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Tips For Becoming A Fitness Model
Learn how to get into fitness modeling with this interview with top fitness model Tony Catanzaro.
I got into Male Fitness Modeling at the age of 18, and continue to have a busy schedule this very day. I not only compete as a male fitness model, I also compete in natural bodybuilding shows all over the country. I also have appeared in many Films, TV shows, commercials, magazines, and catalogs. But what I am most proud of is helping others achieve their goals. Whether its health, male fitness, motivation, nutrition or well being, I love to encourage others to follow their dreams. I’m glad I found mine as a child. Today I’m married to my wonderful wife Tina who is my true love. I reside in NYC where I continue my modeling and television career. I’m also the owner of Tony’s Fitness Studio in Ozone Park, NY.
How did you get started with fitness modeling?
I started fitness modeling when I was around 25 years old. Actually I was modeling for clothes at first then realized I was modeling with my shirt more off than on so I stated doing fitness shoots instead. This was great for me because I loved to show of my body and was totally comfortable with it.
How did you land your first magazine spot?
I went into to see the editor in chief of “Exercise for Men” magazine in New York City and did a photo shoot that landed in a centerfold. Shortly after that I entered fitness shows and won the 1997 Mr. fitness championship which launched my career as a fitness model. after that I was landing covers and than got into doing romance novels as well.
Do you believe having connections is key to modeling success?
Absolutely, You need to be in the right place and shoot with the right photographers to go places. There’s millions of guys and girls that want to be fitness models but it takes alot of hard work and determination to get there!You have to be ripped and you also have to possess a healthy good looking appearance that many guys want to have. You have to be the ideal guy or girl. This takes alot of work and dieting to get there its definitely not easy and just when you think you look good the camera will tell you different.
How do you prepare for photo shoots?
Well when I’m doing photo shoots I try to get myself as lean as possible while maintaining a healthy look. I diet down for a couple of months and my training is more for definition rather than muscle size because the camera adds 10-15 lbs and around 3 inches in height so its better to be 10 to 15 lbs less than what you want to be to look your very best in front of the camera. I also work on my tan. I go to beach and try and get as much natural sun as possible or I’ll hit the tanning beds but I find working on your tan two weeks before is better because your skin will absorb the color rather than just burn and be on even, so take your time with your tan.
What’s the first step someone should take if they are interested in becoming a fitness model?
First you got to get some photos taken of yourself find a local photographer in your area that could do this for you. Use a white background and bring in some fitness magazine covers to show them so they can see the look your trying to achieve. Be as ripped as you can because again the camera loves cuts!
What is your advice on promoting your name and getting your self out there?
I always said no one is going to promote you better than yourself, so start a website and get your name out there , email the right photographers that are in the business and send them your shots, travel to them to do a test shoot, contact the magazines, whatever it takes you got to do. You have to understand that there’s a million guys and girls with a better body than you out there but they only thing that makes you a success in this business is if you willing to get out there and do it!
For more on Tony Catanzaro, Visit http://www.tonycatanzaro.com/
