How to Be a Fitness Model

Fitness models spend a considerable amount of time devoted to staying in shape and eating healthy. Though you do need to be 100% committed to fitness, you don't necessarily have to be a star athlete to pursue this lucrative career. What you will need is a focus on staying healthy and fit, and knowledge of how to break into the modeling circuit, both of which you'll understand better after reading this article.

Part 1 of 2: Keeping in shape

1. 1
   Stay in shape. As a fitness model, your body is not only your temple, it is actually your source of income. You will have to keep your body in peak physical condition to be a successful model in this competitive industry.

   • Fitness models have an athletic physique with toned muscles and very little body fat. Some female models are bulkier than others; determine how bulky you intend on becoming from the onset.
   • Join a gym if you haven't already. You will need to spend at least one hour in the gym every day, combining cardio and strength-training exercises, with an emphasis on the latter.^[1] If you are seriously considering becoming a fitness model, you should get a personal trainer to help you stay in shape.
   • Eat clean foods. Your diet should consist of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Don't eat excess sugar, empty carbohydrates, fried foods, or drink alcohol.
   • Don't smoke cigarettes or do drugs of any kind, as they will inhibit your performance.
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2. 2
   Be organized and disciplined. Maintaining the body of a fitness model requires a great deal of sacrifice and will-power. You will essentially be living the lifestyle of a professional athlete. In addition to spending your days in the gym and focusing on your diet, you will have to get in the habit of going to bed early and be prepared to sacrifice your social life at times.

   • Consider keeping a diet and exercise journal to help you keep track of your workouts and the food you eat.
   • Manage your time so that you have enough time to work out every single day, regardless of other obligations.
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Part 2 of 2: Modeling

1. 1
   Learn how to pose. Being a model is about more than physical appearance; knowing how to properly pose is arguably as important as your appearance, and as such can make or break your career. Posing in front of a camera takes a great deal of practice. Try to take pictures as often as possible so that you can get comfortable being in front of a camera.

   • Practice different poses in front of the mirror to figure out what works and what doesn't.
   • Hire a modeling coach or take a modeling class.
   • Scour fitness magazines to learn how fitness models pose. Try to imitate some of the poses you see.
2. 2
   Develop a portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your best photos, and is your chance of showcasing your talents to prospective employers and agents. Consider hiring a professional photographer to take photos of you, or invest in a quality camera so that you can take up-to-date photos yourself.

   • New models should include 6-12 photos when looking to be signed with an agent.^[2]
   • Your portfolio should be updated every few weeks so that the photos are current. Many agents ask that you include a photo that was taken no more than two weeks ago so that clients know exactly what your hairstyle and body look like at the moment.
3. 3
   Find an agent. If you want to get professional modeling jobs, you will need to be represented by a professional in the field. Your agent will represent you, alert you about job opportunities, and help match you with the right jobs.

   • Do thorough research to find an agent that you trust and feel comfortable with. Be sure to work out a pay arrangement before signing any contracts with an agent, because some agents take more commission than others.
   • Send your portfolio and resume to prospective agents.
4. 4
   Search for work. You don't have to wait for your agent to secure jobs for you. Be proactive and jump-start your career by constantly checking local listings for auditions or modeling gigs. Scour the internet, newspaper, and magazines to see what job opportunities are out there.