Becoming a fitness model doesn’t just mean showing off an impressive physique. Fitness model can inspire women around the world, encouraging others to become healthy and fit for life. Some of the top female fitness models are also able to make a rather lucrative income – with greater fame resulting in significantly higher earning potential.
Here is a look at the top ** female fitness models in the industry to help inspire the inner fitness model in you.
Kiana Tom
Kiana Tom began her career as a cheerleader for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. Today, the Hawaiian-born beauty is a television host, fitness expert, author, actress and business woman. In 1995, she created, hosted and co-produced her own fitness series, “Kiana’s Flex Appeal” for ESPN. The show was so successful that ESPN created more shows, including “Kiana’s Too Fit 2 Quit,” “Hot Summer Nights with Kiana,” and “Summer Sizzle with Kiana.” The 49-year-old was also cast in the Jean-Claude Van Damme film, “Universal Soldier: The Return.”
Kim Dolan Leto
Kim Dolan Leto is one of the most published fitness models to date. She also spreads her love of the industry through her writing at Yummy Mommy Fitness Oxygen to reach out to mothers who want to stay fit and healthy. She took part in her first fitness competition in October of 2000, and says she was hooked. In 2005, Kim landed her first Oxygen cover – and she was already over the age of 35. Since that time, she’s appeared on more than 11 fitness magazines and continues to juggle her role as a wife, mother and business owner.
Natalia Muntean
Natalia Muntean began her career in the fashion modeling industry before switching to fitness modeling in 2008. Between 2011 and 2013, she graced 17 fitness magazine covers and even signed on to be the fitness model for Muscle-Pharm in addition to becoming a columnist for more than seven different magazines around the world.
Jennifer Nicole Lee
Jennifer Nicole Lee is one of the most accomplished female fitness models in the world. She’s been featured on shows like “Oprah,” and the “CBS Early Morning Show” in addition to successfully landing more than 40 fitness covers. After giving birth to two children, she topped the scales at over 200 pounds but managed to lose 70 and was crowned “Miss Bikini America” in 1996 which launched her career. In 2012, CBS News named her “America’s Sexiest Fitness Mom.”
What it takes to become a fitness model
If you’d like to become a model like these successful female fitness models, your first goal will be to get into peak physical condition, by working out at least an hour a day concentrating on cardio, strength and flexibility exercises. You’ll also need to follow a strict diet that eliminates “junk” foods and focuses on lots of fruits and vegetables as well as lean proteins. Smoking cigarettes or doing drugs and even drinking alcohol of definite “no-nos” as they will negatively affect your health and fitness level. Seeking and heeding advice from those who have from successful fitness models can also help to give you a leg up on your competition.
Of course, fitness modeling is more than just physical appearance, you’ll need to learn how to properly pose, how to create a professional portfolio and how to approach various casting agencies. By being diligent about taking care of your body and learning all you can about the business, you too may be able to make a living inspiring others to become fit and healthy.