Saturday, December 17, 2011

Male Models Don't Eat ... Sugar

Well, maybe sometimes they do, but most male models have cut way down on their sugar intake in order to keep the muscles building and the energy flowing. There really is no question about it - if you're planning on pursuing a modeling career you're going to have to cut down on your sugar intake considerably to make a go of it.

Why is sugar a no-no?

If you have never studied the effects of sugar on a person's body before, that will have to become a part of your modeling education. Sugar has a devastating effect on anybody, but even more so on male models that plan on maintaining the perfect body.

While sugar seems to give you energy, it actually takes it away. When you first see sugar you'll experience a sudden energy rush that is immediately followed by a crash. This crash of energy can last a lot longer than you'd want it to - especially if it's your time to work out.

While energy drinks that are commonly sold in supermarkets and convenience stores seem enticing, they are actually loaded with sugar and caffeine that will inevitably lead to an energy crash. Male models don't reach for a candy bar or sugared energy drink when they need to get moving. There are food and drink options including protein bars and vegetable drinks that will give you sustained energy. 

Don't have a protein bar around? Cook a couple of eggs and serve it with some whole wheat toast and a glass of homemade squeezed juice. This is the kind of thing that male models would do.

Time to empty the cupboards 

It's time to take a second look at the food that you currently have stocked in your cupboard. You may have bought a healthy looking cereal in your grocery store that seemed to be a great alternative to all of the other sugar-laden cereals being promoted. Look again. Just because the box says it is healthy and sugar isn't the number one ingredient, it may be high on the list. The healthy cereal you're currently eating may not be all it's cracked up to be.
It's time to take a look through your cupboards and examine the ingredients in the foods you're eating to double check that you are not getting a sugar overdose at some of your meals.
Male models know that eating healthy is a part of their career and learn to embrace this lifestyle. If you're ready to take the next step forward and become a male model you'll have to do the same. Heck, it wouldn't be a bad idea to do this even if you decide to choose another career path!

Here's a great spot spoofing just this, from our friend, Ronnie Kroell for Andrew Christian.  

 

Happy Holidays!  Don't get crazy!!

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Right Mindset

If you truly want to be a model, you're going to have to assume the right mindset. You can develop all the muscles you want and be a handsome brute of a man but it will all mean nothing if you're not ready to get in the game. As you'll learn, you need the body, along with the right mindset, to become a winner.

So What Is The Right Mindset?
To be a serious male model you have to think like a super-model. You have to understand why you are modeling for a career and then offer up what you have to give. To understand the right frame of mind, you'll need to first understand the wrong kind.

If you are entering the modeling field to be noticed and recognized, you're not going to make it - period. Likewise, if money is your motivation, you're going to be in for serious disappointment. Any model that is worth his salt has paid his dues to reach his final purpose. Purpose cannot be money or influence. It has to be something more - much more - and unique.

Valid Purpose:
Some men decide to be a model because they love being photographed, to bring out the best in themselves and share it with others. That, of course, is fine. Other men use photography as an art form of communicating with others. Fine, as well. As long as the purpose is not self-centered on personal gain and ego alone, you have a chance of making it big. 

Let's take the example of a lawyer. If he enters the field of law simply to make a lot of money and become famous, how long do you think his career is going to last? A lawyer needs to have a higher purpose in order to reach his secondary goals of fame and money. He needs to love the practice of law with every fiber of his body to become one of the top-notch lawyers that gets recognized.

See The Picture:
You need to sit down and think about what your purpose is for becoming the best model out there. Throw aside the fame and fortune and concentrate on what you really want to accomplish in your life. This way, you'll know if modeling is really something you want to do with your life.

When you get behind the camera you'll need to have the purpose and the right mindset behind your perfect body. This is the only way you will become one of the best models in the business and have a chance for success. If you want to be a model, you'll have to think like one and have the determination to achieve that ultimate purpose that leads you to your reach your goals.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Be A Pro Male Model - Getting Your Start

This advice explains the steps necessary to be a male model who is successful.

1) First of all men that want to model should be certain that they have marketable qualities. It is reasonable that all people consider themselves good looking, however you must realize that you need to make a remarkable impression. You don't need to be breathtakingly beautiful but you must have something special so the product you are marketing will stay on the consumer's mind.

