Being a fitness model can be a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. If you invest time and energy, you can achieve your goal of inspiring others with your impressive physique. You’ll need to devote lots of effort to stay in shape, so stick to a workout routine and diet. Figure out your personal brand, what makes you stand out, and showcase it by establishing and cultivating a social media presence. Break into the industry by submitting photographs to agencies and magazines, or blow away your competition in fitness and figure contests.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
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Develop a workout plan based on your experience. If you're a relative beginner, start off by working out three days a week, and add a fourth over the course of a few weeks. Spread your most intense workouts out over the week so you'll have plenty of recovery time. [1] X Research source If you're more experienced, you can stick to a more demanding, five or six day schedule. [2] X Research source
- It's best to check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you're a teenager (with growing muscles and bones), or if you have any chronic medical conditions. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
- A personal trainer can help you come up with an exercise program based on your goals and level of experience. [4] X Research source
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Keep track of what you eat. Plan your meals, control your diet year-round, and keep track of how many calories you consume daily. Your needs will depend on your age, sex, and fitness goals. [5] X Research source
- Monitor factors like your weight, body fat percentage, and strength gains, and adjust your diet accordingly. For example, if you want to reduce your body fat percentage, stick to healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3 fats (salmon and halibut are great sources), and add a cardio day to your schedule. [6] X Research source
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Don’t cut nutrients when you cut calories. Don’t forget nutrients when you’re counting numbers like calories, protein, and carbs. Reducing calories gradually is necessary to sustain the fat burning that makes muscles visible, but don’t lose sight of your overall health. If you’re allowed a set amount of a type of food, meet that requirement with a rich source of nutrients. [7] X Research source
- For example, if you’re allowed 200 grams of carbs per day, don’t squander them on sweets that contain no nutrients. Instead, go for nutritious carbs like potatoes or berries.
- Don’t rely on multivitamins, and don't make skipping meals a habit.
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Get a professional trainer. There’s only so much you can accomplish without learning from an experienced trainer. When you’re just starting off, work out with a trainer at your gym. As you break into professional modeling, get a trainer who has experience with your area of focus. [8] X Research source
- For example, competitions and print require different physiques. If you compete regularly, you’d want a trainer who can help you achieve and sustain a contest-ready shape.
- Even if you’ve achieved a good physique on your own, a trainer can help you set your goals even higher.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Marketing Yourself
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Figure out your brand. Decide what motivates you, makes you stand out from the crowd, and defines you as a fitness model. For instance, perhaps you’ve built your physique after having several children, or overcame a struggle through fitness. [9] X Research source
- Your day job could help define your brand, too. Fitness magazines often use yoga instructors or personal trainers instead of standard fashion models. An instructor or trainer is more likely to execute a technique precisely while looking good for the camera.
- Once you've come up with your brand, you'll know which type of physique you need. To focus on competitions, for example, you'll need a more built, defined physique than mainstream magazine work.
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Learn how to pose. Knowing how to pose properly is just as important as your appearance, so it’s a good idea to hire a modeling coach or take a modeling class. You could also look online and scour fitness magazines to learn how models pose.
- For example, you can watch videos of poses required by the National Gym Association. [10] X Research source You can also search for images online or look for videos on YouTube.
- Practice different poses in front of the mirror to figure out what works best for your body.
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Get active on social media. Set up Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat profiles and update them daily. Engage your followers by tracking your fitness journey, giving workout and meal prep tips, and sharing stories about what motivates you. Follow people in the industry, from models to photographers, to build a professional network and, hopefully, get discovered by a scout or sponsor.
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Create a portfolio. When you’re just starting out, creating a portfolio can be as simple as having a friend take snapshots of you in good natural lighting. [11] X Research source A beginner’s portfolio should include 6 to 12 shots, and try to get as close to professional quality as possible. Once you start booking gigs, include published shots in your portfolio. [12] X Research source
- You don’t have to start assembling your professional portfolio until after signing with an agent and booking gigs. However, you will need up to date photographs of yourself to send to agencies and magazines.
- Fitness models will need to include body shots. Women should wear a sports bra and shorts, and men should wear only shorts. [13] X Research source
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Breaking into the Industry
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Send your photos to modeling agencies. Submit your photographs to modeling agencies to find professional representation. Your agent will help you develop a professional portfolio, alert you about job opportunities, and help match you with the right jobs. You might not be able to immediately land a contract with a major agency like Wilhelmina, so cast a wide net and submit photos to smaller agencies. [14] X Research source
- Search online for agencies that represent fitness models. Check out the social media profiles of fitness models at various career levels to get a feel for which agencies represent established and emerging models.
- Many agencies periodically hold open calls, so search online regularly for open call opportunities in your area. [15] X Research source
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Enter fitness or figure competitions. Bodybuilding and bikini competitions are a popular way of gaining recognition. They’re great for networking, and can offer opportunities for you to meet scouts and product sponsors. Look online for competitions in your area, and give yourself a few months to get in contest-ready shape.
