If you’re anything like me, the idea of becoming a fitness model might seem like an unattainable dream. I have come to learn that, with the right mindset and a consistently strong work ethic, you can make it happen.
As a model and now model coach, I’ve seen countless people transform their bodies and their lives to become successful fitness models. In this editorial, I’ll share some candid tips and insights on what it takes to become a fitness model, and how to approach the journey with a positive can-do attitude. So grab your favourite workout gear and let’s get started!
So, how do you become a fitness model?
If we’ve just met, hey you! Kate here, your resident Model Coach and your new BFF in the Creative Industry. Let’s quickly get introduced here: Instagram, About, Press, FREE Model Tips.
1. Define your fitness goals and build your fitness brand
Defining your fitness goals is the first step towards becoming a successful fitness model. Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve with your fitness journey? Do you want to build muscle and become a bodybuilder, a fitness model for competitions, or do you want to focus on endurance and become a fitness model or brand ambassador for fitness and wellness brands? Once you have a clear understanding of your goals, you can determine what type of fitness model you want to become.
Further Reading: The 10 Types of Modelling + Requirements
Creating a fitness brand that represents your unique image and message is the next step. This is all about identifying what sets you apart from other fitness models and showcasing it to the world. Your fitness brand should reflect your personality, values and fitness goals. Start by creating a vision board that includes images that inspire you, your favourite quotes, and your goals. From there, develop a brand name and tagline that reflects your unique image and message. Make sure your social media presence and website align with your brand and message, and showcase your journey through photos and videos.
Remember, your fitness brand should be an extension of you, so be authentic and true to yourself.
Source: Today.com Emily Skye
2. Build your fitness model portfolio
Compiling a model portfolio of professional fitness photos is an important aspect of becoming a fitness model. These photos will serve as your calling card, and showcase your body and fitness level to potential clients. Here are some tips for creating a portfolio that showcases your versatility:
3. Attend castings and enter competitions
Looking for fitness model castings and competitions in your area is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain experience in front of the camera. Here are some tips for finding and attending these events:
4. Develop A Strong Social Media Presence
Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok are powerful tools for showcasing your fitness journey and connecting with industry professionals and fans. It’s your own community.
5. Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is crucial for success as a fitness model. Your body is your business and you must prioritise your health and wellbeing to stay at the top of your game. Here are my tips for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle:
Regular exercise
As a fitness model, you need to stay in top physical condition. This means exercising regularly with a mix of cardio and strength training to maintain your physique.
Nutritious diet
Eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential for optimal health and fitness. Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats to fuel your body and support your fitness goals.
Adequate rest and recovery
Your body needs time to rest and recover between workouts. Make sure to get enough sleep and take rest days as needed to prevent burnout or injury.
Manage stress
Stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Discover and implement healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga or spending time outdoors.
Avoid unhealthy habits
As a fitness model, it’s important to avoid unhealthy habits that can negatively impact your health and appearance. This includes smoking, excessive drinking, and the use of illicit or experimental drugs.
Remember, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is not just important for your career as a fitness model, it’s also for your overall health and wellbeing. By prioritising your health and making smart choices for you, you can stay at the top of your game and achieve your fitness goals.
Further Reading: The “I’m Time Poor” Green Smoothie Bowl
Source: Strong Fitness Magazine.
Brooke Ence (she was in Wonder Woman 2017!)
6. Network with fitness industry professionals
Networking is a crucial aspect of building a successful career as a fitness model. It involves meeting and connecting with industry professionals such as photographers, agents, casting directors, and other fitness models to build relationships and create opportunities. Here are my tips for networking in the fitness industry:
7. Prepare for rejection
Rejection can be a difficult and painful experience, especially in the competitive world of fitness modelling. My advice – it’s important to remember that rejection is not always a reflection of your worth or potential as a model. In fact, rejection can often be a form of redirection that helps you to grow, learn, and succeed in new ways.
When you experience rejection as a model, it’s an opportunity to re-evaluate your goals, strategies, and approach. Perhaps you need to refine your portfolio, improve your posing, or focus on building your social media presence. Rejection can be a catalyst for change, pushing you to explore new opportunities, try new things, and develop new skills.
I believe rejection to be redirection because it forces you to reassess your path and move in a new direction. Whether it’s exploring new markets, working on a new project, or developing new relationships, rejection can lead you to new and exciting opportunities that you may not have considered otherwise.
Being mindful that rejection is a common experience in the highly competitive world of fitness modelling (and the model industry overall), it’s equally essential to keep pushing forward, and also to know when to stop. Your mental health is worth more than any career choice. The choice of when to go for it, and when to walk away, is entirely up to you.
Further Reading: How to Tell if a Model Agency or Opportunity is Legit
Buff Bunny Heidi Somers
8. Be open to opportunities in other fields
As a fitness model, it’s important to keep your options open to pursuing work in other related fields. This can help you expand your brand, gain more exposure within the fitness industry, and create new opportunities for your career as a fitness model.
Other options could be fitness coaching, personal training, health and wellness blogging, or other model categories. By diversifying your skill set, increasing your exposure, creating new revenue streams, and opening up new opportunities, you can build a successful and rewarding career in the fitness industry.
Source: Ainsley Rodriguez
Time to show the world what you’re made of
With the right mindset, preparation, and guidance, you can turn your dreams into a reality. Don’t wait for opportunities to come knocking at your door – create them yourself. If you need some guidance to make this happen, you’ve come to the right place. Enrol in The Model Masterclass or Book a Coaching Appointment. Let’s show the world what you’re made of and become a badass fitness model.
I wish you the success you work for and deserve!
Ps: This is a quality guide and I don’t mind you sharing it. I’d appreciate it if you follow standard professional etiquette and please quote + credit my content appropriately when you do:
Kate Heussler kateheussler.com | Instagram: @kateheussler Thank you!
Enrol in The Model Masterclass or Book a Coaching Appointment.
