If you’ve been to Peepa’s Men’s Store, you may have noticed some striking new photos in our underwear section and the front window. The man behind those images is Travis Ely, a local personal trainer with an incredible story and a deep connection to Palm Springs.
Travis is a proud Marine Corps veteran, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He moved to California when he joined the Marines in 2003, serving two tours in Iraq before leaving the military in 2007. It was during that second tour overseas that Travis discovered a passion for training—not just for himself, but to help others. A captain took notice of his dedication and suggested he start training his fellow Marines.
Since leaving the military, Travis has earned five certifications and a degree in nutritional fitness. This November marks 16 years of helping people transform their bodies and lives through fitness. He now trains out of Steel Gym in Palm Springs, and with six kids ranging in age from 2 to 21, he’s a man who knows how to balance hard work, family, and passion.
So how did Travis end up modeling for Peepa’s?
Turns out, it started with a great haircut. One of Travis’s clients is a barber who also happens to cut Peepa’s owner Jeff Witthuhn’s hair. When Jeff mentioned he was looking for a personal trainer, the barber didn’t hesitate to recommend Travis.
“Jeff looks for the best,” Travis says. “He was looking for the best barber, he was looking for the best personal trainer, and that’s me.”
That relationship then evolved into something creative and unique. Jeff admired Travis’s physique and wanted more diversity in Peepa’s visual storytelling, so he asked Travis if he’d be open to modeling for the store. At that point, Travis had only done a little modeling—just once or twice. But since then, he’s done two full photo shoots for Peepa’s, the most recent one being the most daring and transformative.
Shot by acclaimed photographer Jaco Moretti (whose book Palm Springs is now available at Peepa’s-- in store only), the shoot took place out in Joshua Tree and pushed Travis well outside of his comfort zone.
“It was the first time I’d gotten naked for a shoot, the first time I wore a jock strap, the first time I ever took pictures in the shower,” he says. “It was over six hours long—definitely the longest shoot I’ve ever done—but it was all worth it. The pictures turned out perfect.”
Even though it was challenging, Travis says the experience was fun and memorable. “If you’re not out of your comfort zone, things won’t work anyway,” he says. And yes—he’d absolutely do it again.
Travis’s personal brand is called Simply the Best, and he lives that motto every day. With more than 30 clients currently under his guidance, he’s passionate about helping others feel confident, strong, and healthy. He also believes his collaboration with Peepa’s is a natural match.
“I’m simply the best trainer in the Coachella Valley area, and Peepa’s has some of the best men’s clothing in Palm Springs,” he says. “It just fits.”
You can follow Travis on Instagram at @ifbb_pro_travis_ely or reach out to him at traviselypt at gmail dot com if you’re looking for guidance, training, or just a bit of motivation. He’s busy, but he always makes time to help those who want to improve their health and lifestyle.
Next time you’re in Palm Springs, visit us at Peepa’s and Peepa’s Men’s Store in the heart of downtown to see even more of Travis’s bold (and frankly sexyyyyy) photos—and discover a space that celebrates individuality, style, and strength.
We’re proud to collaborate with Travis, and we’re even prouder to call him part of the Peepa’s family.
You can watch the full interview with Travis here on Peepa's Instagram!