- Gain modeling experience.
- Develop a portfolio.
- Use your social media presence.
- Enter fitness modeling competitions.
- Define a personal brand.
Evidently, you’re not the only one who wants to be a fitness model. A lot of people are interested in becoming fitness models, according to Google’s recently released data on global Internet searches. I’m talking about those people who appear to perform pull-ups and deadlift their entire body weight with ease. From the outside, it doesn’t appear to be all that difficult, especially if you are already very interested in fitness. However, we chose to speak with some actual fitness models to learn more about the industry. How much effort goes into it might surprise you. (Related: How I Earn a Living as an Instagram Fitness Model.)
Like any other model, you must first be discovered if you want to work as a fitness model. The two fitness models we spoke to had much less conventional paths to beginning their careers than some models, who attend open calls or approach modeling agencies directly. The Wilhelmina fitness model, yoga instructor, and NYC trainer Alex Silver-Fagan was first noticed while preparing for a bikini competition. She explained to us that she began training for a bikini competition at the conclusion of her senior year of college, which is a bodybuilding competition. “I trained and dieted very intensely for three months. A photo shoot is typically part of this process to capture images and memories of your lean, ripped body. The photographer Alex worked with insisted that she send her photos to an agent in NYC after she had her pictures taken, which is the short version of the story. “The rest is history,” she says. “I started doing photo shoots to build my portfolio in addition to enrolling in classes to become a trainer and a group fitness instructor. Eventually, I started getting bookings for jobs. Although you may have seen her modeling exercises similar to this one in the pages of Shape, she didn’t become successful right away. “I worked with a smaller agency for a year before Wilhelmina finally made an offer to sign me.” People don’t realize that sometimes you have to work extremely hard and start out small before being recognized by some of the bigger-name agencies, she says.
Suzanne Cover, who is also represented by Wilhelmina, took an even more unusual route to becoming a fitness model, and her tale revolves entirely around social media. I was discovered on Instagram by a smaller fitness agency just a year ago, and I never thought I’d be a fitness model,” she says. I posted a picture of myself online while on my honeymoon in the Caribbean wearing a bikini bottom and a real starfish bra. For instance, while snorkeling, I came across some live starfish and just went for it. The bikini company I was wearing and a few fitspo accounts reposted the image. The next thing I knew, I received a call from a modeling agency. ” So basically, it was fate. But the courage to pursue the idea didn’t come right away. It took me almost three weeks to summon the courage to even schedule an appointment, but I did so and went in for an interview.” There were no measurements, bikini appearances, or photos, which was what I had been afraid of during the foolish three weeks I didn’t respond! The agency advised Suzanne to book some test shoots to develop a portfolio. “I immediately secured my first job, and after being coerced into signing a contract I didn’t fully understand—something everyone should be wary of—I asked a friend of a friend for advice on the business. She advised me to contact Wilhelmina Fitness before signing anything, which I did, and they soon after offered me a contract. “.
How To Get Into Fitness Modeling | 10 Steps To Take
Average salary
Since most models are paid by the job, a model who books more clients will receive a higher salary. Depending on their modeling schedule, the majority of fitness models can earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually.
What does a fitness model do?
Fitness models model athletic equipment and apparel in photo shoots. They collaborate with cosmologists, photographers, and designers to produce images that will effectively market the product. Fitness models are frequently pictured engaging in athletic or wellness activities, and they are typically in good physical shape. Typically, fitness models register with agencies to assist them in landing jobs and developing their careers. Fitness models promote a variety of goods, including water bottles, yoga mats, athletic shoes, and sporting goods.
Some specific duties of a fitness model involve:
How to become a fitness model
You can take a number of different paths to become a fitness model. The following are several options for beginning a career as a fitness model:
Whatever modeling path you choose to take, you must first gain some real-world modeling experience. There are many possible sources for this, but the most straightforward is personal experience. Ask a friend to take pictures of you as you practice modeling various poses. Knowing how your body appears on camera will aid you in selecting the best poses for showcasing various products. You could also get in touch with a nearby photography studio, gym, or athletic company and offer to model for free. You’ll gain useful experience from this, and perhaps even have photos for your portfolio.
The most crucial resource you can possess as a model is a portfolio, second only to experience. A physical or digital collection of your best photographs makes up a portfolio. A strong portfolio will demonstrate your modeling talent, range, and adaptability. The majority of your photos will probably be taken by amateur photographers if you are just starting out in your career. However, whenever possible, try to arrange photo shoots with experienced industry photographers. Your client will likely think more highly of you because the photos are probably of higher quality and they might even recognize the photographer.
Many fitness models have been discovered in recent years on websites like Instagram, Twitter, and VSCO It will take time, but maintaining a successful online presence can be very fruitful. Post pictures of yourself wearing fitness gear frequently on various social media platforms, and make sure to tag the companies in the pictures. If you’re lucky and your photographs are of high quality, the brand might post one of them on their own account. You might receive a message from a modeling agency or the marketing division of a fitness brand asking for an interview as your audience expands and more people see your photos.
Entering a modeling competition has also been successful for aspiring fitness models. Model scouts and agents frequently attend regular swimsuit or fitness modeling competitions in metropolitan areas. Find local events, register, and remember to bring a portfolio or business card with you. You can still get valuable attention from any modeling professionals in the audience even if you come in last in the competition. Make sure to introduce yourself and get to know your fellow competitors because contests are a great way to expand your professional network.
Finding the qualities that make you special as a model is one of the best ways to differentiate yourself from your rivals. Are you notably dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle or supporting sports programs in schools? Are you unusually tall, muscular, tattooed, experienced modeling in harsh weather or with specialized athletic equipment? All of these factors can contribute to your personal brand. It will be simpler for you to market yourself to specific clients if you can decide what type of model you want to be.
FAQ
How tall do you have to be to be a fitness model?
According to the most recent data on employment in the country, fitness models can earn an average annual salary of $37,240, or $18 per hour. This makes it an Above Average Salary. They can start out making $18,780 or $9 an hour, depending on the state you live in, or when you’re just starting out.
Do Instagram fitness models get paid?
The majority of fitness modeling agencies seek out individuals with lean, fit bodies with clearly defined muscle tone. Being reasonably tall—no shorter than 5’6″ for women and six feet or higher for men—is typically the norm in the industry. Additionally, a lot of fitness models have attractive smiles, great skin, and shiny hair.
How old do you have to be to become a fitness model?
A fitness model can make $5,000 to $25,000 per sponsored post once she has a sizable following.
