Photogrpahy by Jake Cloobeck
Oliver has built quite a name for himself from his 20 + years in the entertainment industry. From his renowned career as a TV Host fronting shows like “YoungHollywood”, “The Hollywood Reporter” and award shows like “The Grammys”, “American Music Awards” etc to his current success as an actor. Oliver has filmed over 11 feature films in the last few years starring alongside the likes of Nicholas Cage and Bruce Willis. Oliver can be seen in the current blockbuster “Plane” in theaters now with Gerard Butler. The soon-to-be-released “The Bricklayer” alongside Nina Dobrev and Aaron Eckhart and he also just wrapped production on the movies “Social Capital” which he exec produced and starred in alongside Alexis Knapp and Natasha Henstridge and leads the new Action Thriller franchise “Paradox Effect” alongside Olga Kurylenko and Harvey Keitel for which he has just been nominated for best actor at Rome Film festival for his role of “Covek”. Oliver has also made his mark as a philanthropist around the world. For over 10 years he has been an ambassador and spokesperson for “Not for Sale” – a global organization fighting against human trafficking and slavery and he also produced a documentary in India targeting the importance of female education and the growing issue surrounding forced child marriage. Over the last few years Oliver also launched HOLLYWOOD MEDIA and that quickly became a success in investments, productions and Brand creation and expansion. Oliver, recently named “Top 20 entrepreneurs to watch” has become an expert in merging his extensive celebrity network and experience in the entertainment business with his creative eye to build and launch an array of brands on a global scale. Including Allsaints, DOGPOUND, Vital Redlight, Next Health and his most recent venture Caliwater,co-founded with close friend Vanessa Hudgens and invested in by over 20 celebrities ranging from actors like Gerard Butler, Frank Grillo and Glen Powell to personalities, Athletes and musicians like Brooke Burke, Cody Bellinger and Ryan Tedder.
Oliver, as a successful Actor/well-known public figure what inspired you to become an entrepreneur/investor in the fitness and wellness industry? A big part of this is due to my own personal journey. 5 years ago, I started to feel extremely burnt out. I was on the Hollywood cycle and felt somewhat lost both mentally and physically. So I started to search for a change and found things in wellness that helped me and impacted my life in a hugely positive way. This made me want to make these products/companies more mainstream as I believed in their vision so I started to invest capital and help build the brands. That then led me to create companies too and be a part of the journey from day one. I love being involved in businesses that make me feel good but also help others to do the same.
What strategies do you use to maintain your peak physical condition? I try and do some form of exercise every day for 45-mins to an hour. It helps me both physically and mentally. I mix it up. Sometimes in nature, sometimes in a gym and if I am on location filming somewhere I try and find a local class and try something new.
Could you share your favorite workout routine that has yielded great results for you? For me, boxing and football have always been my go-to sports and exercises because I fall into my flow state. Obviously, I can’t always do these due to filming away a lot so I always love a basic core routine that you can do anywhere – even in your bedroom or hotel room! – Push ups, planks (standard, side, high) Bicycles crunch, sit ups, russian twists etc. I also travel with a couple of resistance bands (buckleband my favorite).
How do you balance your professional commitments with your personal fitness goals? I always make time to do some sort of workout. I have to make it a priority as it’s for my body and my mind. My professional commitments benefit me if my mind and body are strong and healthy.
What role does nutrition play in your fitness journey, and do you follow a specific dietary plan? I have never been one to diet or stick to a diet. I believe everything in moderation- unless it’s of course something that’s bad for you/you have an allergy towards. I try to mostly eat organic and not to eat too late. Biggest challenge is trying to control my sweet tooth as I love deserts!! So I do my best to switch them out for healthier alternatives like vegan or dark chocolate/low-sugar dessert options. A lot of this is tough when traveling so ill always search for places ahead of time / get recommendations in the cities that I am filming in from friends etc and pack my own healthy snacks.
