She Strengthens

The Unhealthy Reality Behind Fitness Models’ Perfect Bodies

Fitness models, with their chiseled physiques and flawless skin, are often held up as the epitome of health and wellness. But the truth behind these perfect bodies is far from healthy. In fact, the process of achieving that “perfect” look can be downright dangerous.

The Smoke and Mirrors of Fitness Modeling

Former fitness and figure model Jill Coleman and personal trainer Seb Gale reveal the secrets behind the fitness industry’s most coveted physiques. According to Coleman, most fitness models are at least five to ten pounds heavier than they appear in photos. “It’s definitely important to mention there’s a lot of smoke and mirrors,” she says. Gale adds, “It makes a mockery of [the health and fitness industry] that to get into that condition you have to be incredibly unhealthy.”

The Pre-Shoot Process: A Week of Deprivation

Fitness models typically begin preparing for a photo shoot about a week in advance. For Gale, this meant cutting out carbohydrates and increasing his protein intake to promote leanness. He also took 20 fish oil capsules daily to enhance insulin sensitivity. The result? A week of “fish breath” and a body that felt drained.

The Four-Day Countdown: Ketosis and Dehydration

As the shoot approaches, models enter a state of ketosis, where their bodies burn fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. While this can lead to rapid weight loss, it also comes with side effects like flu-like symptoms, fatigue, and decreased mental clarity. To speed up dehydration, Gale took magnesium pills and drank dandelion tea four times a day. “You basically need to be within 10 minutes of a toilet at all times,” he says.

The Day Before the Shoot: Water Manipulation

The primary goal is to pull subcutaneous water from underneath the skin and into the muscle cells, giving the appearance of lean, “shrink-wrapped” muscles. To achieve this, models manipulate their carb and water intake. Gale drank four gallons of water per day until the day before the shoot, when he cut out water completely. Coleman preferred to taper her water intake over four days.

Showtime! The Final Hours

In the final hours before the shoot, models often indulge in carb-heavy foods like potatoes, wine, and candy bars to swell their muscles with glycogen. This is followed by a carefully crafted meal plan to achieve the perfect balance of pumped-up muscles and lean skin.

The Real Breakdown: Dehydration and Unhealthiness

But beneath the glamorous exterior, fitness models often feel unwell, dehydrated, and exhausted. Dehydration, in particular, is a serious health risk that can lead to fainting, exhaustion, and even kidney damage. As Gale puts it, “It wasn’t tiredness exactly. I just really wanted to sit down and eat food.”

The Unhealthy Message Behind Fitness Models

Every time we’re bombarded with images of perfect bodies in the media, there’s an implicit message: You should look like this too. But the reality is that these bodies are often achieved through unhealthy means. As Coleman notes, “Being strong and healthy is something that should be celebrated, but desperate leanness isn’t.” It’s time to rethink our obsession with fitness models and focus on promoting a healthier, more realistic definition of beauty.