Summer is so close you can almost taste it! The sand beneath your toes, the sun warming your face, and the cool waters of the pool are just about all anyone can think about right now. But, you know what else we can’t stop thinking about? Our bodies. As summer approaches, so does the body image anxiety associated with wearing swimsuits. The practically unachievable “bikini body” drives young people to amp up their exercise and eating regimen in the months leading up to summer in order to appear acceptable in a swimsuit. I am here to tell you that the current state of your body right now is already bikini ready.
Through our exposure to all forms of mass media, both men and women have come to form an image of the ideal swimsuit body. For women, it is someone who is fit, in good health, lean, but not too muscular, and most importantly, that flat stomach. Men’s ideal body tends to center around visible abdominal muscles and all-around obvious fitness level. What is unfortunate, though, is that many people, especially women, who do not fit this body ideal feel incredibly uncomfortable wearing a swimsuit or feel the need to cover up when they go to the beach or go swimming.
However, if someone doesn’t have the typical “bikini body,” that doesn’t mean they can’t rock an awesome two-piece swimsuit. Whatever body type that you have, own it. There is no reason to shy away from a suit that you think people will judge you for wearing, because what is most important is that you feel confident. Everyone can find a swimsuit that makes them feel like they are the most fabulous person on the beach, whether it is a unique style or an amazing print or that it focuses on their favorite body feature. The idea of a “bikini body” is at fault because every body type can look amazing in a bikini.
A disclaimer: If you truly want to become healthier by exercising more and eating better, then by all means, go ahead. But, if you are frantically working out and restricting your diet so that you are thinner when it comes time to hit the beach, I suggest that you stop and take a moment to appreciate the body that you have. I even have to remind myself that my body is perfect the way it is and is ready for my swimsuit even if I do wish that my stomach was a little flatter. Body image anxiety affects all women, but you can lessen the impact.
First and foremost, you should feel confident in every way possible when you wear a swimsuit. If you feel beautiful and strong in a one-piece then that is perfect. And if you want to wear a bikini, then do it. Who cares what other people think? What matters most is how you feel about yourself. Summer is a time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Worrying about how we look in a swimsuit distracts from the true fun of summer and we are not going to let it stop us any longer.
