Models Direct are taking it up a notch and reminding anyone interested in our modelling agency that our fitness modelling division is open to new talent. We’re always on the lookout for models as we continue to open the platform to anyone interested in taking up a new part-time career.

Sportswear has infiltrated into our casualwear as fashion trends are continually introducing new looks, evolving or reemerging. Throughout our lockdown plenty of us opted for loungewear because that’s how it flowed. We were mainly at home – working, studying, learning new skills or simply binge watching on Netflix to pass the time.

Some of us worked out at home or immersed ourselves into regular recreational activities, perhaps purchasing home gym equipment and accessories positively impacting the sportswear industry. We might have opted for more sports based apparel which has proved to be just as comfy as loungewear.

Popular platforms such as YouTube, where the likes of Joe Wicks and channels such as MadFit and Fitness Blender, really thrived with people looking to keep fit and healthy in their homes during the lockdown. This was a great driving force encouraging self-care and self-love especially during a time of great uncertainty.

Now that we’re out and about, living life many of us are feeling better within ourselves and looking great on the outside and inside. If you’re someone who has never thought about what life would be as a fitness model, well, you can begin your journey with us. Our modelling savvy, friendly and down-to-earth team are available to help you apply and see you through the process thereafter, step-by-step.

We aim to be an inclusive modelling agency where difference is celebrated and respected. Models Direct believe that diversity, different perspectives, and backgrounds leads to our industry in the right direction allowing it to flourish.

If you want to model in this division, it isn’t necessary for you to have a six pack or ripped muscles. All you’ll need is bags of enthusiasm, confidence, drive and a love for fitness. Show us your best poses, share them with your online application (which is free) and grab opportunities just the same as you would get your yoga mat or dumbbells.

If you’re ready for the next step, put on your Fitbit and get ready for an adventurously sporty ride with Models Direct. On your marks, get set, apply!

Even though models should feel fit and healthy all year round, we’ll excuse a few “heavy” days in late December. It should be a fun time, right?

The key to a guilt-free Christmas is to start your fitness regime now. Well, “regime” is perhaps the wrong word, as this evokes a disagreeable obligation. The run-up to Christmas should be quite the opposite: regular bite-size exercise routines that don’t feel like a chore, with the aim of feeling in peak condition by the time Christmas trees and tinsel are up.

So which are the best options for those of you looking to feel better – mentally and physically – pre-Christmas festivities. Read on for Model Direct’s fitness lowdown:

1. Get into a habit. Most people find having a recurring schedule easier to stick to. Having a weekly pattern will help massively, and you’ll quickly discover which time of the day you feel more enthusiastic. Some of you will be full of beans upon waking up, getting in a few minutes of exercise before breakfast, whilst others may prefer to work up a sweat on your lunch break. A lot of adult models prefer early evening workouts, and research suggests this is the optimal time for burning calories. Whatever your allocated time, try to stick to it.

2. Don’t go too hard too early. This is a common mistake amongst fitness newbies. Start with simple, 10 – 15 minute exercise workouts for the first couple of weeks, and gradually increase duration and intensity as you feel fitter. A good example is a short run, 10 press-ups and 30 sit-ups for the initial couple of weeks. Then, go from there!

3. Apps. Most of you will have Smartphones, and there are numerous fitness apps to download. Many of them are regulated by professionals, and if you find it more effective to stick to their routines, then go for it!

4. Don’t give up. No one will get noticeably fitter in a few days. You’re in for the long haul, so don’t get despondent if you don’t think you’ve been productive

5. Have an off day. Even professional athletes have a rest, so treat yourself with one or two days of inactivity so your batteries are recharged for more exercise.

6. Hydration. Drink water throughout the day to keep your body in tip-top condition. Also, eat well, but avoid junk food.

7. By all means join a gym – it may help with keeping to a schedule. Plus, is there any real reason to wait until January when gym membership can sometimes triple in numbers? On that note, if you stick to your pre-Christmas fitness programme, you may be in line to appear in one of our fitness modelling assignments in the New Year – gyms may need models to advertise their membership, so won’t it be an achievement if you get fit enough in the next three months to be put forward for these types of jobs? See this link for more information:

Don’t be a sheep and follow everyone else! Start your fitness schedule now and you won’t be guilty when you’re tucking into second helpings of Christmas pud! You’ll thank us for it!

If you’re a model looking to shred excess fat and gain a few pounds of muscle, now is the perfect time to begin your fitness regime.

When a modelling job requires models of a certain build, there are several basic principles which will have your muscles primed and in peak condition. The aim is not a rapid Arnold Schwarzenegger-like transformation – more a safe, gradual modification that’ll benefit you in the long term. There’s a danger of wanting too much too quickly which, whilst understandable, is not the healthiest of ways to add on muscle. Read our concise guide to bulking up and you could be booking yourself a hot new modelling contract this summer.

1. Eat plenty of protein. As obvious as it sounds, protein is vital for muscle gain, but the amount is crucial. As protein is essential for muscle production, it’s better consumed in relatively small but frequent amounts throughout the day. Generally speaking, aim to eat about 1-2 grams of protein per pound of body weight. For example, if you weigh 200lbs, a daily protein intake of 150 grams is ideal. Protein is composed of building blocks known as amino acids – think of them as bricks building a house…the more building blocks you use, the larger the house. Foods to concentrate on include beef, chicken (without the skin), egg whites, semi-skimmed milk and whey. 

2. Count the calories. A typical male should consume about 2,000 calories daily. Aim to double that, but increase the number of your meals. If you want to consume 4,000 calories / day, try eating six meals – at an average of 650 calories / meal. 

3. Don’t skip on carbohydrates. Yes, protein is essential, but carbohydrates are required for fuelling exercise, so that these are used for energy instead of protein. 

4. Eat “good” fats. Fats are important in muscle growth, but only certain types will aid bulk. Steer away from saturated fats commonly found in sugary items like cakes and biscuits. Instead, try eating foods high in mono / polyunsaturated fats like nuts, vegetable oils and fatty fish.

5. Prepare a pre-work out meal. Eating a designed meal prior to exercise / lifting weights is also key in bulk gain. Try foods rich in slow-burning carbohydrates like brown rice and pasta. Slow-burning carbohydrates take longer to convert into glucose, thus maintaining consistent sugar levels, allowing you to train longer.  

6. The basics. There are two rules of thumb that everyone should know / adhere to: drink lots of water, and allow yourself plenty of rest. One pound of muscle can hold up to three pounds of water – it’s a no-brainer! As is rest – if you deprive your body a period of rest  / repair, it’ll have long-term detrimental effects that could undo the good work you’ve been putting in. Don’t push it, and stick to a regular regime of sleep, quick naps and water consumption.

7. Supplement your food intake. There are plenty of effective (and legal) food supplements on the market, from fat burners to protein shakes. Read the ingredients carefully, as well as the instructions. Creatine powders are also useful, as they help muscle’s grow to their fullest, and also delay fatigue. 

Increasing exercise and lifting weights in accordance with the above guidelines will increase muscle bulk. Models Direct advises all “first time” muscle gainers to seek advice from a nutritionist or GP before embarking on their bulking up regime. Don’t expect miracles overnight, and stick to it – you will be rewarded.