2) Then you must figure out the type of model you are hoping to become. There are many different types of models besides high fashion models, such as models that appear in department store advertisements. Those models are also very well paid. Models like these are the type that are making commercials for Best Buy, or posing in newspaper advertisements with cracker boxes in their hands. These particular guys work in the field of Commercial Print Models. These are the guys who are considered the men next door. The average person feels a connection to these men because Commercial models don't have to be as tall as fashion models. Height requirements differ for fashion and commercial print significantly, in fashion, 5'11" is generally accepted, but 6' may be required at certain agencies, while in commercial print 5'6" is perfectly acceptable.

3) The next thing is to have a professional photo shoot. There are agencies for which you won't have to have a professional photo when you sign up, but I can attest to the fact that they're usually helpful. Sometimes local photographers are trying to create a profession portfolio of their own and are looking for models to do a TF shoot. Often they will give you pictures in exchange for your modeling. Be cautious! Do not trust people who claim that they are professional photographers. Consider their professional references and their portfolios. Professional photos are a big expense, usually at least $800.00, because this is a large amount, I strongly advise not spending the money on photos.

4) After you have decent pictures taken, you need to send your pictures to various agencies all over the world. Casting agency directories are available that can help ambitious people find work in commercials, TV shows and movies.

5) If all goes well, you will receive an invitation from an agency to meet with them. It is vital to dress appropriately and arrive well before the scheduled appointment time. Designer jeans and a tailored shirt with black shoes typically are a good option. The agents are not looking for a perfect GQ model, but they want a natural look. They hope to find out who you really are.

6) If all goes well, a reputable agency scout will sign you to a contract. Make sure that the contract specifies that a large portion of the money is for the model while a small commission goes to the agency. NO AGENCY FEES FOR REPRESENTATION! In some cases, there could be a charge of a maximum of $200.00 in order to include your link on their website and a certain amount of money to print out comp cards, but that is all that you should expect. If you are persuaded by your agency to spend money for photos or pay them a fee each month then you should get away from them. You do not need to sign with one of the very first agencies that comes to you.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Underwear Models - The Full Brief

Men who model underwear need to be dedicated and in good physical shape. You are going to be in competition with other aspiring underwear models, so you will have to tone abs as well as thighs and glutes in order to define your muscles. It isn't easy to break into underwear modeling, but you can maximize your opportunities through regular exercise, eating healthy, and also by having a good agent. In addition you have to be comfortable modeling various kinds of underwear, such as thongs or briefs that are Brazilian cut.

The Prep
 
1. Make an exercise plan for yourself. You'll need to build muscles and do cardio workouts in order to have the defined muscles that are needed by male underwear models. It is recommended to undergo weight training 4 days a week and a cardio/ab workout on the other three days. Underwear models have specific toning needs, and this workout addresses each of those unique areas including the biceps, quadriceps, upper and lower chest, abs and even the back.

2. Eat a healthy diet. If you want to have the body of an underwear model, you are going to have to work out regularly and eat in a healthy manner. Fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in balanced portions should be included in your diet. After you work out it is good to enhance your muscle development by drinking a protein shake. In addition, plan for five or six meals during a day so that you are never hungry.

3. Get your portfolio ready. If you are going to look for an agent or go to casting calls, these are things you must do. When you have worked out and developed your physique, set up an appointment with a professional photographer to take head shots and then use the photos to create a comp card (a card the size of a postcard that lists your measurements and has a portfolio picture.) When preparing for the body shots for your portfolio, include a variety of underwear, such as boxers and briefs. And be certain that the photos are taken in a place with good lighting since that will allow your defined muscles to show well.

4. Visit modeling agencies and apply. An agent can help you get into castings and jobs that are not open to models that do not have agents. To find an agent, you should visit directory sites or make a Google search for male modeling agencies. Search for agencies that handle commercial and print work and will hire male models, as some only have casting availability for women. You usually have to send a head shot photo, a whole body photo along with a comp card, resume, and cover letter in order to make application to an agency.

5. Use your own resources to seek out available positions. While waiting to get the right agent, check out modeling jobs for underwear that will take you on without an agent. Look into the underwear companies that are not as big to see if they have casting calls or shows coming up. Find out who the casting person is and send him comp card along with your portfolio.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Cardio Exercise

Everyone has wondered at some point in time which cardio exercise is better.  To put it in simple terms, both low and high intensity exercises will help you to burn off body fat.  The question here is which is the most effective to burn off more body fat. 

