Thursday, February 2, 2012

NEXTHOTTHANG IN MODELING/ FITNESS MODELING

Suggestions on How to Become a Fitness Model

How to become a fitness model. It is a dream of many young men and women. It sounds exciting, the career of a female bikini model. It is similar to being a fashion model, as far as difficulty in getting into the industry, but there are some unique differences between the two. To become a fitness model, you obviously need to be fit. To be fit, you obviously need to prepare your body to be in top shape. If you do achieve your goal, you could enjoy an interesting and exciting career.
It is entirely possible that you can develop a level of fitness suitable for becoming a fitness model on your own, but It is a long shot. If you seriously aspire to a career as a female bikini model, you would be wise to find a personal trainer that can show you exactly what it is you need to work on, and what physical assets you should develop and tone in order to look good in your fitness model portfolio. You will need to be slim and trim, with excellent muscle definition. Female bikini models need to look fit, but maintain a pretty and sweet look.
Once your body is in shape, It is important to find a good professional photographer who can capture that excellence in photographs that will sell you to potential clients. A good fashion photographer will take dozens maybe hundreds of photographs that will focus upon your look and your fitness, but will also place you into sports themes and swimsuit photos. Your portfolio will be your calling card. Getting a good one is of prime importance in becoming a fitness model.
Once you have the body in shape and the portfolio in hand, It is time to sell you as the product. It is time to step out into the marketplace and start calling on agents. Your photographer will undoubtedly have some suggestions about agents in your area, a good place to begin. You will be interviewed both to enable the agents to actually see you and to determine how much experience you have. Always travel with your portfolio. If an agent is interested in you, he or she may do additional test shots to see how well you work with support staff.
Once you find an agent that is interested in working with you, you'll undoubtedly be scheduled to meet with potential clients for job interviews. Make sure you look your best when you go to these interviews, and always be on time. You've learned how to become a fitness model. Now, you're there to impress them. The first meeting, their first impression of you is the most important.
If you want to find more information about how to become a fitness model, Please check it out at female Fitness Model Program. It is a proven program of step-by-step guide to help you to become a bikini model. Read the Fitness Model Program Review for more.

 

How to Make It As a Fitness Model!

