If you can answer Yes! to both of these questions, then you may have what it takes to become a fitness model.

Do you like to take care of your physical appearance?
                                        

Do you like to lift weights and keep your body in peak shape?

Want to know if you have what it takes to be a fitness model?  Our professional scouts are ready to review your photos and tell you if you’ve got the potential to get into this exclusive modeling category.  Click here and start the process now!  Don’t waste time, you can be on your way in just a few days.

With all the focus over the past 10 years on health and fitness, fitness modeling has sparked the interest of many bodybuilders and other athletes. Beautiful bodies are becoming more mainstream on TV, feature films and magazine covers. Businesses are spending a record of over $160 million every month on advertising diet and exercise related products - so there’s a growing demand for fitness models.

The Looks

The first thing you have to understand before getting into this business is that modeling is very subjective, although the requirements for fitness and athletic modeling are not as stringent as runway or fashion modeling.

There really are no specific height requirements like there is in runway or fashion modeling, and that’s reflected in agencies men’s and women’s boards. Agencies represent females that stand only 5′2″ tall, and male fitness models standing over 6′5″ tall. However, if you really have to have a guideline for your own comfort level, then some agencies prefer to have women between 5′6″ and 5′10″ tall and men between 5′10″ and 6′2″ tall.

Fitness models from 18 years of age and up get jobs in the industry.  It can also be tough to pin down other requirements as well. Body types can vary widely, but it’s safe to say that you should be in-shape. Most people relate fitness modeling to the bodybuilding-type body, but it’s really more inclusive of other in-shape bodies including strength athletes with thicker torsos and tennis players with thinner but toned bodies. Female fitness models should have nice abs and curves without being too ripped.

The most subjective of the requirements can be facial beauty. Face can sometimes be overlooked when the model is a star athlete, but for most male fitness models a nicely chiseled face with a strong jaw line is a big plus. For female fitness models, its important not to get so lean that your face sinks in.

Your photos must capture your body in your best shape.  To prepare, set a date just as if you were going to compete (think of photo shoot day as “the contest”) and then train for the photo shoot. Go outside and do some really COOL photos in some cool places… not just boring studio stuff. Go do it! Capture yourself on film in everyday activities- you’ll be so glad you did.

The Attitude

Given all the exercise fitness models do, it’s no wonder that working models are happy and take great pride in the way look.  Most models are involved in their community and participate in competitive sports like triathalons, running or biking. 

Many fitness models work as spokesmodels for products as well.  If you’re interested in working in television and going to public events, then you’ll need training and practice in walking, posture and speech.  Speaking models must project a warm, friendly and confident demeanor.  Think of the Bowflex models, they seem to be regular people that worked out and became a new person.  In reality they’re fitness models that use Blowflex to keep in shape.  As spokesmodels, it’s more likely that they may have even lost a little weight or gained muscle mass using the equipment, which means they’re sales pitch will sound more believable because it’s based in truth.

Fitness models have one of the coolest jobs in modeling.  They are good looking and are physically above average which opens more doors to success than just having a pretty face.  It’s the one category of modeling that combines modeling opportunities and spokesmodels.  This is why it’s a speciality of it’s own and working models have agents with industry connections in a variety of advertising channels like infomercials, commercials, events and magazines.

The Agent

An agent is responsible for procuring work in a certain part of the industry. This may include commercial print advertising, TV commercials, episodic TV shows, and feature films to name a few. As with all modeling categories, fitness model agents are entitled to keep a percentage of your pay for jobs he or she books for you.

Once agencies have interviewed you and express their interest you will need to chose the right agency for you.  Agents are responsible for grooming models for the type of work the model is expected to book.   Models will book work with the clients that agents have.  With that in minds, be sure to ask agencies the names of clients they have done work with and see samples of the client work.  All of this will help you chose the right agency and have confidence in the type of work they produce.

After using Do I Look Like A Model?, you can confidently contact agents in your area or in the major markets and learn what they’re schedules are for interviewing new models.  Each agency represents models for different types of work and clients so don’t focus on just one or two agencies.  You will be shocked at how much work mid-size, local and regional agencies have for ‘local’ fitness models.  It’s a great way to build your resume and experience. 

Insider Tip:  models that are successful on the local/regional levels have a higher chance of being picked up by national and international agencies than walk-ins.

Male Fitness Modeling

If you want to become a male fitness model (who is not unemployed) muscualrity with definition is everything. This includes very developed abs and legs.

Requirement: Muscularity and Defined Muscles

Defined but large muscles are needed for photography. Bulk is soft, non-visible muscle under a blanket of lard. Muscularity is defined, well-developed and hard muscles. Muscularity provide edges and crevices a camera can record. The best male fitness models are always those with little body fat and more defined large muscles! We give suggestions on how to cut weight for photo shoots.

Becoming a Male Fitness Model Different From Becoming a Male Model

The male fitness modeling industry is different from men’s fashion modeling, with different photographers and industry players. Talent agents and modeling agencies are unnecessary in this arena. If a guy is muscular, it is easier to break into the fitness modeling business – at least on a part-time basis – than to become a male fashion model. While male fashion modeling is centered around clothing fashion designers, fitness modeling is geared toward supplements, exercise equipment, television infomercials and fitness magazines. Male fashion models show off clothing. Male fitness models show off their muscles.

Male fitness models earn less than their fashion counterparts, but opportunities abound in the fitness industry – even for residents of small cities and towns. While a guy who wants to become a fashion model needs to live in a big city, a muscular guy does not need to live in a major city to get fitness modeling bookings. He simply needs to effortlessly get himself to a big city to pose for a fitness photographer. Professionals will not work with you if traveling requires a lot of their time to schedule.

Staying in Shape Is Key

Working male fitness models must stay in shape at all times.  When agents and photographers are choosing fitness models for their clients, clients will often ask for Polaroids or arrange for you to attend a go-see.  These shots and interviews happen fast, with little advanced notice to the model and if you don’t meet the deadline then you don’t get the job.  Jobs are booked very quickly so there again it is necessary for male fitness models to be in shape and watch your diet because you don’t want to show up bloated, broken out or looking like you need a week of sleep to get rid of dark circles.

Finding Out If You Have What It Takes

Do You Look Like A Model is the only place to find out if you can become a fitness model and it won’t cost you thousands of dollars traveling to agencies for open calls or photo shoots.  Simply send 4 photos that clearly show your face and body (not nudes) including 1 that you think is like an advertisement for fitness equipment.  You should be natural in the photos. Do not waste money on tanning, make-up, clothes or hair – all of that is completely unnecessary when you’re just getting started.  Invest in these things when you know an agent is going to represent you because your agent will give you professional guidance on your photographer and the types of poses and looks the agent needs for their clients.   

Our experts will tell you if you have a shot at becoming a fitness model.  Once you have your answer then you can take your next steps with confidence knowing that you’re doing the right thing.  Remember, not everyone can be a fitness model right away.  You may need to ramp up your routine to get into your peak shape before you meet with agents.  We don’t recommend meeting with agents till you’re in your best shape because first impressions are everything and a person that is serious about their career wouldn’t waste an agents time by being unprepared.