How to Become a Fitness Model
Becoming a fitness model is hard, but probably not as hard as you might think. We break down the key things you need to work toward and cover some insider tips to help you build the modeling career of your dreams.
Key Takeaways
- To become a fitness model, you need to build an athletic physique by training regularly and prioritizing nutrition.
- Create and maintain a professional portfolio with high-quality images of yourself.
- Make connections with fellow professionals, such as by going to fitness expos.
- Try to build a social media presence, too.
- Attend casting calls and try to secure representation with a modeling agency in order to land modeling jobs.
See More: Building Muscle in a Caloric Deficit: What You Need to Know
Achieving Your Fitness Modeling Dreams
Carriejune, founder of Minibeast, says:
"Becoming a fitness model requires the same principles as building your ideal physique. That is, discipline and consistency."
Got a passion for fitness? Worked hard to build a body you're proud of? Want to inspire the next generation of people, like you might have been inspired yourself?
Sounds like you want to try becoming a fitness model.
Now, the fitness modeling world is competitive. That's to be expected. After all, everyone involved clearly has passion, dedication, and drive.
Going up against so many talented people might seem daunting at first. That's also to be expected. If you're determined to give fitness modeling a try, it's worth doing things the right way.
There are some things you're probably aware of already, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle and your physical fitness.
And there are some things you might not be aware of, like the nuances of finding casting calls and agency representation.
We'll cover all of that and more to help you have the best shot at achieving your fitness model dreams.
Bonus: 5 Ways to Fit a Workout Into Your Daily Schedule
Building a Fitness Model Career
Let's start with the business side of things. Remember, you're trying to build a career here. Fitness might have been a hobby or a passion before. It's now effectively a job, and you have to treat it like one.
Find Your Fitness Community
As with any job, community is key. Knowing the right people can make the difference between going nowhere and landing jobs.
Networking is a great way to build connections with other fitness professionals. These are the people who can help you break into the fitness modeling world. They're also potential mentors, colleagues, and friends.
There are plenty of ways to network. The basic idea is to socialize with fellow professionals.
For example, you could join your local fitness studios. You could take fitness classes, or even teach them if you're able.
Another place to look is fitness expos. You'll be able to meet other professionals, including professional photographers and modeling agencies. You might even meet potential clients.
It's worth making some professional comp cards to hand out at these events. A comp card, or a composite card, is the equivalent of a business card for models. It usually features a headshot on the front, then some complementary photos, contact details, and statistics on the back.
When you make new connections, don't let them fade away. Make sure to follow up with new contacts using personalized messages.
Social Media Presence
A social media presence is a non-negotiable in today's world. At least, it is for fitness models. You can leverage social media in all kinds of ways.
For one thing, brands and agencies want to see that you can build and retain an audience. How do you do that?
Well, according to market research, 78% of social media users prefer to learn about something with short-form video content. Prioritizing video content creation is often a good place to start.
It's important to try to build a personal brand. Don't just copy someone else. You need to stand out from the crowd. Consider what you want to represent, how you want to present yourself, and who your target audience is.
Another tip is to actively use the features within social media platforms. For example, you can use relevant hashtags to increase your visibility within specific communities, like those interested in fitness. Make sure to post consistently, too.
Engagement is also crucial. Engage actively with your audience on social media, whether that's by responding to comments or holding live events, like Q&As or livestreams.
It's often a good idea to post across multiple social media platforms. If you want to consolidate your portfolio into a single place, consider using a service like Linktree. That way, people can find all of your links in one place.
Enter Fitness Competitions
Sometimes you need to go old school. Fitness competitions, or physique competitions, are a great way to get noticed. You can also make friends and build connections there, too.
Answer Casting Calls
Agencies, directors, and clients use casting calls to find new talent. Attending open casting calls and answering model searches is a great way to land jobs.
Open calls are often posted on dedicated websites or social media accounts. Make sure to keep an eye on them for any potential opportunities.
Different calls might have different instructions. It's important to follow instructions carefully, because doing something wrong can get your application rejected immediately.
Bulk Out Your Portfolio
Your portfolio is often the thing that potential clients will look at to decide whether to hire you. So it's crucial you make your portfolio as strong as possible.
Your images should be high-quality. There should be some full-body shots of you in athletic clothing. Use different angles to make sure you can properly display your physique and showcase your versatility. Consider using a professional photographer, because effective posing and camera skills are critical for success.
Some agencies also like to see natural polaroid-style photos with minimal makeup. Consider taking a few of those, too, so you have them on hand when needed.
Whatever you do, make sure to keep your modeling portfolio updated.
Find Agency Representation
An agent or agency can help you find work. They act as the connection between you and clients. A good agent or agency will help build your career.
The keyword there is "good." Look for agencies with a good reputation, that specialize in fitness, and that work on commission. Agencies generally earn money by taking a portion of your earnings, rather than charging fees up front.
Diversify Your Income
The dream might be to earn your living entirely from modeling. But successful fitness models often have multiple sources of income. Modeling can be a capricious business, and diversifying your income can help you pay the bills in between gigs.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can do that while staying within the fitness world. You could be a personal trainer, run fitness classes, or even do online coaching to supplement your income from modeling.
Build Your Physique
All of the above depends on you building and maintaining your physique. Fitness modeling generally prioritizes defined muscles and commercial appeal, rather than massive bulk.
For women, a common target is 15-17% body fat. Men typically shoot for 6-7% body fat. The key is keeping your muscles defined and visible without going overboard in either direction.
Height also matters. Fitness models typically range from 5'6" to 6" and above. But that's not always the case. After all, Minibeast founder Carriejune got her nickname, "The Minibeast," from the combination of her 4'11" stature and tenacity.
When it comes to working out, a consistent workout regimen is key. Most successful models combine structured strength training with regular cardiovascular exercise.
Nutrition is also vital. As Carriejune says, "Diet is nearly 70% of our results."
Think of your nutrition as a lifestyle commitment. Many models follow a clean, whole-food nutrition plan that focuses on lean proteins and complex carbohydrates. You'll want to track your macronutrient ratios and maintain a caloric intake that supports muscle retention and, when needed, fat loss.
Nutritional supplements can also be helpful. A solid pre-workout can help enhance your performance in the gym. A mobility supplement can help support your joints. And a multivitamin can help you get your body the key nutrients it needs to train harder and function at the highest level.
Hydration is also important. It supports skin clarity, muscle fullness, and overall wellness. Prioritizing sleep and active recovery is also important.
Ultimately, success as a fitness model is based on the same things as success in fitness as a whole: Discipline and consistency.
Conclusion
To become a fitness model, you first need to build a good physique. You then need to build connections, market yourself on social media, and win jobs through open calls or an agency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Do Fitness Models Make?
That varies widely between different kinds of models and specific jobs. According to ZipRecruiter, the average fitness model salary in the US is a little over $47,000 per year.
How Do I Get Into Fitness Modeling?
To become a fitness model, you need to build a physique and create a professional portfolio. Then you need to try to secure representation by an agent or agency, or win jobs through open calls. Building an audience on social media is important, too.
Is 25 Too Old to Start Fitness Modeling?
Not at all. High fashion and runway modeling agencies often prefer younger people, but commercial modeling often welcomes models much older than 25.
Keep Reading: What Weight Should I Start With for a Home Gym?
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