When scientists first discovered that during intensive exercises, your body burns glycogen, which is a form of stored carbohydrates that are stored in your liver and muscles for energy.  During low intensity exercises, your body will burn a lot of fat.

If your wondering whether or not it works, the answer is no because there are so many obese people still around.  Even though they are working out with low intensity routines, it still makes you wonder how it can be.

The scientists were right when they said the human body burns more body fat during low intensity exercises like walking or swimming.  During a high intensity exercise such as running, the body will burn a lot more calories.  Even if some of the calories burnt are from glycogen, there are still many fat calories burned as well.

To put the icing on the cake, when your store of glycogen gets low, the carbohydrates from your food you eat will later get converted into glycogen to fill up the store and won't be converted to body fat when they are left unused for energy.

High intensity cardio exercise will juice up your metabolism even after you have completed your workout.  What this means, is that your body will continue to burn body fat hours after you have left the gym.  This effect is nearly nonexistent in low intensity cardio or aerobic workout. 

Cumulatively, your body will burn up more and more calories during and after you have finished a high intensity cardio exercise that it will with low intensity.

You can inject high intensity exercises into your cardio workout by introducing some interval training. You can walk for 5 minutes or so, and then break into some jogging for another 5 minutes or so.  Then, walk briskly again until you have caught your breath and then sprint for a minute before you walk again.  From this point, simply alternate your running and walking for the next 15 minutes until you are finished.

One of the best things about cardio is the more you do it, the more energy you'll have.  Cardio will help you to burn calories, although it’s more useful for keeping your energy levels high.

If you've never tried cardio before, you should give it a shot.  If you like to exercise, you'll find cardio the best way to boost your energy and keep in top shape.  If you are just starting out, you'll want to go slow and keep your cardio exercise in track - as it is very easy to over exert yourself.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Finding the Routine: Building A Model Body


In the male model world fitness models are few and far between. In this category of male models, they are working constantly to present themselves as a whole, an interesting face framed by an outstanding physique. Fitness models have to keep up with the correct workout and continue body building to maintain their appeal not only to the modeling agencies across the board but also to the general public; and to keep the paychecks coming in.

Fitness Modeling @ Bleep Models
Balance:
The key to success when you are a fitness model is to maintain your body's perfect harmony. Too bulky and you'll lose some of the appeal of mass-market that a modeling agency is looking for and if you are too lean you'll end up only being viable to model for modeling agencies that deal with runner magazines and long-distance athletics.  Finding and keeping a workout to balance the proportion between large muscle and lean muscle is very important for fitness models.

Muscle:
Weight lifting is just the beginning. Male models also need to spend some serious time doing cardiovascular exercises. Usually around 15 minutes before a workout or 30 minutes on a non-workout day, is just the right amount of cardio that can get fitness models primed up to burn fat and develop muscles. This helps as well to smooth and lean out muscle that you have been building. Doing cardio will sculpt muscles to bless you with that look modeling agencies are searching for in their star male models.

Strength:
Cardio alone just won't get the job done!  Fitness models should be concentrating on their pecs, quads, triceps, biceps and especially their abs.  It is important for every male fitness model to focus on all of the muscles mentioned above in order to follow a complete fitness program.  Although there is no perfect system to achieve stellar results, a good rule of thumb for the big muscle groups is to train with smaller sets, use hard weights, train them hard and never do them consecutively. For underwear model abs, structured sit-ups and twists are you best bet.

Eating:
You can completely forget about all the above, and most modeling agencies taking the time to look to you, if you do not eat properly.  A good, clean diet (avoiding junk food, alcohol, etc.) is vital for your modeling career.  Many aspiring male models find it beneficial to include whole, natural foods into their diet, as well as protein and other appropriate supplements, as needed.  There are many resources available for healthy, balanced diets so do your research.  In the end, it will help your career, body and overall appearance. 

