How to Become a Fitness Model, According to Real Fitness Models
Fitness modeling is a fun job, but it’s also a really hard one.

So, you want to be a fitness model? Apparently, you’re not alone.
According to Google’s recently released data on what the world is searching for on the Internet,
there’s a lot of interest in becoming a fitness model. You know,
as in those people who make deadlifting their body weight and doing pull-ups look absolutely effortless.
From the outside, it doesn’t really seem like that hard a job,
especially if you’re already really into fitness. But we decided to talk to some real fitness models to find out what it’s like to work in the industry.
You might be surprised just how much hard work goes into it.

Who are the Top Fitness Models?

To give you a better sense of what it takes, let’s take a closer look at some of the top fitness models in the world.
Female Fitness Models

Jennifer Nicole Lee: Known as JNL to her fans,
she is arguably one of the most successful female fitness models in the industry. With numerous fitness magazine covers,
swimsuit calendars,
and endorsements, as well as branded workout DVDs and books,
JNL is considered the gold standard for fitness modeling.
She also has a compelling backstory; she weighed 200 pounds after the birth of her second child,
and then lost 70 pounds to be crowned Miss Bikini America.

Michelle Lewin: A former nurse turned top female fitness model,
Lewin hails from Venezuela and has 14 million followers on social media.
With her strong, healthy physique and gorgeous looks,
Lewin has scored partnerships with workout brands and health companies,
as well as her own range of workout equipment and a line of supplements.

How Do I Create a Fitness Model Portfolio?
A well-crafted fitness model portfolio can make or break your foray into fitness modeling.
Fitness model agencies are looking for fitness models who photograph well and know how to frame their body for the best shot,
and have a good online fitness model portfolio featuring their best shots. Here’s how to get yours going:
Choose the Right Online Portfolio
Go for for a website builder that will showcase your photographs in an appealing, accessible way. Make sure to pick an online portfolio with fresh, modern themes, to show off your best fitness modeling shots, and Instagram integration,
so you can feature any amazing Insta pics on your portfolio. A built-in online store is also great, as it allows you to sell branded merch to your fans. A good website builder will make it simple for you to adjust features on your site with just a few clicks,
no coding required, so you can upload beautiful images in a matter of minutes and build your fitness modeling brand.
Need some inspiration? Look up other model portfolios to get a sense of what works and take notes on what other fitness models are doing to showcase their work online.

Practice Your Fitness Modeling Poses
If you want to learn how to be a model, you have to get your fitness model poses down! Posing in photographs can feel a bit unnatural at first, especially if you’re trying to highlight your muscles or build. There are so many options when it comes to posing, from full frontal to profile to seated. Finding the right pose as a female model or a male model that highlights your body can take practice.

Don’t be afraid to try a few different poses so you can feel confident in front of the camera and create great shots for your fitness model portfolio. Look at the top fitness models on Instagram and other social media to get a sense of how they pose and frame their shots.