- Just keep in mind a contest-ready physique might not be what a mainstream magazine defines as marketable, especially for female models. [16] X Research source
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Do your research before signing any contracts or releases. Steer clear of an agency that requires you to pay for any service. [17] X Research source An agent is entitled to a commission, which is generally between 10 and 20 percent of your earnings. Even though you might feel hesitant to assert your rights when you’re just starting out, try to handle your business with confidence. [18] X Research source
- When signing a release with a magazine or photographer, negotiate restrictions such as, “Photos may not be used on sexually explicit or pornographic websites or publications,” or “Finished photographs may not be used to subject the talent to scandal, scorn, ridicule, or indignity.”
- If you know someone with legal expertise or have a lawyer, ask them to read any contract or release before you sign it.
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Look out for modeling scam red flags. In addition to asking for money up front, an illegitimate agency might make unrealistic promises of fame and fortune. Reputable agencies almost never approach someone out of the blue, so be skeptical of anyone who comes up to you and says they can make you a model. [19] X Research source
- Look up an agency online to verify their credibility. Some scams use names similar to well-known agencies. For example, Wilhelmina is a leading agency, but steer clear if an agent from Wilhelmina contacts you.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat are modeling agencies looking for?Melynda Choothesa is a Costume Designer, Wardrobe Stylist, and Art Director with over 10 years of fashion consulting experience. She has worked on creative direction for fashion shows, costume design, and personal wardrobe styling, both in Los Angeles, California and internationally for clients such as Akon, Kathy Ireland, and Aisha Tyler. She has an Associate of Arts in Fashion Design from Santa Monica College.Modeling agencies want people who are professional and flexible. They want to know you can take direction well.
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QuestionAt what age can someone become a fitness model?Community AnswerThere's no set age requirement, and there are professional fitness models from age 16 to 70.
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QuestionDoes height also matter in fitness modeling?Community AnswerHeight doesn't matter as much as it does in fashion modeling, but it's still a consideration. While there are plenty of exceptions, there are still general guidelines: most female fitness models are between 5'6" and 5'10" tall, and most males between 5'10" and 6'2" tall.
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Video
Tips
- Modeling agents are looking for people who are professional and can take direction really well. [20] X Expert Source Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer Expert Interview. 17 April 2019.Thanks - Always be clear about your expectations and boundaries up front when you're taking a job so there's no confusion later on. [21] X Expert Source Melynda Choothesa
Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer Expert Interview. 17 April 2019.Thanks - Set your goals based on your genetics. For example, if you have a bulkier build, you might be better suited to bodybuilding rather than bikini modeling.Thanks
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Warnings
- Be wary of meeting with unknown photographers. Never go alone to meet with a photographer at his or her home.Thanks
- Always remember that a professional modeling agency won’t make you pay for photographs or any other service.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/best_newbie_workout.htm
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/fitness_model_training.htm
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adding-pa/index.htm
- ↑ https://www.acefitness.org/acefit/locate-trainer/
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/from-here-to-macros-4-steps-to-better-nutrition.html
- ↑ https://www.acefitness.org/acefit/healthy-living-article/60/112/what-are-the-guidelines-for-percentage-of-body-fat
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/20-dumb-mistakes-fitness-models-make.html
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/20-dumb-mistakes-fitness-models-make.html
- ↑ http://www.muscleandfitness.com/muscle-fitness-hers/hers-athletes-celebrities/what-does-it-take-become-fitness-model
- ↑ http://www.nationalgym.com/national-gym-rules-and-regulations.html
- ↑ http://www.shape.com/fitness/trends/how-become-fitness-model-according-real-fitness-models
- ↑ http://www.modelmanagement.com/modeling-advice/modeling-portfolios/
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/asilver2.htm
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/asilver2.htm
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/asilver2.htm
- ↑ http://www.muscleandfitness.com/muscle-fitness-hers/hers-athletes-celebrities/what-does-it-take-become-fitness-model
- ↑ https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/asilver2.htm
- ↑ https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/modeling-contracts-answers-to-common-questions-of-how-models-can-protect-themselves-5597
- ↑ http://www.atg.wa.gov/acting-modeling-scams
- ↑ Melynda Choothesa. Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer. Expert Interview. 17 April 2019.
- ↑ Melynda Choothesa. Professional Stylist & Fashion Designer. Expert Interview. 17 April 2019.
About this article
Article Summary
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Being a fitness model can be a lucrative career and good motivation to stay in shape. When you’re just starting out, you’ll want to create a portfolio, which should include your resume and some professional photos of you exercising and posing. Search online for agencies that represent fitness models, then send your portfolio to them. If you’d rather start your own fitness account, try starting a Youtube channel and posting exercise videos. It’s helpful to have a specific angle to help yourself get noticed. For example, you could make your videos tailored to busy moms or make content for a unique fitness niche, like dance yoga. You’ll also want to make interesting posts on social media so your followers are more motivated to follow your fitness journey. To learn how to eat right to be a fitness model, read on!
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