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Pro-Tips to Prepare for a Model Shoot

 
Male models are often overlooked in the fashion world in spite of it being a very successful career path for the right person. If you have always been told that you "have what it takes," then you may wish to pursue a career in this field. It can be exciting when you land that first job, but don't let your excitement and passion get in the way of some basic preparation techniques that you need to know. As an old commercial once stated, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." So when you go in for your first model shoot, make that impression a great one by following these tips for success:
 
Healthy Habits: 
Long before you ever land the job, you should be working on your physique through diet and exercise. Most modeling agencies are looking for an attractive male model, who knows how to bring out the best qualities in their products. If you cannot bring out the best qualities of yourself, then how can you be expected to do that for a product? It is recommended that you keep regular exercise routines of 1-2 hours per day or more. You should also adjust your diet depending on the needs of the type of modeling that you are going to do. Take more calories for bulkier jobs. Less for the "Average Joe but still sexy" look.

Hygiene Habits:
This is a biggie as you prepare for that first male model shoot. Guys usually have trouble with a few key areas when it comes to unsightly hair growth. Ear hair, nose hair, and yes, even body hair, can all get in the way of one's "look" for the part. If you are an underwear model, better make sure to get that bikini wax. If not, you should still keep a finely trimmed look about you unless the part specifically calls for something different. Also, don't forget the little things that make a big difference, like keeping those nails trimmed, brushing your teeth, and engaging in good bathing practices. You want to be both good looking and professional, and this ensures that you do it.

Professionalism Habits: 
The section above touched on the word "professionalism." If you are looking to be viewed as a professional male model, then you should be articulate in how you communicate with directors, photographers, and any other person that you will be working with. You never can tell who the person you are working with will become, and once in the industry, things stay pretty tight knit, so cultivating good relationships with people is essential to a successful first model shoot.

If you are on the brink of a career in male modeling, keep all these things in mind, and you could become the next big thing.  Are you considering a career in male modeling? If so, you need a good modeling agency on your side. Visit our site to get your foot in the door & jump-start your career! 

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Getting The Perfect Abs For Fitness Modeling

Getting into fitness modeling is not a walk in the park. Often, male models look at successful models and think that it's easy getting into the industry. But that is not exactly true. There is a lot of work to do. For instance, you are unlikely to become a successful fitness model if you don't have six-pack abs to show off.

Having visible abs is one of the first requirements to fitness modeling and certainly helps you to take better fitness photos. With more photos and experience, you can build a stronger portfolio, which will lead to even more modeling assignments. So how exactly do you go about acquiring the perfect model abs? Here are some useful tips.

Tip 1: Workout intensely and build up your athletic ability. Forget about those leisure walks in the park! To get a well-defined abs, you need to work-out intensely so that you burn off as much fat as possible. You must also try to build up lean muscle mass at the same time. Having more lean muscle will boost your metabolism and help you maintain a lean muscular physique. Plan your workouts and make sure you stick to the plan! For instance, it's common for fitness models to work out in the gym at least 4 to 5 times per week. That leaves 2 to 3 days for recovery. Each session should last about an hour or so.

Tip 2: Watch your nutrition. This is the second element of your formula for success. Some people think that they can eat whatever they want because they are exercising to burn off fat. That is just not true! You cannot eat just anything and your diet should always compliment your workout! If you eat junk food, your body will soon become weaker and your workouts will become less effective.

Watching your nutrition means you should eat as cleanly as possible. Consume more protein for muscle recovery and to boost muscle growth. Watch every shred of food that you put in your mouth and don't let oily or fatty foods dominate your daily diet. Work off your daily caloric intake and have the discipline to not exceed your daily targeted calories. Watching your diet doesn't mean you should starve yourself. But you should eat good, clean, whole foods so that your body doesn't store fat. In time, your abs will start to become more visible.

Tip 3: Don't forget cardio workouts! Lifting weights in the gym is great, and such exercises will help you build big muscles very quickly. But to get a lean and cut physique, you need to do some cardiovascular exercises as well to help burn off excess fat. Do your cardio workouts right after your resistance training. Spend between 30 to 45 minutes on the treadmill, stair master or elliptical trainer. You can also go outdoors for a good run if you like.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Your Mother Was Right About Vegetables


Have you been looking after your health? Let us rephrase this question in another way. Have you been looking after your diet? We ask this question because your diet has a lot to do with your health. In fact, it is the most important aspect of a weight loss program.

As we all know, not eating well can lead to a variety of health problems. Obesity has been the cause of heart diseases, stroke and joint problems. If you don't watch what you eat, you may also be malnourished and your bones may become weaker. You may suffer from osteoarthritis prematurely. Your muscles will also weaken due to lack of nutrition. 