Have you encountered any significant challenges or obstacles along your fitness journey, and how did you overcome them? I would say that exhaustion mentally and physically is the biggest challenge and obstacle. Traveling a lot, training, and jet lag in different time zones all play a part. I have overcome them by using amazing hacks that have worked for me. My Vitalredlight has been so good for my all-around health and benefits my body on a cellular level. NAD IVs have played a big part in my recovery and mental health and the immunity IVs help with the travel to fight off any bugs! I have my favorite spots when in LA – MYODETOX for Myofascial work, NEXT HEALTH in LA for all my Health optimization and ARTHA for my massage, Yoga and recovery. When I’m in London I found an amazing place called HUM2N in Chelsea that has been a game-changer! Also, a massive factor is sleep and hydration. I try to make sure I aways get at least 7 hours of sleep and drink several liters of water throughout the day. Lastly – I do breathwork daily. It’s a simple online link a friend gave to me a few years and it work’s brilliant for my mind and body.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their fitness journey? One step at a time. Don’t go too hard too quick. Understand your body. Too many people (including myself!) go in too quickly sometimes and get injured. Be kind to yourself. It’s Progress not perfection. Do not compare yourself to others. This is your journey.
How do you stay motivated and focused on your fitness goals in the face of distractions or setbacks? To know that the setback will pass. Stay grateful and focus on the good. Find a way to still do something good for your mind and body.
What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on? “Plane” was a special movie to me as I got to finally work with one of my best mates Gerard Butler. We have been close for over 20 years so it was amazing to finally break the ice on a movie together. “The Rising Hawk” will always have a special place in my heart as it was filmed over 3 months in the Ukraine. In Kiev and the Carpathian Mountains. The cast and crew were incredible and the country and people of Ukraine were amazing. I am so grateful for my time there.
What are some of your favorite exercises for targeting specific muscle groups? I love the simple bodyweight stuff. Old-school but it works! Push-ups, sit-ups, planks!
How do you incorporate cardiovascular training into your fitness routine? My cardio is mostly my sports. Football, boxing, Tennis and hiking.
Preparing for a movie can be very demanding can you share with us one of the toughest roles you had to prepare for? “The Rising Hawk” was probably the most challenging as I got cast in the role 2 weeks before filming and had no experience in sword fighting so I had to really knuckle down and spend hours and hours every day practicing. When I arrived in Ukraine I would work with the stunt team all day with swords and then they would send me back to my hotel with a wooden stick and practice everything over and over in front of the mirror until I had to sleep!!
How do you approach maintaining mental well-being alongside your physical fitness? I start every day at home in my ice bath – I never want to but I push myself and immediately feel better physically and mentally. It clears that morning brain fog! Then if my schedule allows ill do the infrared sauna too and jump between the 2. Rest is also so important as when my body feels burnt out and aching – my mind starts to feel negative. Simple at-home stretching is great to release some stress and any body work you can access. Massage, myofascial, massage etc is always a massive benefit. I always make sure to meditate and do breathwork on a regular basis too.
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Wardrobe credits per image
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⁃ Necklace: Hoorsenbuhs
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⁃ Sweat Pants and Hoodie set: All Saints
⁃ Shoes: APL
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⁃ Sunglasses: Hoorsenbuhs
⁃ Chain and bracelet: Hoorsenbuhs
⁃ Leather bracelet: John Varvatos
⁃ Top & Bottom: John Varvatos
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⁃ Jacket: John Varvatos
⁃ Pants: United Colors
⁃ Underwear: Bylt
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⁃ Underwear: Bylt
⁃ Location: Next Health, West Hollywood
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⁃ Hat: Nahmias
⁃ Shirt: Bylt
⁃ Shorts: Bylt
⁃ Socks LASSO
⁃ Shoes: APL
⁃ Location: Dogpound, Los Angeles
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⁃ Hat: Nahmias
⁃ Shorts: Bylt
⁃ Underwear: Bylt
⁃ Necklace: Hoorsenbuhs
⁃ Location: Dogpound, Los Angeles
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⁃ Hat: Nahmias
⁃ Necklace: Hoorsenbuhs
⁃ Location: Dogpound, Los Angeles
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⁃ Hat: Nahmias
⁃ Shorts: Bylt
⁃ Underwear: Bylt
⁃ Socks: LASSO
⁃ Shoes: APL
⁃ Necklace: Hoorsenbuhs
⁃ Location: Dogpound, Los Angeles
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⁃ Soccer Kit: EASTBOURNE BOROUGH F.C
⁃ Socks: LASSO
⁃ Shoes: APL
⁃ Soccer Ball: Adidas
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⁃ Top Bottom Set: Christian Dior
⁃ Glasses: Dita