How to Become a Fitness Model (Height, Diet, Income) in 2024
To become a fitness model, one must first focus on building a strong, healthy physique that aligns with industry standards.
So you want to become a fitness model? This fitness model career path isn’t just about being fit; it’s about embodying the lifestyle, discipline, and aesthetics of fitness in a way that inspires and attracts attention.
Oh yeah, and it’s about looking a certain way…
What are the standard fitness model requirements?
To become a model for top agencies, you’ll need to possess unique features that set you apart. Like many leading editorial agencies, the typical requirements for female models include heights of 5’9 to 6’1 and ages between 16 and 25. Male models are generally expected to be between 6’1 and 6’3, with ages ranging from 16 to 29. (Example: Ford Model Requirements)
Ideal fitness model measurements can vary greatly from brand to brand; however, here are some general fitness model size guidelines. This table highlights typical body measurements for fitness models.
| Gender | Bust/Chest | Waist | Hips/Inseam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Women | Bust: 34-35 inches | Waist: 26-27 inches | Hips: 36-37 inches |
| Men | Chest: 38-40 inches | Waist: 32-34 inches | Inseam: 32-34 inches |
However, many agencies are open to submissions from individuals of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds. These standards are generally a carryover from fashion modeling, and fitness modeling standards are more flexible.
In fact, many of the most successful female fitness influencers and the most successful male fitness influencers don’t fit within those fitness model height and age “requirements”!
So, what if you don’t meet those model height and age requirements; can you still become a successful fitness model?
Yes!
With the rise of the Internet and the power of social media, there are more opportunities than ever to break into the fitness industry. Whether you’re looking to become a fitness model, become a fitness influencer, or start a fitness business, online platforms allow you to build your brand and connect with audiences directly.
Sure, being represented by a professional fitness modeling agency like Next, Elite, IMG, Ford, etc. is great, and having a professional fitness model portfolio is helpful.
Source: Example Fitness Model Portfolio – Noelle Martinez
But social media channels make it easier than ever to showcase your fitness model journey!
Source: Noelle Martinez – Instagram
And software tools like Exercise.com with the best software for fitness influencers and the best apps for personal trainers provide everything you need to create, market, and manage your own fitness brand. This digital landscape opens up limitless possibilities for those ready to take control of their fitness career.
For fitness professionals, aspiring fitness models, or online fitness professionals who want to become a fitness influencer and then promote their brand through fitness modeling, understanding the steps to break into the fitness modeling industry is crucial.
These fitness model market statistics below demonstrate the increasing importance of digital platforms, fitness modeling jobs, and software tools like Exercise.com in shaping the future of the fitness industry by helping you make a fitness app that is custom branded to your personal fitness brand (check out the best white label fitness app builder software review to learn more), learn how to become an online fitness coach, or monetize your fitness influence by selling workout plans online, and more.
| Statistic | Data | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Global fitness industry revenue | $96 billion (2023) | IHRSA Global Report |
| Annual growth rate of the fitness industry | 7.7% CAGR (2023-2027) | Statista |
| Average income for fitness models in the U.S. | $40,000 to $70,000 per year | ZipRecruiter |
| Estimated income for top fitness influencers (per post) | $5,000 to $25,000 per post for top-tier influencers | Influencer Marketing Hub |
| Percentage of fitness models hired through social media | 67% of fitness models are scouted through social media | Social Talent |
| Fitness app market size | $13.78 billion (2023) | Fortune Business Insights |
| Percentage of fitness professionals using fitness business management software | 78% of fitness professionals use software like Exercise.com | Club Industry Report |
| Growth of the fitness influencer market | Expected to reach $22.2 billion by 2025 | Business Insider |
| Fitness-related content consumption on Instagram | Fitness is one of the top 5 content categories on Instagram | Hootsuite Social Media Trends Report |
| Growth of online fitness training programs | 18% annual growth rate of online fitness training services | IBISWorld Industry Report |
There are many ways to make money from fitness and becoming a fitness model is one of the ways to make money from your physique.
In the fitness modeling world, your physique, online presence, and professional network are your greatest assets. Platforms like Exercise.com are invaluable for fitness professionals aiming to showcase their expertise, manage their business, and grow their online presence effectively.
Exercise.com, as the best gym management software is also the best software for fitness influencers to make money as a fitness influencer and run their entire business. The platform offers tools for creating and sharing workout plans, tracking client progress, and engaging with a community that could be pivotal for someone looking to become a fitness model.
Now, let’s dive into the steps to become a fitness model, emphasizing the strategic use of professional tools like Exercise.com.
Step #1 – Sculpt Your Fitness Model Physique
Building a physique that meets fitness modeling standards is your first step. This means focusing on balanced muscle development, low body fat levels, and overall physical health. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about embodying a healthy, fit lifestyle, and dialing in “your look”.
