Fitness Modeling

I can almost hear you saying, ‘That could be me on that cover. I look better than he/she does!’ You have the look, the body and the drive, but how do you make your way through the maze of obstacles that stand between all of your hard work in the gym and your landing an IRONMAN cover? How do you get the right people to see you?

That’s the purpose of this series in Mind/Body Connection. I hope to offer advice that will lead you down the right path. In case you don’t know who I am, allow me to provide a little background information.

I spent two years on ‘Kiana’s Flex Appeal’; I’ve been on more than 30 magazine covers; I host my own show, ‘American Health & Fitness’; and I’ve had lucrative endorsement contracts. I mention that to prove I’m qualified to answer your questions.

I’ve made a good living for the past six years solely on my efforts as a fitness model and television personality. Not many people can say that. I have struggled along the way, but I don’t give up easily. I think that’s the main reason for my success. Many aspiring fitness models think the magazines should bow to them. That’s a huge mistake. Don’t make it.

The first resource I’ve made available is You Too Can Be a Fitness Model. The book came about after a brainstorming session with my close friend Jason Ellis, a successful photographer. It chronicles my career and offers advice from other professionals on both sides of the camera. Monica Brant wrote a tell-all chapter, and art directors, photographers, producers and many excellent sources discuss what they feel successful fitness models are made of.

I will be fielding any questions you may have on how to market yourself, how to prepare for a photo shoot, how to be seen and many more related topics. My goal is to help you find some of the success that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.

You might be asking, ‘Why would you create competition for yourself?’ I don’t see it that way. I feel that helping others is a good way to live your life.

I can’t promise anything other than an honest insider’s view on how to make it in this competitive industry. I do know one thing: There’s a whole lot of undiscovered talent out there that deserves to be seen’and that may include you.

Editor’s note: Send your questions to [email protected]. His new book, You Too Can Be a Fitness Model, is available from Home Gym Warehouse, 1-800-447-0008 or visit www.home-gym.com.