Did you know that today is Bikini Day? No me neither. But I can pretty much bet my life that for thousands of accounts on social media, they know and will be pitching absolute sh*te about one of my absolute pet hates. Can you guess what it is? It’s this whole notion of the “bikini body.”
Dental Floss Bikini
You know what I’m talking about—the idea that we have to work our arse off (literally) to look a certain way in a bikini. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to say “enough” and embrace our beautiful bodies just the way they are! And also to say NO to some of those disgusting Borat style, dental floss contraptions pitched to us as a bikini that we should be striving to wear. I’ve got enough problems worrying about burning my shoulders. Last thing I need is a sunburned vulva! I mean WTF.
First things first though, let’s address the elephant in the room (and the bane of my life). There is no such thing as a “bikini body.” Nope, nada, zilch! It’s just another one of society’s attempts to make us all fit into a neat little box (or a fanny floss bikini in this instance). But guess what? We come in all shapes and sizes, and that’s something to celebrate, not to be ashamed of.
Stop punishing ourselves
Sure, I work in health and fitness and therefore believe it’s great to be healthy and take care of our bodies. However, I don’t believe that should be synonymous with having a certain physique or dress size. Exercise and staying active should be about feeling good, boosting our energy, improving physical health outcomes and mental health. It’s not about punishing ourselves physically and mentally for not fitting into some camel toe string bikini.
Summer Fun
Summer is a time to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beach or pool with the only worry being should I have a beer or a cocktail. But when we’re constantly bombarded with images of “perfect” bikini bodies, it can be hard to feel confident in our own skin.
I’ve been there too where I have felt too self-conscious to wear the bikini for fear of not having the physique of the model in the photo. I’ve also been there slaving away in the run up to my holiday with the sole focus of “how will I look in my bikini.” Not realising that I wont even wear the bikini because I’ve overtrained that much in the run up. When I finally get there I spend most of the holiday in bed run down and a face full of cold sores. The bikni is the least of my problems at that point.
I can honestly say on holiday I have never spent my time looking around making judgements about what women are wearing around the pool. Have you? No? Exactly. Because we are too busy enjoying our own holiday. So, I say it’s time to kick those insecurities to the curb and accept that no one is going to be doing that about us!
Let’s make a deal
Let’s make a deal, shall we? From now on, let’s focus on enjoying the summer, whether we’re lounging by the pool, playing with the kids on the beach, or even having a picnic in the park. Let’s wear that bikini or any swimsuit that makes us feel comfortable and confident, regardless of what society tells us we should look like. I know this is easier said that done as the “bikini body” notion has been engrained in us for years. But we can at least try right?
Because here’s the thing—confidence is the key to rocking any outfit, including a bikini. When we radiate self-assurance, we become irresistible. So, instead of spending hours on the treadmill or restricting our diets just to fit into a specific size. Let’s invest that time and energy in activities that make us truly happy. For me, that is working out – but making sure it’s for the right reasons.
The future generation
The biggest factor for me with regards the bikni body nightmare is I have two daughters. Not only do I want to try and prevent them being caught up in this social media nightmare. But I don’t want to be part of the problem either. I don’t want them to see me punishing myself and restricting what I wear because I don’t think I have a ‘bikini body’.
These societal pressures have haunted many of us for a long time. We don’t want them to be passed on to our daughters. I want them to see me celebrating my body and what it can do by wearing bright colours, bikinis that I like and not giving a sh*t what anyone else thinks.
Bikini Day
So who’s in? Let’s make Bikini Day all about wearing that bikini with confidence and style, whatever your size or shape. And deleting any accounts we follow that tell us we need a bikini body this summer!
We need to make this summer the season of embracing ourselves exactly as we are. No more stressing over the perfect beach body—let’s focus on living our best lives and enjoying every single moment. Because when we let go of societal expectations, we make room for true happiness and confidence to shine through.
Here’s to a summer filled with sunshine, good vibes, and body love. Let’s rock those bikinis and show the world that every body is a bikini body!
