In part 1 of this series, I told you about how I changed my diet, training, and what supplements I was using in order to reach my goals. Today I want to continue telling you what it takes to look like a fitness model by looking at my progress and how I dialed everything in at the end.
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, it’s much more fun to eat big and be strong. On lowered calories you can prepare yourself for the following annoying sides: possible decreased energy and/or strength, and of course hunger. Dieting sucks.
Getting Ready for Your Photo Shoot and Looking Picture Perfect
Other tools that I use to get picture perfect is finding the right spray tan. Even if you think you are tan enough, if you’ve never had an awesome spray tan I highly recommend it. It evens out skin tone and you positively glow. A good spray tan artist will match everything to your comfort. If you can’t manage that, experiment with self tanner, though you’ll need to practice this before shoot day.
Other than a spray tan, an obvious one would be to use a professional, experienced photographer. A good pro will know how to use lighting to maximize the muscles you’ve worked for. Studio lighting helps, and so does Photoshop. 🙂 You will want to make sure you meet that person or at least correspond before hand to negotiate the terms of your contract
If you can, get your hair, nails, and makeup done by an experienced pro. If you have to do it on your own, practice, practice, practice. The little things matter, even if it’s something as small as your fingernails, you never know what’s going to pop out as little detail that you neglected.
If you’re shooting bikini wear, high heels are superb. They help arch the back, pop the booty, and make your legs look way longer. Along the same lines, practice your walk, and posing. If you are getting outfits for the shoot, wear and pose in them, to see how they move on your body too.
Pack a “shootcase” (slippers to change into, a zip up long sleeve shirt to stay warm, water bottle, lipstick to touch up, resistance bands so you can pump up if that’s needed.) In your shootcase, don’t forget to pack the same food you normally pack in your cooler (shoots can run longer than you think, and you want to stay fueled up).
And last but not least, remember to smile and have FUN!
Final Thoughts
The methods I’ve suggested here have always worked well for me. If you plan to do it, give yourself ample time to experiment with the calories and activity level, and don’t ever give up strength training!
It’s what got you the muscles in the first place. Enlist the help of a good coach (I can help if you need that) and stay focused on whatever your goal look may be. Be prepared for the not so fun stuff: to diet hard, to bust through your discomfort zone, to possibly have to pick up lighter weights, maybe do more cardio, or cut back training intensity or volume if your strength wanes.
You may lose some sleep or sleep less fitfully, be cranky on less food, and possibly have to migrate into an anti-social bubble because 1) you can’t eat or drink like most people and 2) you’re so cranky no one wants to play with you. Realize too that for some people, being super lean for a photoshoot is not maintainable.
Despite all the hard work and effort, and the fact that everyone thought I was insane (“you’re fine just the way you are!”), it really is what brings you confidence that matters most in a shoot. If you need to tan or lose a few pounds, set your mind to it. If you’re comfortable in your own skin, that will shine through on camera.
I’m a mom, I work full-time, I am no superwoman, nor do I have any special gift of genetics or superhuman discipline. I do have the right mindset and attitude to get it done. Anyone can do it. And if I can, you can too.
And now I hope you have a little better insight about what women go through in order to look like a fitness model. See you in the magazines!
Paul
May 14, 2016 at 3:42 pmFantastic article (as usual) Sumi!