What does this mean to you? Can anyone wear a bikini? Is it an unusual statement? I am curious to know what you think.
Every year around this time we are bombarded by messages like “get in shape for the summer”, “get into bikini body shape”, “how to make your body summer-ready”, and “get a bikini body in 6 weeks” etc, etc.
How does that make you feel? Do you find it helpful or does it irritate you?
Personally, I really dislike the fitness industry for these types of statements. I think it just makes people feel self-conscious and worried about parts of their bodies that no one else notices and can potentially put people into a cycle of disordered
eating and training in an unhealthy way. This is a particularly dangerous route to go down as we age, as our bodies increasingly need good nutritious food.
Wouldn’t it be better if we can be more accepting of how we look, make our bodies work for our own needs, ignore the images on social media and focus on our health rather than focusing on vanity?
I know this isn’t the easiest thing to do because we are bombarded by unhelpful messages and images but I challenge you to prioritise health and wellness rather than a six-pack.
My intention isn’t that you have to wear a bikini unless you want to of course; what I would like to portray is that I think it is most important to look after yourself, your health and wellness first and foremost.
So keep on reading and let me help you discover new ways to embrace and be proud of your body.
I invite you to look at your body differently and see if, by following these tips, you will feel confident to wear whatever the heck you want!
-
- Embrace what your body can do for you. When my thighs started getting bigger I was so happy because they were getting stronger for cycling. I am a real believer in thanking my body for being capable of doing amazing things and I like to look after it, so I can continue as long as I can. I have a client who felt pain in her back each time she lifted her dog. After a few months of doing boot camp, she felt stronger, found it way easier to lift her dog, and no longer felt pain. This is what being strong and fit means to me. It means being able to do the things you want to do. Do you ever appreciate what your body can do for you?
- Embrace what your body can do for you. When my thighs started getting bigger I was so happy because they were getting stronger for cycling. I am a real believer in thanking my body for being capable of doing amazing things and I like to look after it, so I can continue as long as I can. I have a client who felt pain in her back each time she lifted her dog. After a few months of doing boot camp, she felt stronger, found it way easier to lift her dog, and no longer felt pain. This is what being strong and fit means to me. It means being able to do the things you want to do. Do you ever appreciate what your body can do for you?
-
- Give your body gifts. As well as the gift of being strong, do you look after your body? Do you feed it nutritious meals? With lots of fruit and vegetables, protein at each meal, with extra protein after hard training sessions? Do you eat carbs (yes, this includes fruit and veg) to keep your energy up and feed your brain? The odd treat is nice and we shouldn’t deny ourselves, but if you change your mindset from “I must eat healthy foods” to “I want to nurture my body” so you can function well, do you think it could help how you look after yourself? It may be a big step to make, so I recommend you break it down into smaller ones and improve your eating habits step by step.
I hope that if you focus more on your health, strength, fitness and wellness than having the perfect (insert body part) you will feel more confident to go and rock a bikini, swimsuit, pair of shorts, new dress or whatever you want. You might also have changed your body composition without having it as your goal.
Author: Lorna Wilson
Like what you see? Then send me a message or e-mail. We can meet up for a chat and find out how I can help you improve your training and help reduce injury risk.
06 460 377 74 / lorna@wilsonsworkouts.nl
