. Sometimes humans forget that we are nature too, and when we’re free with our bodies (within reason, haha) it reminds us of our place on this beautiful planet!
My top 3 destinations!!! Wow! That is tough! I would say 3) The Redwoods National Forest in Northern California. The age and size of the trees are just incredible and breathtaking! 2) Zion National Park in Utah. The Narrows hike is one of a lifetime. It’s a 10–12 mile canyon hike almost entirely in the river. 1) The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina. I’ve visited these ancient mountains since I was a boy and they are truly special. That is where my love for nature began!
If you can change one thing in the world what would it be?
If I could change one thing in this world, it would probably be to eliminate plastics. They are destroying our oceans and sea creatures. It’s just devastating, but I’m hopeful humanity can end our plastic addiction.
Are you doing any modeling these days?
I’m not a model and I’m humbled you asked me that question. I have worked with some professional photographers and I am open to more of that kind of thing in the future. Since I began my little Instagram adventure, it has made me want to pursue some modeling. I love photography and I’m happy to share my pictures if they can promote my positive message.
What is next for Knox?
What’s next?! I’d like to keep doing what I’m doing… I want to check off every single National Park and Forest in the USA. I love sharing my message through Instagram and I’m eager to see where it takes me. I’ve been contacted by some reality nature-oriented TV shows, and underwear companies seem to like me, so who knows exactly what is next for me. One thing is for sure, I just want to keep brightening the lives of others!
Knox, thank you so much for taking time our of your outdoor adventures to talk with me. If you want to keep up with Knox’s outdoor adventures you can find him on Instagram @knoxpeake and keep an eye out for him to grace the cover of some magazine in the near future.
