The brand you’re most likely wearing on your feet right now, Nike, has partnered up with PEDESTRIAN.TV to treat you all to a weekly wrap-up of the NikeWomen‘s newest original series, Margot vs Lily. We’ll be kicking back in our activewear, with a bag of natural, lightly-salted popcorn each week, watching the series and doing (or trying to do) the guided exercises you can find here, all in a bid to become fitter, stronger and generally better versions of ourselves. 
We’re halfway through our weekly recaps of Nike’s original series, Margot vs Lily – (if you’ve been lagging, the show follows the lives of two sisters living and sweating in NYC) – and this week’s ep is all about Trolls.
Margot starts gaining more and more followers on her YouTube fitness channel. At first, commenters are encouraging – but, as any mere mortal who uses the world wide web is aware, ye olde trolls come along to cut her down:
In the spirit of trololololing, online sharing and amassing a bloody enormous following – we had a chat to model and super fit human Brooke Hogan, who has gathered herself almost half a million followers on Instagram (well, technically 494k. But she’s only 6k away, so throw her a bone, will ya?).
You might remember her from Australia’s Next Top Model S8. She didn’t manage to crack the top ten, but that didn’t stop her from becoming one of the country’s most in-demand ridiculously good looking people. She’s now working around the globe, represented by three modelling agencies – Viviens in Australia, Storm in London and PMA in Hamburg.
Tell us about how your Insta has evolved. After you were on ANTM, did your following go bonkers?
Five hours of scrolling through some very bad pictures and I finally got to the bottom. First uploaded photo was 217 weeks ago… Feels like forever! I had around 17,000 followers before ANTM. I would put up workout and exercise pics and they would get reposted on fitness inspo accounts that had about 200k followers. My followers from then on just grew from being featured on accounts with large followings. After my season of ANTM was aired my followers grew by around 10,000 – 15,000 a week. Since then, my account has just gone up gradually. I find when I am away on holidays my followers increase!
Which posts of yours cop the most likes and comments?
It’s hard to say because I’m often surprised about the amount of likes on certain photos! Selfies & bod shots are always a winner. Everyone likes to see a bit of skin and also to see an up close pic of what you look like…. To be honest, I try not to pay too much attention to the engagement. If I like the photo, I’ll post it, regardless of whether or not I think it will get much love.
What’s the most popular photo you’ve ever posted?
This photo of me standing in front of my new car:
Who, in your opinion, kills it on Instagram?
There are tonnes! So many accounts that I love. My fave account is Tash Oakley‘s – she absolutely kills it.
Who are your biggest role models in the fashion industry?
Kendall Jenner, Candice Swanepoel, J Hawks… Just to name a few. I look up to these girls because they have worked their absolute butts off the get where they are.
How has Instagram changed the modelling industry?
Instagram has definitely changed the industry in my opinion. A lot of clients book models based on social followings if they are trying to get their brand out there. I have 100% received more bookings based on my social followers. It is pretty much free marketing to hundreds and thousands of people all around the world and is so beneficial for both the brand and the model.
I would say it has changed the industry for the better, because I am luckily one of the girls that does get extra jobs because of my following.
What’s the coolest opportunity you’ve had that has come purely out of Instagram?
I just shot a mini promotion for Dior with 4 other models/bloggers. I’d have to say thats probably one of the best brands that i’ve been in contact with just from Instagram!
Do you have any thoughts on the whole Essena O’Neill situation? Do you think social media can sometimes have a negative effect on young women’s self-esteem?
I have so many mixed emotions about this whole situation and don’t tend to get involved when there are so, so many different opinions. Social media can definitely have a negative effect on young women’s self esteem, but only if you let it.
Social media is so powerful and can be used in such a positive light if you create it that way. I receive emails from young girls asking for tips and advice and knowing that these girls look up to you as a role model is so great because it gives us the opportunity to help them and have a positive impact on their lives.
What are a coupla tips you’d give to people who want to grow their Instagram following?
Be interesting and different, but make sure you be yourself. Do fun, exciting things that make people want to follow your life.
We’re heading into the final days of being able to book your squad in for the Nike Training Club Tour on March 19th. You can join Brooke by booking your tix HERE. And if you feel like an impromptu workout sesh by your ‘puter, you can work it to the following LilyNinja Fitness Workout vid below:
Photos: supplied.
