Over the last few years, the fitness world has exploded in popularity, thanks to social media. This surge has led to more people than ever pursuing fitness modelling. Unfortunately, the number of people looking into this industry as a career is way higher than the number of fitness modelling jobs out there. Therefore, those looking to become male fitness models should look for ways to stand out from the crowd. To achieve this edge, you will need to work incredibly hard, network and jump in with both feet. In this article, we are going to help you understand the critical steps to becoming a successful fitness model.
But before you start to read further, what we do as a company is we are scout for modelling agencies and have direct contact with people who can boost your male fitness modelling career. The article below represents a path most commonly taken by people en-route to their career, on the other hand please just our contact form and we’ll put you in touch with the people who can make a real difference.
With that said, please read on…
Step by step guide on how to become a successful male fitness model
Set goals
Before starting out on this career path, we highly recommend that you take the time to make some concrete decisions for your success. Spell out your goals and figure out how you will achieve them. Are there sacrifices that you will need to make? Are you willing to make to make them to achieve your fitness modelling goals? Carefully thinking this over will significantly increase your chances of succeeding in this industry.
On average, male fitness models need to work out 6 to 7 days a week. You will spend a good amount of your time planning and preparing your meals and concentrate on building your professional male fitness model profile. While you might be able to juggle all this and still keep your 9 to 5 job, it will not be easy. If you are serious about a career as a fitness model, you may have to let go of employment. Whatever you decide on, take the time to think it through to make the right choice and compromise where necessary.
Hit the gym
Male fitness models don’t conform to conventional fashion industry standards of height and good looks, but rather, their musculature. This musculature is usually the result of nearly full-time dedication to diet and exercise. You need to work out to achieve and maintain a breadth that is wide, but in proportion to the rest of your body. You will need to build muscle for aesthetics, which requires a special type of training.
Engage in compound exercises for strength, instead of doing activities that focus on sculpting one muscle group. This will help you burn more calories faster and sculpt your whole body. Weight lifting is also much more useful for burning calories and building lean muscle. If possible, find a personal fitness trainer to guide you and tailor appropriate exercises to help you achieve your goals. You also need to look healthy all over including your hair, and skin- preferably tanned.
Diet
Another important step to becoming a male fitness model is providing your body with all the right nutritions and insufficient quantities. Fitness modelling is all about maintaining muscle while staying at a low body fat percentage. You can consult a personal trainer or dietitian to develop a personalised regimen.
Know your niche
What do you want to get out of the fitness modelling industry? What is your goal? To get on magazine covers or spreads? To partner with Nike, Reebok or Under Armour? It is crucial that you find a specific niche to work in. This way, you will not waste your time looking for editors or trying to get commercials that are not in your niche.
Practice in front of a camera
When starting out, we do not recommend spending top dollar on the best photographer right away especially because you still have to figure out what niche you like. Find an affordable photographer to help you practice making different poses, and facial expressions.
Get a professional photographer
Once you’ve had some good practice, start looking for the best photographers that has experience working with male fitness models. The goal is to find someone with experience to teach you the best poses that put emphasis on your best features and conceal flaws like fatty areas or scars. If possible, search for an prominent photographer who gets their photography published in magazines.
When looking for a professional photographer, it’s important to send them a couple of your amateur photos to help them prepare and give you pre-shoot feedback on what you need to do or work on so you are adequately prepared for the shoot.
Promote yourself
Create a professional portfolio that contains all your professional photos and details like your height, weight, and body measurements. Go to as many auditions and casting calls for male fitness models. Read as many fitness magazines to educate yourself on the different requirements expected foe the fitness models. Visit fashion businesses and modeling agencies and submit your professionally done portfolios. If possible, make a calendar that features your fitness photos and share them with fashion businesses.
Find a reputable modelling agency
Although you can book a lot of gigs on your own, getting an agent can help speed up things. These agents have contacts and connections that you don’t have. An agent will help you get jobs in your area and beyond. This, however, does not mean that you stop looking for opportunities on your own. When looking for a modelling agency to work with, avoid those that charge you to be in their portfolio. A good agency should deduct a certain percentage of the work they find you. On average, most agencies deduct 20%.
Submit your photos to modelling agencies
When submitting your portfolio to modelling agencies, make sure it contains a head shot, full body, and an action photo – do not just pose. Perform a workout activity or pay the sport. Most modeling agencies offer the ability to submit photos online. Make sure you send out high-quality images that are yours to use.
Reach out to editors
LinkedIn provides an excellent source for editors. Take the time to reach out to a bunch of editors and introduce yourself to them. Tell them why you love their magazine and why you want to be featured. Ask them to contact you if there is ever an opportunity for you to provide content.
Since editors are always looking for good pieces of articles to put in their magazine or online if you can include an article, the better for you. Still be willing to go over and beyond to help them up. Building a good relationship with decision makers is white. If after months you hear nothing from them, do not hesitate to send out another email with an article and state that you are still interested in providing more content. This is a go-getter step.
Compete
One of the best ways to get found as a fitness model is by getting into as many competitions as possible. Shows like NPC offer male fitness models a chance to land proper fitness modeling endorsements. There are many magazine and supplement companies that attend these events to find new talent. Strive to go to all the big expos you can find and compete in them. They offer the best platforms to network and get noticed in the fitness industry.
Network
The male fitness industry provides a myriad ways to network. Try to network with successful people in the industry. If you can train with them, get on their podcast or guest blog articles for them, the better for you. This will help get your name out there. You will also get a chance to learn a few tips from them. Volunteering on unpaid gigs is another great way to get your name out there. In the process of networking, make as many friends in the industry as you can.
Leverage social media
If you are finding it hard to find work through traditional outlets, work hard at building your online brand. Thanks to the rise in social media, you are no longer limited to the old-fashioned ways of advertising yourself or pitching for jobs. Use your social media to your advantage to put yourself in front of potential employers. Make as many waves through platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and YouTube, and the employers will come to you.
Improve
The fitness modelling industry is a competitive one. Hence, it is crucial that you continue training and improving your physique with each competition and photo shoot. The more you develop your form, attend shows and shoot with professional photographers the better your chances of success.
The bottom line
In the male fitness modeling industry, success does not happen overnight. It is work in progress that takes a lot of hard work, determination, and persistence. If you put in the work and dedication, you will be surprised at the opportunities that will come knocking your way. Start small, and build a pristine portfolio. Set a few goals, diet down and reach out to as many decision makers and if possible, provide content. If you are serious about this dream, do not be disheartened by the “NO” Just because you don’t get accepted the first time does not mean you are not good enough. Pick yourself up, polish your techniques and build on your strengths. Before you know it, you will get calls for regular jobs.
OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE SIMPLY CONTACT US
All of the above is an awful lot of work but that’s where we come in. We work on behalf of modelling agencies to scout for talented people and we can remove the barriers of entry for you. Simply get in touch with us and one of our agents will be in touch to give you some advice on the next steps.