People that follow my stuff know I generally write about nutrition, supplements, training, and other topics that are more science based than subjective topics, such as what is covered in this article. I decided to shuck my science geek persona, and write on a topic I know will be helpful to thousands of would be and want to be fitness models.
As well a known "hard core" science based no BS writer, why I am writing what some will perceive as a "fluff" article? Over the years I have gotten hundreds, perhaps thousands, of gals that ask me via email, letters, or in person "how do I become a fitness model Will? You have been in the business a long time, surly you of all people should know." I get this from newbies and I get this from women that have been at it a while but have been unable to "break in" effectively.
The fact is, I have been in the fitness, health, and bodybuilding biz a long time, and though I am known as a science and nutrition based "guru" type, I have trained many a fitness athlete, and judged fitness and figure/bikini shows for the NPC, Fitness America, Fitness USA, and other federations as well as given marketing and business advice to all sorts of athletes, including fitness models. So, it's not as far fetched as it might seem that I am going to use this space to cover a non scientific topic, which is, how one goes about being a fitness model.
This article will be useful to both experienced and novice types looking to "break in" to the biz. If you are already a professional and successful fitness model, I am sure you may still glean some useful information from this article.
First the bad news, there is no one way to become a successful fitness model. There is no single path or magic secret. There are however some key things a person can do to greatly improve their chances of "making it" in the fitness biz as a model, and perhaps using that success as a launching pad to greater things, such as movies, TV, etc.
Several of the top fitness models (Trish Stratus and Vicki Pratt come to mind but there are many others) have gone onto careers in entertainment of all kinds. Bottom line, though there is no magic secret to being successful as a fitness model, this article will be about as close to a blueprint for success as you will find.
"Do I need to compete?"
This is a question I get asked all the time and it's not an easy one to answer. In fact, the answer is (drum roll) yes and no. The person has to deicide why they are competing in the first place to answer that question. For example, do you need to compete if your goal is to be a successful fitness model?
The answer is no. Many of today's well-known fitness models have never competed, or they competed in a few small shows and it was clearly not part of their success as fitness models. However, competing does have its potential uses.
One of them is exposure. At the upper level shows, there will often be editors, publishers, photographers, supplement company owners, and other business people. So, competing can improve your exposure. Also, competing can make sense if you are trying to build a business that is related to your competing or will benefit from you winning a show.
For example, say you have a private training gym you are trying to build. Sure, having the title of say Ms Fitness America, or winning the NPC Nationals and being an IFBB pro, will help your reputation and the notoriety of your business. There are many scenarios were it would help to have won a show for a business or other endeavors.
On the other hand, it must be realized that winning a show does not in any way guarantee success in the business end (and it really is a business) of being a fitness model. The phone wont ring off the hook with big offers for contracts. Also, it's very important to realize that it's common that the 4th or 6th or 8th place finisher in a fitness or figure show will get more press than the winner. Why? Though the winner might have what it took to win that show, it's often other gals the editor, publishers, supplement companies etc, feel is more marketable.
I have seen it many times where the winner was shocked to find she didn't get nearly the attention she expected and other girls who placed lower have gotten attention in the form of photos shoots, magazine coverage, etc. Something to keep in mind when you ask yourself the important question "do I need to compete and if so, why am I competing?" Answer that question, and you will know the answer to the heading of this section. Winning a title of some sort can be a stepping stone, but it is not in itself any guarantee of success in the fitness industry. It's like a college degree; it's what you do with it.
Now. If you compete for the fun of it, then by all means go for it, but the above is focusing on competing as it relates to the business aspect of being a fitness model.
Right body, wrong federation?
Ok, so after reading the above you have decided you are going to compete, or will compete again. If you don't plan to compete, you can skip this section. The biggest mistake I see here is so many gals have the right body for the wrong federation. Each federation has its own judging criteria and a competitor will do poorly simply because they didn't bother to research which show would be best suited for them.
I will give you a perfect real world example of this. Recently I judged a show whose criteria for the figure round was the women should be more on the curvy softer side with some tone, vs. being more muscular and athletic with less bodyfat that other federations might allow. At this show one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen came out. She was very proportional, great muscle tone, lean, and athletically shaped with narrow hips and waist and wider shoulders. How did she do at this show? She didn't even place in the top ten!
Why? Because she was not what we were instructed to look for and didn't fit the criteria. After the show I informed her that she looked great, but this may not the federation for her. I told her she had much more of an NPC type body, where a little more muscle, athletic build, and less bodyfat is rewarded.
The following week I was judging an NPC fitness, figure, and bodybuilding show and there she was. How did she do? She won the entire show with all judges voting her number one unanimously.
Conversely, if your body type tends to be more rounded and toned, but with a little more bodyfat, wider (but not fat!) hips, you may be better off competing in say the Fitness America Pageants. If you are going to compete:
(1) find out exactly what the judging criteria is for that federation and
(2) go see those shows as a spectator for several different federations and see which one your physique, style, etc will fit into best.
(3) You have to decide if you truly have the athletic abilities to compete in a fitness competition (which requires a routine) or a figure/bikini competition.
I often see women who would do well in a figure show but really don't have the athletic abilities do the routines required to be competitive with other athletes in the show. Some shows will allow you to do both competitions and some wont.
Networking 101: dos and don'ts...
In so many respects, this is the area that will make or break you in any business, and yet, people in the fitness industry do an amazingly poor job at it. If you don't network and market yourself properly, you can pretty much forget about having any real success as a fitness model, or a success in virtually any business. For the sake of space, we will stick to fitness.
When I first started out, I was a self marketing machine. I could be found at every show I thought might be an opportunity, walking the isles of trade shows, bodybuilding, shows, fitness show, and others. I gave out a zillion cards and I took a million home with me, and followed up on each and every one. I went to as many industry related meetings, outings, parties, etc. as I could get into. I now have the reputation and experience in the industry that I don't have to go to such a show unless I feel like it, or have meetings, but they were quite helpful in the beginning.
I am always amazed at the number of fitness models who contact me who have never even been to the Arnold Classic Fitness Weekend, or the Mr. Olympia, or the trade shows like the NNFA Expo West and others. If you want to make it in the fitness business you sure as hell had better treat it like a business.
I have seen many a pretty girl who wants to be a fitness model who thinks if they stand there looking pretty long enough, someone is going to offer to put their face on the cover of a magazine. News flash, there are millions of beautiful women out there and to be noticed, you have to hussle to get that business like everyone else by networking your butt off, or having a good agent (if you can afford such a thing) who is doing it for you.
Pick a few major industry shows to attend (some of which were mentioned above) and go to them every year. Have a plan of attack of exactly how you plan to market yourself and network. Many fitness models, bodybuilders, etc see a show as one big party. If that's you, then have fun at the party, but don't think you are really marketing yourself as a serous business person or athlete.
