How to become A Fitness Model

Fitness may not be an easy goal to achieve but is worth the sweat, and when someone personifies the outcomes of a commit-to-stay-fit lifestyle, the goal becomes tangible and inspiring. While models play pivotal roles in advertising and marketing across industries, Fitness Models are specialised professionals who combine their love for exercise with posing for the camera to promote athletic equipment and apparel, becoming well-known motivators for people worldwide.

• Physique Model

What do Fitness Models do?

A Fitness Model would typically need to:

• Promote fitness products, merchandise and services through fashion shows or participation in photo and video shoots for magazine or newspaper ads, TV commercials, department store catalogues, or online ads and retail websites
• Compile and update portfolios (physical or digital) of their past work and composite cards (containing body measurements and the best photos) to present at auditions and casting calls
• Pose for diverse media, wearing branded athletic attire & footwear, performing different exercises or engaging in athletic pursuits, and using various sports equipment, such as yoga or camping gear, and wellness foods 
• Pose for artists, painters and sculptors, depending on the assignment
• Work with clients, clothing stylists, photographers, and cosmetologists to attain the desired look; sit for styling, hairdo, makeup, and spray tanning sessions before shoots and runway shows
• Arrive several minutes in advance at all events and follow instructions regarding poses and actions
• Change postures and facial expressions during shoots to satisfy the artistic vision of the photographer or artistic director and meet the client’s requirements
• Help clothing designers see how their clothes appear on a human body by modelling them and provide feedback on the clothing when asked
• Walk and turn on the runway in a fashion show to display various features of clothing to the audience of photographers, journalists, designers, and potential buyers
• Promote and display products directly to shoppers in in retail and department stores, providing information on merchandise prices and features
• Follow a strict diet and exercise program to achieve and maintain a toned and fit physique
• Conduct research on the product or service they are promoting to understand the features of the product or service being promoted
• Answer consumers’ questions or provide information if directly interacting with them at events such as trade shows and conventions
• Assist in backstage work and creative creation; set up at events or shoots when needed; replace runway models if needed

Models work in various environments, ranging from comfortable indoor studios with props and artificial lighting to outdoors in natural lighting but weather conditions that may sometimes be adverse. They also participate in runway fashion shows, which typically take place indoors in auditoriums to avoid the vagaries of the weather and sometimes in outdoor seating areas. What is essential is to have a runway, also called a catwalk or ramp, whether in an indoors or outdoors venue.

Depending on the campaign, Fitness Models may have to travel within the city or visit different cities and countries to meet clients, try on clothes, hairstyles, makeup or other products, and attend photo/video shoots and runway rehearsals and shows.

While part-time work is typical, it can also be stressful and unpredictable as you may have to face periods of employment. It would help to stay ready to attend a photo shoot on short notice.

Photo or video shoots may last several hours and require you to change outfits several times. Often, you may need to work with the same videographer or photographer over a few consecutive days. Typically, the brand or the studio that hires you also provides food for the models and the crew.

You must also schedule time each week for your workouts, fitness regime or any sport you pursue.

Finding a new job might seem challenging. While many Fitness Models are self-employed, they can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies. It is also advisable to settle contracts with well-reputed and skilled agencies to help you book jobs and advance your career.

Fitness Models are generally employed by:

• Modelling Agencies
• Sporting Goods Stores
• Fitness Magazines
• Health Supplements Manufacturers & Retailers

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), are crucial for Fitness Models interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in the fitness industry. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• The lack of guaranteed job opportunities despite attending modelling schools
• Stress from the lack of opportunities, especially at the beginning of your career when all your efforts tend to focus on getting noticed and recruited
• Pressure from employers, agencies and audiences to keep a certain level of physical fitness and maintain a specific physique, which may result in overexerting yourself
• The need to keep in shape all year round and to always be ready to perform rigorous exercises for video and photo shoots
• Being aware of your body; finding compatible and trustworthy people to work with, and looking after your safety at all times
• Time-consuming and tiring to get the right shot, a workday lasting even up to 12 hours
• Lack of personal time for hobbies and activities unrelated to fitness
• Unstable income and opportunities, especially when freelancing
• Possible burnout from continuously having to network to find agencies, employers and assignments
• Possible lack of motivation due to saturation in the field since many people aspire to become fitness models

Fitness modelling is no different from other forms of modelling, and to succeed, you must acquire practical experience. Additionally, it is critical for your job search to build your portfolio using any practical experience you gain. Modelling school programs that potential Fitness Models take up might require a period of supervised experience, such as an internship, which you can add to your portfolio. 

Fitness Models may often begin their career working in environments that are not necessarily related to fitness. The most common way to get started is through personal practice, that is, having a friend or colleague take pictures as you practise poses. Aspiring Fitness Models could also reach out to local fitness or photography centres or athletic brands and offer their modelling services in return for prints rather than compensation in cash to compile a portfolio, gain professional experience, and build skills and versatility.

Participating in fitness pageants, swimsuit competitions or online photo contests, often supported by fitness modelling agencies and sponsors from the fitness industry, helps you network and highlights your profile in the field whether or not you win. It exposes you to the competitiveness in the field and allows you to experiment with and practise different poses, styles and products. This way, you can become familiar and comfortable with how your body looks in photos and videos and what your best poses and angles are before you apply for fitness modelling jobs.   

Try to progress to using the services of professional photographers who specialise in working with Fitness Models. The better the quality of your pictures, the stronger your portfolio and the impression that you make on prospective clients, especially when they can recognise the photographer’s name.

