Fitness Models vs. Fitness Competitors

I've had first hand experience with both of these roles and they often get confused in the fitness industry. Fitness Models can be Fitness Competitors and vice versa, but it doesn't always happen that way. We could go on about this topic forever, but I am going to explain it as a Business Owner and what I look for in models for my own brand.

Photographer: Jessi McConnell @jessthesnapper

So Fitness Competitors are athletes who compete in bikini modeling competitions usually in body building shows. Their goal is to succeed in shows at the elite level and some fitness competitors delve into the print modeling world. Other fitness competitors (bikini, figure and/or physique) do not pursue the modeling aspect of the fitness industry. Fitness Models can be fitness competitors, this is often how people get started, but you don't have to do a competition to model. If you want endorsements and brand ambassador opportunities, competing seems like the way to go! For my own clothing line, I do not necessarily look for competitors.

From a business owner's perspective, the image of my brand is very important to me. I want to encourage a balanced and healthy lifestyle to women. I do have ambassadors who are competitors, but they are so much more than that. When I ask for their biographies, I look at their lifestyle as a whole and inquire about their philosophies for women's fitness. If they do compete, I pay close attention to what they do in their "off-season," not just before they step on the stage.

Photographer: Jessi McConnell @jessthesnapper

For photo shoots, I don't always want the "ripped" look. I love giving REAL and HEALTHY women an opportunity to represent my brand because that's what it's all about! I also seek out women who have taken the time to do a few photo shoots. There are a lot of "fit" people on social media posting gym selfies. As a brand owner, this doesn't grab my attention to reach out those people. What grabs my attention is women who take the time to practice and show interest in wanting to be in front of the camera. It is always much easier for photographers and creative directors to work with women who have even a little experience and understand how the process works.

Being reliable and personable go a long way! You will see a lot of my close friends and people from my circle in my photos. I need to be able to count on my models to show up. Plain and Simple. I also do not have time for divas and drama, so if I know a bit about your personality it does matter! Last point, do not be afraid to reach out to local brands or brands you LOVE. I do not know that you want to model for my brand if you don't show interest. And I typically reach out to people who show an interest in my clothing!

Hope you enjoyed today's topic and the inside scoop of my world!

Kelsey xo