Another thing that always amazes me is the number of fitness models who either have no business cards, or have some cards they printed up on their bubble jet printer at home! They ask me to help them or what ever and I say "give me your card" and they look at me like "I am so pretty I should not need a card you fool." This attitude turns off editors, photographers, writers, and industry people faster then if they found out you were really a transvestite. Don't do it. For every pretty girl out there who thinks the world owes them a favor, there are 100 who are ready to act like professionals.
Ever wonder why some fitness model you know is doing better than you are even though you know you are prettier than her? That may be why...never ever go to a show to network without good cards, bios, and professionally done head and body shots you can give to said editors, publishers, photographers, industry types, etc. Don't stand around looking pretty assuming they will find you, find them first and introduce yourself. And of course it should go without saying you should be in good condition and have something of a tan to look your best.
You want to go to the shows and party? Fine, but do it in private after the work is done and don't make a fool out of yourself at some industry sponsored get together. Hell, I was virtually poured into a cab at last years Arnold Classic after going to a sushi place with some well know industry types and companies owners (you know who you are!) but at least no one saw me! We had our own little private get together after the show to let loose.
Let me give you one final real world example of how NOT to market yourself. Last year I was on retainer as a consultant to a mid sized supplement company. The owner of the company asked me if I knew a couple of fitness model types that could work his booth for a trade show. In fact, he requested "unknowns, some new faces people had not seen yet but had real potential to grow with the company." I went and found him two such gals I thought fit the bill.
He offered to pay their flights, room, and food plus a thousand dollars each for the days work. The two girls were told to be at the booth 9am sharp. The night before at the hotel, I saw the two girls getting in a cab at 11pm or so dressed to kill, clearly on their way out to party. The next day they showed up at the booth an hour and a half late and hung over! What was the result of this? (1) it embarrassed me to no end as I had recommended them to the company owner (2) they would never get work from that company again (3) they would never get any work from me again and (4) they would not get a reference from either of us for other jobs.
I see this type of thing all the time in the fitness biz, and it's not limited to fitness models. Amazingly, a few weeks after the show they emailed me and the company owner wanting to know when their next job would be! Amazing...
Who loves you baby?
If there is one universal truth, it's that the camera either loves you or it does not. Any professional photographers will tell you this. For some unknown reason, some people are very photogenic and some are not. Truth be known, there are some well known fitness models (who shall remain nameless as they would probably smack me the next time they saw me) who are not all that attractive in person. It's just that the camera loves them and they are very photogenic, but not terribly pretty in person.
Conversely, I have seen the reverse many times; a girl who is much better looking in person than in photographs. Such is the fate of the person who wants to be a model of any kind, including a fitness model. If you find you are not very photogenic, keep working with different photographers until you find one that really captures you well and pay that photographer handsomely!
Now, to be bluntly honest, there are also some want to be fitness models who are not "unphotogenic", they're just "fugly"! There are some people out there who have no business trying to be fitness models. It does not make them bad people, it just means they need to snap out of their delusions and find a profession they are better suited for, like radio personality....
"How do I get in the magazines?"
This section sort of incorporates everything I have covered above, and adds in a few additional strategies. For example, as I mentioned before, competing in fitness shows and or figure/bikini shows can increase your exposure, thus getting the attention of some magazine publisher or photographer. Networking correctly at the various trade shows may also have the same effect, and of course having a good portfolio done by a photographer that really captures your look, a good web site, etc., will all increase your potential for getting into the magazines, or getting ad work, and so on.
However, all of these strategies are still somewhat passive versus active in my opinion. It's still the fitness model waiting to be "discovered." As far as I am concerned, waiting is for bus stops and pregnancy tests. Success waits for no man...or woman as the case me be. So, after all the above advice is taken into consideration as having an added effect to getting you magazine coverage, what else can be done?
For one thing, you should read and be familiar with all the magazines you want to be in so you know who is who and what the style of the different magazines are. I can tell you right now, if say the Editor-in-Chief of a good sized fitness or bodybuilding publications and says "hi, I am the Bob Smith what's your name?" and the fitness model has no idea who Bob Smith is, Bob will not take kindly to that. Why should he? You should know who the major players are in the publications you want to be seen in. He is doing you the favor, not the other way around. You should know who the major players are and actively seek them out, don't wait for them to "discover" you.
If you look at the masthead inside any magazine, it will tell you who the publisher is, who the Editor-in-Chief is and so forth. The mailing address for that magazine, and often the web site and email, can also be found. What is to stop you from looking up those names and mailing them your pictures and resume directly? Nothing, that's what. If you see a photo spread you think is really well done, what is to stop you from finding out who the photographer is and contacting them directly and sending them your pics? Nothing, that's what.
My point being, you want a get a break in the business, make the break, don't sit there thinking it's looking for you, because it's not. Be proactive, not reactive! Luck is the residue of design. Be successful by design. As my older brother used to say to me as a kid when I told him I was too scared to ask out a pretty girl "what's the worst that can happen Will? All she can say is no." That's the worst that can happen to you also.
Beware of web idiots, schlubs, morons, perverts, scum bags, and sleazoids!
This part is sort of self-explanatory but worth mentioning. As with all industries that deal in entertainment based media (e.g., television, theater, modeling, etc.), the fitness industry attracts its far share of web idiots, schlubs, morons, perverts, scum bags, and sleazoids, to name just a few.
There is also the class of person known as the schmoe, but we will leave that for another place and time. Point is you want to meet the right people while not getting involved with that group of worthless types who will only drag you down, delay you, or just flat out screw you up and over.
For example, a guy comes up and says he wants to "shoot you" for the magazines, but what do you really know of this guy? He has a camera and some business cards, so that makes him a photographer right? Wrong! If someone want to shoot you and they are not a well-known name (and you should know who the well known photographers are because you researched that already!), find out who they are. Do they have references you can call? Girls you can contact he has shot before and were happy with the work? What magazines has he published in? Does he do it professionally or as a hobby? That type of thing.
Another thing I see is the big web scam. I'm amazed how many girls get scammed by these web idiots. Lesson here is you get what you pay for, so when some person wants to build you a web site for free, you are getting what you pay for. Yes, there is good money to be made on the 'net, and the net can be great for marketing yourself and making contacts, but most of it's a scam.
You are better off paying a good web designer and web master who has experience with other fitness model types and has references you can talk to. I can't tell you the number of girls who have been screwed over by some internet thing that went to hell, like the "fan" who volunteers to build a free web site and either runs off with any money made from the site or puts their picks on porn sites and any number of other things that made them regret like hell ever agreeing to the site in the first place.
Clearly, I can't go down the list of all the possible pitfalls of the web idiots, schlubs, morons, perverts, scum bags, and sleazoids out there to be found in the entertainment business, but you get the idea. Be careful!
Conclusion.
Well that pretty much concludes my down and dirty guide to the basics of "making it" as a fitness model. Of course there are tons of business related issues I could cover and tricks I could give, but the above is the best advice you are going to find in s small space and will do more for you-if properly followed-than you may realize.
Good luck and see you in the magazines!
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Understanding the Female Fitness Model Diet