As you work on acquiring experience, recognise your strengths and what sets you apart from competitors. It could be your height, your expertise in modelling outdoors or in adventure sports, or your prowess with specific athletic equipment. Maybe you have a knack for communicating with high school students. Whatever you identify, try to build on your uniqueness and market it to the right clients so that they hire you to reach the appropriate audiences and make a powerful impact on people’s fitness choices.

Generally, the only educational qualification that aspiring Fitness Models require is a high school diploma or equivalent. If you need further training, you may also attend modelling school to learn different poses, how to alter facial expressions, and other skills to build your modelling career.

Programs at such schools focus on modelling as a whole, but some institutes also provide programs specifically to train Fitness Models.

Certification for Fitness Models is not mandatory. However, certification in personal training may be helpful as it proves you have the physical skills to maintain a fit and toned body and perform exercises without injuring yourself.

Certification from an objective and internationally reputed organisation, such as the AFPA (American Fitness Professionals Association), can help you stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of advancement. Successful certification programs also protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression.

There are a few ways that aspiring Fitness Models can begin and advance their careers, such as by working regularly and being selected for campaigns with higher pay, such as in sports magazines or sport-related commercials. The more you appear in sports commercials on TV and in print advertisements in sports magazines, the more popularity you gain. You may leverage audience and industry recognition for more prestigious and remunerative assignments with wider audiences. 

Another way to increase your chances of booking a job is to enter competitions, such as fitness pageants held by large fitness brands. This participation will allow you to get professional-level images for your portfolio to submit at auditions and casting calls. You may even host your portfolio online on websites and create a shareable link for easy access by casting and modelling agencies. Setting yourself apart and developing your brand is a good idea.

Brands pay Fitness Models and influencers to promote a specific health-related product, and the model receives a percentage of the sales as remuneration. Another growing resource is social media, on which Fitness Models can submit pictures to get noticed by scouts and agencies. Since a significant source of income for Fitness Models is through brand deals and affiliate marketing, it is essential to maintain an excellent social media presence and build a following.

Fitness Models with enough experience and fame can go on to teach at modelling schools, sharing their expertise with beginner models. You may also branch out and become a professional personal trainer at a gym or sports facility.

Candidates with the necessary fitness level, a toned physique, a robust network in the industry, and a strong portfolio showcasing diverse experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Fitness Model build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually regardless of age, job, or level of knowledge.

Fitness Models must maintain a certain fitness level and a lean and toned body. Taking fitness classes and signing up at your local gym could prove a worthwhile investment in the future of a Fitness Model’s career. Most fitness modelling agencies also value healthy-looking skin and hair and a bright smile. Take courses to learn about hair and skin care routines that suit you.

Since advancement in the field largely depends on previous work, constantly update your Fitness Model portfolio to demonstrate your accomplishments and versatility, highlighting your more extensive campaigns.

Earning your qualifications and certification as a personal trainer is also helpful to supplement your earnings or as an investment for the future when you stop modelling or need to fall back upon during periods of employment. Joining CPD classes with other experts in the fitness business helps you network. Additional expertise in the field, for instance, in dealing with particular groups of people, such as pregnant women, may allow you to charge more for your services.

Take high school courses in English and theatre to develop your communication skills. Theatre will also foster your self-confidence in facing an audience on stage and expose you to the world of makeup, hairdressing and costumes. You will learn more about your posture, how you walk and hold your head, and how to collaborate with a team. Pursue a specific sport or martial arts to build discipline in maintaining a fitness regime, stamina and strength. Courses in business and accounts may help you manage your freelance commitments.

How to Make a Portfolio

A portfolio is essential for aspiring Fitness Models, but making one may seem intimidating. Examining the attributes of a successful portfolio is an excellent place to start. Since modelling agencies and scouts look for people who photograph well and know how to frame their bodies for the best shot, examples of these would strengthen your portfolio. Various poses, scenarios and photographic styles will also enhance your portfolio. The look and feel of the portfolio are almost as important as its content. Go for modern and fresh templates that can showcase your fitness level and appropriately represent the industry. 

Making an online portfolio is a highly accessible way of sharing your talents with potential employers. When selecting an online website builder from the several available, make sure to see which one suits your style. Instagram integration is beneficial. Looking up the portfolios of other Fitness Models may also inspire you with creative ideas. Online portfolios can sometimes double up as social media, where you can also link an online store to sell your followers the fitness brands that sponsor you. 

Modelling in ‘Parts’ or for Specific Audiences

Some Fitness Models choose to model specific body parts, such as a hand or foot, when promoting components of workout gear, such as gloves or the latest running shoe. Agencies sometimes also seek particular types of models, such as those petite or plus-sized, to target specific audiences for certain campaigns. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelance Fitness Models apply directly for modelling jobs. They have relatively flexible work schedules, locations, full ownership of the business, and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time Fitness Model signs with an agency and benefits from company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. Additionally, employers usually prefer to work with agencies, so signed Fitness Models can always expect a steady amount of work. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Exercise may well be the fountain of youth. Research has shown that if you exercise three times a week for 45 minutes each, you can prevent signs of ageing.

As a Fitness Model, you must discover, define and highlight your uniqueness, which is your greatest asset in an intensely competitive field. The world of social media gives Fitness Models a greater chance of breaking into the industry than ever before. What’s more, keeping up with a rigorous fitness and diet plan keeps you in top form, boosts your employability, inspires your audiences, and sets you up for healthy lifestyle choices for a lifetime.

Start by offering your services to local photographers, gyms and health clubs in exchange for prints, pictures, and experience rather than cash payment. Such TFP (trade for print) will help you build a professional portfolio, which is the key to success. Reach out to small businesses selling fitness-related clothes and equipment for possible sponsorships and affiliate marketing opportunities.