So… you want to be a fitness model! You’re not alone, the fitness model industry in Australia is booming and fitness models are in high demand. However, just like any other niche of modelling, be prepared for a lot of hard work. In fact, you might be surprised just how much hard work goes into it!
Getting discovered
To work as a fitness model the first thing you need to do (just like any other type of model) is get discovered. You may wish to attend open calls or contact modelling agencies – however nowadays, many self-represented models are finding less traditional paths to starting their careers and building a following on Instagram, which then can lead to booking some big jobs. Other models also hold down second jobs as yoga teachers or personal trainers – which can lead to other opportunities in bikini competitions, bodybuilding competitions and other similar events. At these events, talent scouts are routinely lurking in the audience and looking to discover the next big name in modelling!
A day in the life of a fitness model
The day you become signed as a fitness model, that’s when the hard work really begins! Shoot days are gruelling and fun all at once and on days that you’re not shooting you may also be holding down another job like many other models, and as mentioned above. So what can you expect on a shoot as a fitness model? Like other models, expect an early start and a late finish. When you arrive at your shoot, hair and makeup will take a good couple of hours (although fitness models are often portrayed hard at work exercising, it’s still imperative that they look attractive and beautiful on camera!)
Following that, you’ll visit wardrobe and then before you know it, you’ll be on camera! As a fitness model, a shoot will usually inform performing some sort of exercise and unlike other sorts of models who may simply stage activities, you’ll likely actually be performing the exercise – this may mean that your days will be very physically taxing and you may get sweaty and require multiple touch ups during the day.
Plus aside from the physical challenges you’ll face, many fitness models also face the self-esteem challenge of their body always needing to be camera-ready. Needless to say, if you’re a fitness model, you’ll need to take great pride in your physique and absolutely love exercise! Even so, the constant comparison and rejection that is rampant in the modelling industry can take a mental toll so it’s important that you have a thick skin and develop confidence. After all, just like other models, although your body is one the of the biggest parts of your livelihood, having a great personality will also do you huge favours.
Remember as well that as a fitness model, it’s not simply about looking stronger than other people… you must also be stronger. The long hours of shoots and the exercises you’ll repeatedly perform require you to have great endurance.
But, although it’s a tough line of work – fitness modelling can open up some incredible doors for the rest of your career. You’ll meet a lot of interesting people and if your passion is fitness, fitness modelling can open up doors to personal training, gym instruction and other lines of work that you might not have considered. If you’re a fitness model on Instagram, you also have an invaluable opportunity to provide great content that not only shows your passion, but helps and inspires other people to become fitter and healthier too… what a great chance to leave a positive impact on the world around you!
Fitness models also frequently find themselves being offered television appearances and other speaking opportunities, which is great for skyrocketing your image.
In summary, if you want to become a fitness model…
Our number one piece of advice? Make sure to take care of your body and always remember that although it’s part of your job to look a certain way, it’s not all about the aesthetics. As they say, if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. And modelling is hard work so to be a successful fitness model, if you love what you do then your passion for fitness and the modelling industry will always show in what you do.
Just like any other model, also take care to build a strong portfolio that shows your versatility and if you would like to be agency represented, you’ll need to get out there and network!
But, however you choose to model (whether agency represented or freelance), this is ultimately your career and in a sea of fitness models – you need to stand out, so be creative with your portfolio and let your personality shine!