What's the difference between your diet and a successful female fitness model diet? It's naturally assumed that the fitness model is in on some super secret diet plan that only the beautiful and physically fit know about. The fact is the fitness model is eating foods from the same place that you get yours, the supermarket. It's more about the foods that they select, when they eat, and how much.
Both fitness and fashion models must pay strict attention to their diet. Like you, they want to feel full after they eat, but they don't want their bodies filled with unhealthy fats and cholesterol. The only secret that they share is adherence to a female fitness model diet that gives them plenty of protein that enables their metabolism to burn off more calories while giving them that full feeling. Models eat more protein that carbohydrates. Carbs are important in any diet, but too many carbs can ruin your diet and your physical appearance.
Perhaps it would be simpler to give you an example of the type of female fitness model diet that is followed by most models. They are not terribly complicated, and a guaranteed good way to lose weight and to keep it off. They focus upon high-quality high-protein foods and the practice of eating in moderation. Let's look at some meals from a typical day in the life of a fitness model.
The Breakfast: Egg whites. Not whole eggs, just the whites. They are full of low-fat, no-cholesterol protein, and they are easy to prepare in omelets of scrambled egg dishes. They are full of nutritional value. Fitness models claim that egg whites in the morning give them the added "ommph" that they need to perform their morning workouts. Eggs are full of vitamins and nutrition, but set lightly on the stomach.
The Lunch: What could be easier, and more filled with good nutrition and protein, than a tasty protein shake? Even if you supplement it with other foods, drinking the shake will so thoroughly fill you that you won't be tempted to overeat. Most models say that they couldn't stay fit without these shakes. They have become a standard part of their lunch.
Snack Time: Burgers and fries? Don't you wish? Nope. It's more like a handful of almonds. Almonds have no cholesterol, very low amounts of the good fat, and lots of protein for building muscles. They are usually available at the same store counter that displays the snacks you should never have, like potato chips. Spend your money on healthful almonds for you next impromptu snack.
The Dinner: Fish. Steamed or baked, not fried. This is the preferred big meal protein source for most fashion and fitness models. Fish is the source of the good fats that your body needs, and fish is very high in complete protein needed for creating and repairing muscle tissue. Fish can also actually help to reduce your blood cholesterol.
Hydration: Water is critical for maintaining a healthy fit body. It helps to fill you up between meals as well. A gallon a day is not an unusual amount for a model to drink, even more when vigorously exercising. The water that is the basis for sodas, coffee, and other such beverages doesn't count. Pure, clear, water is what you need. No female fitness model diet is effective without lots of water.
Discover more about losing body fat and suggested program to become a female fitness model here. Read the Fitness Model Program Review for more...



