Find out everything you need to know to muscle your way into the world of male modeling

Male supermodels are emerging for the first time to share the spotlight with the traditional Swimsuit Edition female stars, and it's a great time to jump into the world of male modeling!

Unlike their female counterparts, male models enjoy a greater degree of flexibility in their careers. While most female fashion models are out of work by the time they're 25, male models can work steadily from the age of 15 into their fifties. Each male model can use a vast range of styles for photo shoots, ranging from a buttoned down business man with a crew cut to an unshaven surfer with hair down to his shoulders. He can be a tattooed punk at a skate park or a young grandfather relaxing at home. This level of freedom is attracting more men to the industry. There are a few things you should consider before you pack up your bags and head to New York or LA, according to the Association of Model Agents:

• 15 to 25 is considered the "young men's" market, though if you can photograph older or younger the age range isn't set in stone.
• 25 to 35 is the "adult men's" market, and this is where the majority of male model casting comes from, unlike female modeling.
• Most professional male models are between 5'10" and 6'2". Unlike female models, being of average height or slightly above is a benefit.
• Most professional male models weigh between 140 and 165 pounds, though this can vary depending on where you fit on a Body Mass Index.
• The average measurements of a professional male model range from 40 regular to 42 long.

If you fall within those basic parameters you will find it easier to get work off the bat. But don't despair if you're too tall, too lanky, too wide, or weigh to little or too much; the male modeling marketing is expanding rapidly, and niches are being created all the time.

Male models sometimes find themselves in a more difficult position physically than female models, but with healthier results. Until very recently, female models were often expected to maintain unrealistic body shapes and levels of slimness that has led to widespread problems with eating disorders and self-image problems. Male models, on the other hand, are expected to look healthy. Extremely healthy. The ideal male fashion model is slim, but not too thin, muscular, but not too bulky, with a nice triangular torso. Aside from the covers of body-building magazines, you won't find much demand for Mr. Universe level muscles. Male models are, however, expected to be in peak physical condition, and have excellent muscle tone all over their bodies.

If you're gearing up to be a male model, it's a good idea to join a gym and hire a personal trainer. Achieving the right balance of diet and exercise to achieve an optimal muscle tone can be very difficult. Career male models might find themselves spending more time working out that walking the runway. On the plus-side, body shape and definition are more important to casting directors than a particular face type. If you've got a well-sculpted body, you can probably find work, and male models with distinctive "looks" do very well for themselves.

Male models enjoy a great deal of flexibility with the kind of photo shoots and advertisements they can do. A man can have salt and pepper hair to play a business executive in one shoot and then dye it to play a toned body guard in another. Hair style is always variable, and length tends to cater to the most current fashion. Overall strength, warmth, confidence, and distinction are valued as "looks" for male models.

When sending off your first portfolio to a modeling agent, there are a few things to include. Make sure you have a standard headshot. Given the emphasis on body in male modeling, you'll need multiple full body shots. Have one full body shot in shorts or underwear and a tank top. Have another in casual clothing, like a T-shirt and jeans. And have a third shot in business casual wear or a full-blown suit.

With a few months in the gym, a confident smile, and a knack for being in front of the camera you could be a few steps away from becoming a professional male model.

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