- Consistent Training: Follow a well-structured training program that emphasizes both muscle growth and definition.
- Balanced Nutrition: Adopt a nutrition plan that supports your fitness goals and keeps your body in peak condition.
- Regular Assessments: Use tools like Exercise.com to track your progress, adjust your workouts, and ensure you’re on the right path to achieving your ideal physique while monetizing your fitness followers.
With Exercise.com, fitness professionals can tailor workout programs to specific modeling goals, monitor progress through comprehensive analytics, send fitness assessments to clients with their own custom branded fitness app, and adjust strategies as needed. This level of customization and tracking is crucial for anyone serious about breaking into fitness modeling and then monetizing their audience.
Step #2 – Develop a Strong Portfolio
A compelling portfolio showcases your physique, versatility, and ability to project the fitness lifestyle. It’s your visual resume in the modeling world.
Example Fitness Model Portfolio – Liberty Netuschil
Source: Otto Models – Liberty Netuschil
- Professional Photoshoots: Invest in high-quality photos that highlight your physique in various fitness and lifestyle settings.
- Diverse Content: Include a range of images that show off your versatility, from workout shots to lifestyle and apparel.
- Online Presence: Utilize platforms like Exercise.com to share your portfolio, gain visibility, and engage with a community interested in fitness and wellness.
Exercise.com can serve as a powerful platform for building and sharing your portfolio, connecting with potential clients, sponsors, or modeling agencies, and showcasing your fitness journey and achievements.
Step #3 – Network and Build Your Brand
Networking is key in the fitness modeling industry. Building a strong personal brand and connecting with the right people can open doors to modeling opportunities.
- Social Media Engagement: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share your fitness journey, connect with followers, and attract industry attention.
- Industry Events: Attend fitness expos, competitions, and workshops to meet industry professionals and other models.
- Brand Partnerships: Collaborate with fitness brands, gyms, and wellness companies to expand your reach and credibility.
Leveraging Exercise.com, you can not only manage your business efficiently but also engage with a broader community, share expert content, and establish yourself as a trusted fitness authority, which is essential for building a strong personal brand in the modeling world.
Step #4 – Seek Professional Representation
While self-promotion is vital, having professional representation can significantly boost your career prospects. Learning how to be a fitness model that can promote themselves is important, but a reputable fitness modeling agent or agency can provide access to high-profile fitness modeling gigs and guide your fitness modeling career development.
- Research Agencies: Look for agencies known for representing fitness models and understand their requirements.
- Professional Approach: When contacting agencies, be professional, concise, and ready to showcase your portfolio and social media presence.
- Continuous Engagement: Even after securing representation, remain proactive in your self-promotion efforts and collaborations.
Exercise.com can assist in this step by providing a platform to manage and display your professional achievements, making it easier to attract and communicate with potential agents.
Best Fitness Modeling Agencies
If you’re looking to break into the fitness modeling industry, finding the right agency can make all the difference. Fitness modeling agencies connect talent with lucrative fitness modeling jobs, helping aspiring models build their portfolios and secure work with top fitness brands. In this article, weāll explore some of the best fitness model agencies and what they offer to help you land fitness model jobs that align with your career goals.
| Agency Name | Location | Specialization | Website | Notable Clients | Application Process |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilhelmina Models | New York, USA | Fitness and Fashion | wilhelmina.com | Nike, Under Armour | Online submission |
| Sports + Lifestyle Unlimited | Portland, USA | Sports and Fitness | theoptionagency.com | Adidas, Reebok | Online and in-person |
| Ford Models | Global | Fashion and Fitness | fordmodels.com | Puma, Lululemon | Portfolio review |
| MP Management | Global | Fitness and Lifestyle | mpmanagement.pl | Various fitness brands | Online submission |
| BMA Models | London, UK | Commercial and Fitness | bmamodels.com | Fitness First, Adidas | Online application |
| Next Model Management | Global | Fashion and Fitness | nextmodels.com | Various athletic brands | In-person auditions |
These fitness model agencies can help you find fitness modeling jobs by connecting you with top brands in the fitness industry. Make sure to choose the fitness model agency that aligns with your specific goals and offers opportunities in fitness model jobs that match your interests and experience level.
Step #5 – Embrace Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The fitness and modeling industries are ever-evolving. Staying informed about the latest fitness trends, modeling demands, and brand opportunities is crucial for longevity in the field.
- Skill Development: Attend workshops and courses to improve your modeling skills, fitness knowledge, and social media marketing.
- Market Trends: Keep an eye on industry trends to adapt your training, portfolio, and personal brand accordingly.
- Feedback and Growth: Use platforms like Exercise.com to gather feedback, analyze your performance, and continuously refine your approach.
