Models play a pivotal role in advertisement initiatives across various domains. In the fitness and sports realm, employers and clients seek proficient, energetic fitness or sports models proficient in endorsing their merchandise. If you possess a robust physique, an affinity for exercise, and relish posing for commercial photoshoots, a career as a fitness model could be an ideal match. In this article, we explore the role of a fitness model, understand the average compensation, and learn about the path to becoming one.
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Fitness models showcase athletic gear and attire in photo shoots. They create successful product promotional images collaborating with designers, photographers, and cosmetologists. Typically, fitness models are physically fit, healthy, and often photographed engaging in athletic or wellness activities. They commonly sign contracts with agencies, which assist them in securing jobs and advancing their careers. Fitness models promote a wide array of products such as athletic footwear, sports equipment, yoga essentials, swimwear, and water bottles.
Specific responsibilities of a fitness model include:
On average, a model in the United States earns $23.20 per hour. Although, salary estimates can vary from $7.25 to $75.95 per hour. These estimates are obtained from 1,203 salaries shared anonymously by industry employees and platform users on Indeed. Additional data was collated from previous and current job advertisements on Indeed during the last 36 months.
Models receive payment per job, thus a model securing more clients will draw a larger salary. A majority of fitness models earn between $40,000 and $70,000 per annum based on their modelling schedule.
There exist multiple paths to becoming a fitness model. Let’s delve into a variety of options to kickstart your fitness modelling career:
Regardless of the modelling pathway you select, it’s crucial to gain practical experience in modelling. This can stem from multiple sources, with the simplest being personal practice. Rope in a friend to take pictures while you practise striking various poses. Understanding how your body appears on camera is pivotal to determine the optimal poses for showcasing different products. Converse with a local photography studio, fitness centre, or athletic brand, and offer your modelling services free of charge. This will equip you with beneficial experience and potentially, pictures for your portfolio.
A portfolio, next to experience, becomes your invaluable asset as a model. A portfolio comprises either a physical or a digital collection of your exceptional photos. It should showcase your talent, flexibility, and adaptability as a model. Usually, when starting your career, your photos would be captured by novice photographers. However, aim to organise photoshoots with seasoned industry photographers, if possible. Their photos would tend to be of higher quality and the client recognising their name could work in your favour.
Over recent years, many fitness models have been scouted on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and VSCO. Establishing a successful online presence demands time but can be exceptionally rewarding. Regularly post your modelling pictures on diverse platforms and remember to tag the brands featured in the shots. Given luck and professionalism in your photos, the brand may repost your picture on their account. A growing follower-base and wider exposure of your pictures will potentially result in an agency or fitness brand inviting you for an interview.
One method that has proven effective for modelling hopefuls is entering modelling contests. Metropolitan areas frequently hold swimsuit or fitness modelling events, visited by model scouts and agents. Register for events in your vicinity and make sure to bring your portfolio or a business card. Even without securing a spot, earning attention from modeling professionals in attendance is likely. Competitions also serve as excellent networking opportunities, so take the time to introduce yourself and interact with other participants.
Identifying your unique characteristics that distinguish you from other models becomes one of the ultimate strategies. Are you distinctively tall, muscular or inked? Do you have experience modelling in challenging weather conditions or with specialised athletic gear? Perhaps, you’re passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle or supporting sports programs in schools. All these factors can form part of your personal brand. Deciding on the type of model you aspire to be can ease the process of marketing yourself to specific clients.
Fitness models face less rigorous physical demands compared to runway models. Clients hire fitness models of various heights, builds, and body types. Predominantly, fitness models are physically robust, lean, and muscular. Numerous employers seek commercial models who can appeal to a broad audience. Fitness models may be asked to perform a variety of physical activities during a photoshoot, such as running, jumping, swimming, or weight-lifting.
Fitness models might pose for both indoor and outdoor shoots. Indoor shoots are staged in a studio featuring props, set pieces, and artificial lighting. Outdoor photoshoots generally occur away from the studio, so travel may be involved to a particular location. Usually, models work for extended hours and undergo multiple outfit changes. The brand or the studio organising the shoot typically caters for the models and the crew. Dependending on the shoot, a model may be required to pose for the same photographer over several consecutive days.
Certain professional skills benefit fitness models, which include:
