As summer approaches, the pressure to achieve the elusive “bikini body” or “perfect summer figure” intensifies. Magazine covers, social media influencers, and even well-meaning friends often perpetuate the idea that only a certain type of body is worthy of wearing a bikini. The reality is that for many, this societal pressure encourages unrealistic standards leading to unhealthy choices, mindsets and behaviours.
The trap of quick fixes for a ‘summer body’
In the quest for a “bikini-ready body”, many turn to quick-fix diets and/or gruelling fitness routines, promising rapid results. However, whilst these fads may offer temporary results, the irony is that they often come at the cost of your health and wellbeing with some significant health risks.
Given that many people start focusing on their bodies around this time of year, I’d like to debunk the summer bikini body myth this month and in this first post in the series, replace this toxic cultural trend with three key messages.
My three key messages against ‘bikini body’ culture
1 – Embrace your unique shape
The first part of my message is about embracing the beauty of our unique shapes. True body confidence comes from self-acceptance and body positivity, not from conforming to narrow ideals. You can’t ‘hate’ yourself into feeling good or into a healthy body.
2 – Your body is amazing, regardless of its shape and size
Consider for a moment, that your heart beats 60-100 times a minute and pumps 8-9 tonnes of blood (per day) throughout your body – pretty amazing, right? And that’s just one of the millions of awe-inspiring things it does for you every second of every day without you even trying. Forget weight or shape for a moment and focus on your organs, your senses and the bodily functions you’re grateful for … this opens you up to show your body the love and respect it deserves.
This is an excerpt from a very popular blog post I wrote a few years ago called ‘Feel good in your body now, not later’, read it here.
3 – Choose a healthy and sustainable solution instead
Thirdly, I am passionate about reinforcing the message behind the importance of getting in shape in a healthy, sustainable way. While I advocate for body positivity, I also advocate for a healthy lifestyle that promotes good physical and mental health.
By focusing on balanced, sustainable habits and nurturing the right mindset, you can achieve a state of wellbeing that goes far beyond fitting into a swimsuit.
Forget the fads
This blog is purposefully short and to the point because I want you to really focus on my messages. This summer, let’s celebrate all bodies and sustainable long-term health. That’s the main takeaway.
Tune in for next week’s post, where we’ll be looking at the reality of fast weight loss and fitness fads.
Kate x