Becoming a fitness model requires more than just a great physique; it demands dedication, strategic branding, and effective networking. You could even consider learning how to become a personal trainer, getting one of the best personal trainer certifications, and then learning how to start an online personal training business that monetizes your online audience that you’ve acquired through your fitness modeling career.
Utilizing a comprehensive platform like Exercise.com can significantly enhance your ability to manage and grow your fitness business, showcase your achievements, and connect with the right opportunities in the modeling world. To explore how Exercise.com can support your journey to becoming a fitness model, get a demo now!
Ways to Make Money as a Fitness Model Online
The digital era has unlocked countless opportunities for fitness models to monetize their online presence and expertise. Leveraging your fitness modeling career online involves combining your passion for fitness with smart business strategies and learning how fitness influencers make money. Platforms like Exercise.com offer a comprehensive suite of tools designed to make money as a fitness influencer, gym owner, personal trainer, fitness coach, or other fitness professional.
The platform can help fitness professionals manage their business, engage with their audience, and monetize their skills effectively. From personalized training plans to digital content creation, the potential to generate income is vast. Here are 25 innovative ways to make money as a fitness model online:
- Personalized Training Programs: Offer custom workout plans tailored to individual goals, using Exercise.com’s platform for program creation and delivery.
- Online Fitness Coaching: Provide one-on-one coaching sessions via video calls, with scheduling and payments handled through the best online fitness coaching software with Exercise.com.
- Membership Sites: Create a subscription-based community offering exclusive content, workouts, and Q&A sessions, using Exercise.com’s membership management features.
- Fitness E-books and Guides: Write and sell e-books on fitness topics, from workout routines to nutrition guides, promoted through your Exercise.com profile.
- Workout Videos and Series: Produce and sell access to pre-recorded workout video series, utilizing Exercise.com for hosting and sales.
- Affiliate Marketing: Partner with fitness brands to promote products and earn commissions, leveraging your Exercise.com blog and social media integration for promotions.
- Virtual Fitness Workshops: Host live online workshops and seminars, with registrations and payments facilitated by Exercise.com.
- Fitness Modeling Courses: Teach aspiring fitness models about the industry, posing techniques, and personal branding, using Exercise.com to deliver course content.
- Nutrition Plans: Develop and sell personalized nutrition plans to complement your training programs, managed through Exercise.com’s platform.
- Brand Ambassadorships: Collaborate with fitness and wellness brands as an influencer, using your Exercise.com profile to showcase partnerships.
- Fitness Challenges: Organize online fitness challenges with entry fees and prizes, using Exercise.com to track participants’ progress.
- Merchandise Sales: Sell branded merchandise, from apparel to workout gear, through your Exercise.com online store.
- Sponsored Content: Create sponsored blog posts, videos, or social media content for brands, promoted through your Exercise.com integrated platforms.
- Online Fitness Competitions: Host virtual competitions, leveraging Exercise.com for registrations, the best fitness leaderboard software, and prize distributions.
- Mobile Fitness Apps: Collaborate with developers to create fitness apps, using Exercise.com’s API for content and program integration.
- Yoga and Pilates Classes: Offer specialized classes online, utilizing Exercise.com’s video streaming and scheduling capabilities.
- Corporate Wellness Programs: Design and implement wellness programs for businesses, managed and tracked through Exercise.com.
- Fitness Photography and Portfolio Services: Provide photography services for other fitness professionals, showcasing your work on your Exercise.com profile.
- Virtual Personal Shopping: Assist clients in selecting the right workout gear and supplements, with recommendations available through Exercise.com.
- Fitness Podcasts: Host a podcast discussing fitness topics, with Exercise.com integration for listener engagement and support.
- Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions: Offer online sessions focusing on mental wellness, utilizing Exercise.com for scheduling and payments.
- Physical Therapy and Rehab Guides: Create and sell guides for injury prevention and recovery, leveraging Exercise.com’s platform for content delivery.
- Athletic Performance Coaching: Offer specialized coaching for athletes, with progress tracking and program adjustments through Exercise.com.
- Online Dance Fitness Classes: Teach dance-based fitness routines, using Exercise.com to stream classes and manage bookings.
- Fitness Retreat and Event Planning: Organize and promote virtual or destination fitness retreats, with registrations handled through Exercise.com.
By diversifying your income streams and leveraging the power of Exercise.com, you can maximize your earning potential as a fitness model online. This platform not only simplifies business management and content delivery but also helps you engage with your audience in a meaningful way. Whether you’re creating personalized training programs, hosting workshops, or collaborating with brands, Exercise.com offers the tools you need to succeed. To explore how you can transform your fitness modeling career into a thriving online business, book a demo with Exercise.com today.
How much do fitness models earn?
