A lot of girls are asking me how to pursue fitness modeling career and where to start from. Because a day does not go by when I get asked these questions I thought it would be beneficial to many aspiring fitness models that I write a short article about how to break into the fitness model industry.

Being a fitness model won't make you rich but you will have exposure and heaps of fun doing presentations, photo shoots, commercials and featuring in magazines. 

What a Fitness Model is Not:

• A Fitness model is not a girl dressed in fitness clothes
• A Fitness model is not a model wearing gym gear
• A Fitness model is not someone who has been exercising just for 12 weeks
• A Fitness model is not a catwalk model who is marketing sports collection
• A Fitness model is not a swimwear or playboy model
• A Fitness model is not a girl who has been photographed
• Fitness model is not a bodybuilder who is training for bodybuilding contest, there is no need for a fitness model to have different stages of training like muscle bulking or getting too lean

What a Fitness Model Is:

• A Fitness model is person who looks fit and healthy, has muscle definition, and is feminine or athletic, sexy and attractive, commercial look and athletic body shape, and has a great smile
• A Fitness model is someone who is living a healthy lifestyle
• A Fitness model is someone working out in a gym and does various sports activities, who is constantly involved in the fitness industry as professional or contestant
• A Fitness model is someone who is hired to market fitness clothes, products, equipment or services in within the sports fitness industry
  
• A Fitness model is someone who remains tone and in shape throughout the year and be ready for photo shoot calls and signing new contracts or presentations.

What It Takes to be a Fitness Model

• Discipline
• Dedication
• Willpower
• Time management
  
• Consistent training
• Proper Diet
• Healthy lifestyle
• Ability to listen to constructive criticism 
• Goals and a plan
• Having a clear vision
  
• Staying positive even if being rejected
• Being a good role model 

Where to Start

• Get noticed. Fitness, figure and bodybuilding contests are good way to get noticed. Either compete, or attend. Depending on what sport you are involved if you would like to pursue career as fitness model in the world of bodybuilding you will need to choose the right category for your body type and take part in eiFigure, Bikini, Muscle or Fitness Sports model contests 
• Try sending your photos and info to some magazines, but don't get upset if you get rejected, there are many girls like you who keep sending their photo
• Get involved in internet photo contests and create profiles on modeling and fitness web sites, like http://www.MuscleMagFitness.ning.com
• Interact with other fitness professionals and media in the industry. Attend events, mixers, socials and expos.
• Participate in all fitness expos, events and workshops where the media
• Create good folio with fitness shots. Get involved in as many photo shoots as possible
• Try to work with the best fitness photographers in the industry, some of them may help you to publish some of your best photos as well
• Learn to create different and unique image of yourself
• Get modeling agency or agent to help you
• Market your self as product or even service if you have one to offer
• Know what you want and why you want it  

Mariya Mova