Here are 9 workouts you need to do to look good on camera as an actor or model.
Being strong and healthy is important and nice, but the reason why so many models and actors exercise is to look good. These aesthetically focused exercises won’t make you hot overnight, but in combination with a healthy diet, they will give you the best chance to look good on camera.
These exercises target regions for attractiveness based on typical American beauty standards. That means the exercises we are going to highlight are different for both men and women. For example, male exercises will focus on the upper body and developing defined leg muscles. For women, we will concentrate on tightening up arms and building a firmer booty. Still, not every body type can be or even needs to be a state of perfection. However, these workouts will help you look better on camera and will most likely lead to you to bigger and better acting/modeling jobs.
Exercises for women actresses and models
Looking good on camera is not that straightforward for women as it is for men. Guys strive for the “v-taper” but for women “looking good” is rather subjective. And while genetics play a huge part in everyone’s appearance, there are several exercises women can do to look good in front of the camera.
Basic Squats
A toned booty is a highly sought-after asset and basic squats are the best place to start. Not only do squats shape and tone your glutes, but, the aesthetic perks are only secondary to the total body workout and strength you get.
There are several variations of squats you can do at home. The key is to keep your heels flat on the ground, your back straight, and focus on sticking your butt out as you go down. While squats may be difficult for beginners, they tend to become easier and easier as you work out.
Barbell Hip Thrusts
When you’re trying to shape up, it’s important to concentrate on your hips. If you’re worried that all those squats will leave you disproportionate, then you should add some hip thrusts to your regimen. This exercise directly targets the glutes without targeting your thighs, which is a great exercise if you’re looking to look better on camera and on the beach.
Rope Pull Downs
Working out your upper body is just as important for women. Working your arms keeps the muscles toned, the skin tight, and will help build some strength. We suggest doing rope pull downs because they work on your triceps. The key is to keep your elbows in at your sides and keep your shoulders from rolling. If your elbows are moving and you’re starting to lean forward, lower the weight. Remember, adding reps is a lot better than sacrificing form and risking injury.
Rear Deltoid Raises
When it comes to your lats, women should try doing rear deltoid raises. It’s similar to a dumbbell side lateral raise, but is an isolation exercise that heavily works your posterior delts instead of the whole muscle. This helps you get definition in your shoulders without making them larger.
Sit at the end of a bench with your legs together and the dumbbells hanging behind your calves. Keep your torso forward, then lift the dumbbells until your arms are parallel to the floor. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position and repeat.
Push Ups
Push ups works your chest arms and back. This will help you develop your chest to stick out more. Start out in a plank position with your hands on the ground directly under your shoulders. Keep them slightly wider than shoulder width apart. Ground your toes into the floor and keep your body as flat as possible. Now lower your body to the ground, eyes up, until your chest nearly touches the floor. Then exhale as you push yourself back up with explosive energy to the starting position.
Exercises for Male actors and models
For men, looking good on camera involves building upper body muscle. Typically, the goal is the “v-taper,” which means building broad shoulders, a wide chest, and a small waist so your upper body looks like the letter “V.”
Incline Dumbbell Bench Press
One of the best exercises to build your upper chest and broaden your shoulders is the Incline Dumbbell Bench Press.
Dumbbell Side Lateral Raises
Dumbbell side lateral raises are crucial for building strong and defined shoulders, which look great on camera.
In the video above, fitness coach Scott Herman explains how to do lateral raises correctly. Start by standing up straight, knees slightly bent, and holding your dumbbells at your side. Pinch your shoulder blades together, keep your wrists straight, and raise your arms outward until they’re parallel to the ground. Slowly lower your arms back to your side and repeat.
Lat Pulldowns
To create that v-taper, you need to widen your back by working on your latissimus dorsi muscles aka “lats”. Lat pulldowns are the best workout for this, but you will need access to gym equipment. Start by locking your legs under the cushions (if the machine has them), then grab the bar with a wide grip, and bring the bar down slowly in front of your chin until it touches your sternum. Slowly return to the start position and repeat.
The key to this exercise is by keeping a loose grip on the handles and to pull down from your elbows, not your hands. Think of your hands as a hook only, and don’t forget to breathe as you work out. If you don’t have access to a gym, you can always try doing pull ups at a park.
Front Squats
If you only work out your upper body, then you are going to look extremely off especially in the audition room. So, you should always do leg work at least once a week to avoid chicken legs. Front squats will work out your quads so you develop an “X” shape with your body.
With your legs at a shoulder-width stance, hold the barbell in front of your chin with your hands just outside your shoulders. Make sure your elbows are held high and you have a loose grip with your fingers. Now lower your hips below your knees while keeping your back straight and your heels down, then use your legs to bring yourself back up.
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