Earnings for fitness models can vary widely based on their experience, the brands they work with, and the scope of the projects. Some top models can earn significant amounts, particularly if they land contracts with major brands like Nike or Gymshark.
Read More:
Can anyone become a fitness model?
Yes, anyone with dedication to maintaining a fit physique and a professional attitude can aspire to become a fitness model. However, success in the industry often requires more than just physical fitness, including networking, branding, and sometimes, a bit of luck.
Is it hard to be a fitness model?
Being a fitness model can be challenging due to the competitive nature of the industry and the high standards for physical appearance. Consistent training, a strict diet, and a professional portfolio are essential to stand out.
How do I turn my body into a fitness model?
To transform your body into a fitness model, focus on a balanced diet and a rigorous exercise regimen that includes strength training, cardiovascular workouts, and flexibility exercises. Consistency and discipline are key.
Who is the richest fitness model?
Identifying the richest fitness model can be difficult as their incomes can come from various sources, including sponsorships, modeling contracts, and personal businesses. Well-known models often have higher earnings.
Read More: Richest Fitness Influencers
How much does Gymshark pay models?
The amount Gymshark pays models can vary based on their popularity, the nature of the campaign, and the contract terms. High-profile models or influencers with a large following might command higher fees.
Read More: How much does Gymshark pay models?
What body type is the fitness model?
Fitness models typically showcase a well-defined, muscular, and lean physique. However, there’s diversity within the industry, and different brands may look for various body types depending on their target audience.
What do fitness models eat?
Fitness models often follow a strict diet rich in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. They typically avoid processed foods and maintain a balanced intake to support their training needs.
Can I be a fitness model at 30?
Yes, you can become a fitness model at 30. The fitness modeling industry values healthy, fit physiques, and age can be less of a barrier compared to fashion modeling.
Read More: Best Fitness Influencers in Their 30’s
Can I be a fitness model at 40?
Absolutely, becoming a fitness model at 40 is possible. Many brands and campaigns appreciate mature models who represent fitness at different life stages. You can learn how to become a fitness model over 40 by learning from other over 40 fitness models and over 40 fitness transformations.
Read More: Best Fitness Influencers in Their 40’s
Can I be a fitness model at 50?
Yes, it’s feasible to pursue a career as a fitness model at 50. There’s a growing market for fitness inspiration from all age groups, showcasing that fitness doesn’t have an age limit. You can learn how to become a fitness model over 50 by learning from both male and female fitness models over 50 who are reinventing themselves with technology. Some of the best male fitness models over 50 include Gregory Siff, Mark Wahlberg, Clark Bartram, Mike O’Hearn, and Tony Horton, all of whom continue to inspire others with their dedication to health, fitness, and longevity well into their later years. Some of the best female fitness models over 50 include Yasmina Rossi, Ellen Ector, Wendy Ida, Ernestine Shepherd, and Joan MacDonald, all of whom have become inspiring figures in the fitness world for maintaining strength, health, and vitality while breaking age-related stereotypes. These inspirational over 50 male fitness models and women fitness models over 50 can help you craft your own inspirational journey.
Read More: Best Fitness Influencers in Their 50’s
How tall are fitness models?
Fitness models can vary in height, and there isn’t a strict fitness model height and weight requirement like in fashion modeling. What matters most is the physique and how well they represent the brand or product.
How much does an Instagram fitness model make?
Earnings for an Instagram fitness model can vary greatly depending on their follower count, engagement rate, and the partnerships they secure. Top influencers can make significant incomes per sponsored post.
Read More: How to Monetize Your Fitness Instagram Account
How do I become a male fitness model?
To become a male fitness model, focus on building a lean, muscular physique, create a professional portfolio, and network within the industry. Social media presence can also help in gaining visibility. Work hard on your fitness model training and build relationships with those in the industry.
Read More: Best Male Fitness Influencers
How do I become a female fitness model?
Aspiring female fitness models should focus on achieving a fit and toned body, develop a strong portfolio, and network with agencies and brands. Building a following on platforms like Instagram can also be beneficial.
Read More: Best Female Fitness Influencers
How do I become a fitness model on Instagram?
To become a fitness model on Instagram, consistently post high-quality content that showcases your fitness journey, engage with your audience, and collaborate with fitness brands for visibility.
How do I become a fitness model for Nike?
To become a fitness model for Nike, it helps to have a strong portfolio, professional representation, and a significant social media presence. Attending open casting calls or networking events can also provide opportunities.
How do I become a fitness model for Gymshark?
Becoming a fitness model for Gymshark involves building a noticeable online presence, particularly on social media, networking within the fitness community, and aligning your personal brand with Gymshark’s values.
How can I make money as a fitness model?
Fitness models can make money through modeling contracts, brand sponsorships, affiliate marketing, personal training, and creating and selling fitness-related content or merchandise.
