Is it your dream to become a male fitness model? If you do then it is a given that you have to work hard.
You will also need to be able to network and promote yourself to the correct crowd.
What else do you need to do to achieve your goal of becoming a male fitness model? The following tips will help.
What Is Fitness Modelling?
There are some that think that bodybuilding and being a fitness model are the same, but they are not.
A bodybuilder like Phil Heath will have a totally different physique to a fitness model like Lazar Angelov.
Fitness models will not have as much muscle mass as even a natural bodybuilder, and are often blessed in the looks department (Although this isn’t always the case).
While their physiques will be different there are some comparisons to be made.
For example, while a bodybuilder will need to reach their peak in time for a competition, a fitness model will need to peak in time for a photo shoot.
As a fitness model will have less muscle mass to maintain there is less need to use anabolic steroids.
This is not to say that all bodybuilders use steroids, or that all fitness models avoid them. But you can look at their physiques yourself and come to your own conclusions.
Tips To Become A Male Fitness Model
Now that we now the difference between bodybuilding and being a fitness model we can look at how you can become one:
#1: You Need To Plan Everything
Our first tip is to ensure you make concrete plans for your success.
You need to understand that to become a fitness model you will need to workout 6-7 days a week. You will also need to plan what you are eating, prepare these meals, plus work on expanding your profile.
Obviously these things take time, which can be difficult if you have a full time job already.
Now, I’m not advocating that you quit your job in search of your dream. But you need to be aware that in order to fit in all of these must-need activities you need to plan your time well.
#2: Take Control Of Your Diet
What you eat is key to how much muscle you gain, and how much fat you are able to lose.
Fitness models must be able to maintain muscle, while also keeping a low body fat percentage. Failure to do so will be terrible for your success.
Research has found that you should stick to the following macro amounts if you want to achieve this goal:
Protein = 2.3-3.1g per kg of lean body mass
Fat = 15-30% of total calories
Carbohydrates = Remaining calories from carbohydrates
Theres a lot of wiggle room in these amounts, and you most likely will need to experiment to ensure you are getting the results you want.
#3: Track Everything
If you are not tracking anything how are you supposed to know if you are making progress, or need to make changes to your current plan?
You will need to track not only your calorie intake, but the kind of foods consumed too. I would also recommend tracking your weight, along with progress pictures and measurements of your muscles.
#4: Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep is important as this is when your body recovers from exercise.
I would recommend that you get a minimum of 7 hours of good quality sleep every night. If you have had a particularly hard session in the gym then more maybe required.
#5: Be Smart With Your Training
Without going into too much detail about the various training programs it is important that you add in some periods of rest to ensure your muscles recover and grow.
As a potential fitness model you also need to make sure you do not skip any muscle groups, yes not even your legs.
If you want to start promoting other peoples products then you need to make sure you look “perfect”, from any angle the photo is taken.
#6: Take Appropriate Supplementation
It is certainly possible to get every nutrient you need through your diet alone.
However, think of it like this. What would be easier? Eating chicken all day, or supplementing your diet with a few protein shakes as well?
I would also recommend supplementing with creatine, and to take a good quality pre-workout to give you an extra bit of energy in the gym.
#7: Share Your Progress
If you want to become a fitness model then a great way of getting paid work is by building your own brand.
Once the big brands see that you have a big following on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook or Twitter then your chances of getting business from them will increase.
One of the best ways to build your brand is to share your journey. Perhaps if you are overweight, or just in ok shape and then your progress through to becoming a ripped fashion model, for example.
#8: Take Advantage
There are lots of little ways that you can gain success in this business.
From your training, to how you promote yourself, there are little things that you can that will set you apart from your competition.
For example, if you have a photographer friend you could share your skills in exchange for a photoshoot.
#9: Network
In tip #7 we spoke about the benefits of social media when it comes to becoming a fitness model.
Well, this tip is similar really. And will involve you networking with people in your industry, or potential clients.
You can train with other fitness models, perhaps appearing on their own social media accounts.
Making friends in the industry is a good idea, as if one of your friends does make it big, who do you think they will help? Thats right, you.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a fitness model will be difficult, and I will admit that not everyone who reads this will achieve their goal.
Maybe it will come down to genetics, but what I do know is that if you do not give 100% then you wont be a success.
Think about the sacrifices some of your idols have made to reach the top. Are you willing to do the same? If not then do not be surprised if you don’t make it.
Good luck with your journey! For more muscle building tips and motivation check out the Skinny2Fit website.