With the ever increasing rise of fitness enthusiasts, as well as the nation, being so into fitness themselves, there have never been more opportunities to get into fitness modelling.
However, with the rise of Instagram, and other image related social media platforms, it has made the competition fierce. Although having good Instagram pictures doesn’t make you a fitness model, it can certainly help you get discovered by brands, if you manage to gain a loyal following.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to look like you’re fit, you don’t necessarily have to be “fit”. The shape of your body will be the most important aspect to focus on, which should be obvious. You will need to conduct regular exercise sessions, whether they be at home, or at a gym. Although total conditioning is needed, it’s possible to focus on a specific sub-niche. For instance, some fitness models will give their abs special attention, which would help them to become the go-to model for any promotional material where having popping abs is required.
What type of jobs are available?
Depending on the brand that you will be working for will depend on the exact nature of the job. It’s important that you’re clued up on all types of fitness model role and demands, as you will be expected to be able to do any job, regardless of if you’re actually interested in it or not. Big brands like Adidas will expect you to advertise a broad range of products, whether that’s apparel or fitness equipment. Therefore it’s important that your stance and actions portray that you’re an expert at wearing or using them; it isn’t just about aesthetics.
The poses that will be expected from fitness models will be to show off the benefits and qualities of the products. Being able to demonstrate the flexibility and support of the clothing, accompanied with running, jumping, or squatting, will be necessary for the majority of the shoots. All of these actions need to be conducted with confidence to convey realism. If you’re squatting, but your form is completely unnatural, it will ruin the persuasiveness of the advertisement. You certainly don’t need to be an expert, as you’re a fitness model, not a fitness athlete, but consecutive failures will lead to bad references.
It will take time to capture the perfect image, so it’s important that you constantly deliver repetition, after repetition, throughout the day. This will undoubtedly require patience and enthusiasm, but being a fitness model without an actual love for fitness is quite uncommon, so this usually isn’t a problem.
Where can I find fitness modelling jobs?
To make a long lasting career out of fitness modelling, it’s advisable that you get signed to an agency that specialises in the fitness industry. There are several agencies dedicated to fitness models in the UK, like BMAmodels.com and sportspromotions.co.uk, to name a couple. Signing to these agencies will be your best bet in getting castings for the larger and more well-known companies like Nike and Adidas. They will, of course, have specific standards that will need to be met, and they may not necessarily always have spaces available.
If you’re looking to be a freelance model, signing up to portfolio websites like Purpleport and modelmayhem will let you market yourself as a fitness model. It will also allow you to browse casting calls that are specific to fitness models. Starting in this industry as a freelancer will take a lot of effort initially, as you will need references and experience before you will make any decent money, but the upside is that you won’t be giving away a percentage of the money that you earn to agency fees.
If you have a decent Instagram profile, with a notable following, you can either reach out to small-time fitness brands yourself, or you may get approached by them. There are a LOT of fitness startups on Instagram these days, so you need to do your due diligence in making sure that it’s a legit brand, and not just someone trying to start something half-heartedly. It’s common for these fitness brands to sponsor you, rather than paying you directly. You will gain free clothing from these brands, in exchange for you promoting them. You’ll also end up with your own affiliate link, or affiliate discount code, which means that anyone who purchases items on the website using your code or link, will generate a small percentage of affiliate commission for you, which you will get paid at the end of the month, by the respective company.
Earnings from this type of business is never set in stone, it all depends on how many people you convince to check out your link. It’s certainly the most passive, as you could literally make a living from taking selfies at home, or at the gym. If you don’t already have a big following, this should be more thought of as a side project.
Final thoughts
Modelling jobs in the fitness industry are no easy task, and require an immense amount of dedication, in order to make a lucrative career out of them. It’s crucial that you maintain a muscular and strong physique, to not just get accepted by an agency who specialises in fitness modelling, but to actually be selected by a company. Following a structured fitness regime and diet plan is paramount.
If you do get signed to a fitness agency, you will be able to attend a lot more castings than if you were freelance, due to the agency’s connections. They will also make sure to only put you forward for jobs where you meet the required criteria, as to not waste your time. It would be pointless to turn up to a casting where they were looking for incredibly muscly individuals, when your current build was more streamlined, like a runner.
Be dedicated and patient and alway do your best to make a positive and lasting impression with whoever you come into contact with. This is the best way to ensure that you’ll keep getting hired by your clients.