On the flip side, if you eat well, you will enjoy more vitality, and you will feel a lot healthier. You will have more energy for social activities, work, and for your family. In other words, you get to enjoy life a lot more when you are healthy. Your quality of life improves tremendously.

Of course, if your career depended on your physical attributes, then you must take extra care to ensure that you remain fit. For instance, let's say you aspire to be a male model. This is an industry that is highly competitive and many male models are lean and have six pack abs to show to their clients. To be successful in the industry, you should try to achieve a similar physique. This is often easier said than done.

Your nutrition plan has to completely change. One way to get lean quick is to adopt a plant based diet. There are many health benefits associated with a plant based diet. Here are some of them.

1) Low or non-fat. Plants mean your foods come from fruits or vegetables. Vegetables are highly recommended because they contain less sugar when compared to fruits. Mostly, they contain almost zero fat, which makes it easier for you to become leaner and healthier.

2) Minerals and nutrients that are not found in meat. Vegetables contain lots of vitamins and minerals that are not usually found abundantly in meat and animal products. The wide variety of vegetables available also means that you get a wider spectrum of vitamin diversity in your diet. 

3) Lower cholesterol level. When you don't eat meat, you don't have to be watching your cholesterol level all the time. When your cholesterol level goes through the roof, you may suffer from heart diseases or stroke. Having a predominantly plant based diet can lower your cholesterol levels dramatically. 

4) Lower calories consumption. Vegetables like broccoli, long beans and celery fill you up so that you don't feel hungry all the time. This leads to lower calorie consumption for the entire day. A few weeks later, you will find that you have lost a lot of weight – most of which is fat. 

5) Rich sources of protein. Plant foods also contain rich sources of protein which are important for muscle growth and recovery. You want your six pack abs to be visible quickly? Then grow your muscles fast by consuming plant based foods that are hyper rich in protein.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Becoming a Male Fitness Model

Fitness models spend their time and effort projecting the positive effects and advantages of being physically fit. They showcase their beautifully sculptured bodies to promote health products and fitness ideas. This can encourage others to live the same healthy lifestyle as they do.

Working out for at least 30 minutes a day would be enough for someone to start a healthy lifestyle. Making time for it won't be too hard. For instance, skipping a television show, waking up a bit earlier than usual, or cutting down break times would allow one to make time for an exercise, despite their busy schedule.

Anyone who has the ability to move his body is also capable of doing exercise, and anyone who can promote the advantages of exercise and physical fitness is suited to become a fitness model. If you positively feel that you've got the potential, here are some guidelines to becoming a fitness model.

1. Forget about the notion that fitness is nothing but having the perfect vital statistics. What most women adore nowadays are those hot male models in the print ads and commercials that have bulky muscles, and six-pack abs . It is fruitless to think that physical appearance is everything that matters to becoming a male fitness model.

A real fitness model gives importance to his overall health and not just his physical appearance. The main priority should be how to maintain his health, rather than how to make himself look masculine and attractive. A fit man doesn't have to have the measurements of a winning athlete or a champion sportsman. He must look the part of a man, exuding health and total fitness.

2. Accept the truth that the foods you choose to eat affect your body. Your body can also show the kind of lifestyle you live, regardless of the genes you inherited. If you're not ready to accept that fact, then you will have difficulties in sustaining a healthy lifestyle, being physically fit, and becoming a fitness model might not be the best thing for you

3. Choose the healthy way of living. Genes may be one of the major factors that affect health, but it does not control the mind. One can choose what to eat and decide what activities to do, so it is the self-discipline that will lead one to become a true fitness model. Without the will and self-discipline, the whole fitness regimen would be a failure.

4. Look at yourself positively and create a confident self-image. To truly become a star fitness model, you have to attract and exude positive vibes in all aspects of your life. No matter how chaotic your environment is or how stressful you work is, you should never let your body or mind suffer. Stop thinking that a muscular body, lighter weight, and bigger biceps will make your life better. A positive and confident self-image will eventually lead to a self-respect that you would project to others. Then they will give their respect and admiration back to you

The bottom line is that, being a professional athletic male fitness model is not only about being well-built, muscular and good-looking. Nor is it about being self-centered and vain. The most important thing is to have a body that is physically defined and healthy, as well as exude the warmth and beauty from within.