Things to Know For Becoming Fitness Models


Fitness models are people who look fit and have well developed physiques. In the case of women they should be feminine and sexy and in the case of men athletic and attractive. Models are contracted for the purpose of marketing fitness apparels or products, services or equipment or anything that is related to the sports and fitness industry.
In order to achieve a rewarding career, it is necessary for models to be vigorous and energetic and physically fit. Being friendly and sociable because this is a career that involves an input of many taxing hours of shoots and undertakings also helps. Models have opportunities to make appearances as models for athletic advertisements in various magazines, billboards, brochures, catalogues, newspapers and even television adverts.
Fitness models can also make appearances in sports marketing crusades or at locales where the print and film media requires people who are physically fit. It is important that the models should be appealing and be able to draw attention or be captivating. Such marketing crusades are meant to help publicize whatever is advertised. Nonetheless the attractive features of the models are somewhat different to those of fashion models. Models should be lean but should have muscles. While size is important, there must be a balance as one cannot be either too big or too small.
Fitness models must live healthy lifestyles and must to keep working out in the gym to stay in shape. Their bodies must be toned all year round especially because the fitness modeling world is competitive. Consistency, discipline and dedication is important. It is also important to take some pictures with a variety of attires and from varied viewpoints so that your body is displayed completely. These photos should be immediately dispatched to a number of magazines, to intermediaries, and to anyone that will help advance the cause of the model's career.
Models can also enhance their career opportunities by networking with other people in the industry such as fellow professionals and the media. They should attend any functions that are related to the industry. Having a good resume and a portfolio will be an added advantage. Looking for the very best photographers to work with can also be helpful because such people might come in handy. They can help in getting some of your best photos in print. Another very important matter is getting to work with modeling agencies that work with models in the industry. Such agencies can get you your first professional contract. Fitness modeling is not easy work but if you really know what you want, you can work your way to the top.
Visit our site for more information on fitness modeling.


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