Feel Good in Your Swimsuit This Summer
If you live in one of the northern states, like me, then you've probably noticed two things: The sun -- which hasn't been around for about six months. And the swimsuits, which have been popping up at local stores since January. Believe me, trying on swimsuits under a bright fluorescent light after a long winter buried under heavy sweaters makes it impossible to deny that Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's didn't really happen.
But as painful as swimsuit shopping is, it's a necessary part of enjoying summer fun. Forget those fashion magazines with Photoshopped beauties on the cover ... bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and if we all waited until we looked like supermodels to hit the beach or pool, no one would ever go. Instead, try one of these tips to feel good in your swimsuit this summer, no matter how fit you are.
- Find the right suit for you. This accomplishes two things: First, the right suit will accentuate the parts of your body you're proud of and camouflage the parts you aren't. But secondly, choosing a suit that fits well will help you feel more comfortable so that you don't spend your entire time at the beach hiding under a cover-up.
- Tone it up. Whether you have three months until swimsuit season or three weeks, start your strength training routine now. Sure, you might not have six-pack abs by summer ... maybe not even close. But those workouts will tone your muscles and make you feel stronger and more confident. Almost any workout will do, but here's a great get-ready-for-swimsuit-season workout to try if you aren't sure how to get started.
- Pay attention to your skin: Hey, if a Victoria's Secret model can admit to a little cellulite, so can you. Marisa Miller's secret to hiding those lumps and bumps is some moisturizer and a good bronzer. "Skin is huge and there are so many great bronzers... if you have a little glow it really hides the imperfections -- bruises, spider veins, we all have a little cellulite. When you have that glow and you're moisturized, the light hits you in a different way," says Miller.
- Skip the chips. Salt can cause water retention, which can make you look and feel bloated at a time when you want to feel fit and firm. Avoid salty and fatty snacks, carbonated drinks, and starchy, processed carbs.
- Have fun. It's shameful, I think, to miss out on life because you're worried what other people think. Instead of hiding under your beach blanket, get out there and enjoy a good time (and some exercise) with your friends, partner, or family. After a few minutes, you'll forget you're even in a bathing suit.
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Very nice article! Thanks!
ReplyGood Tips Bethany. And yes, most importantly, have some fun! Being worried about what other people think isn't fun or worth your time...people aren't that interested in how you look in your swimsuit! BIG fan of bronzer! Physicians Formula even makes an organic one.
ReplyI feel this pain too. We went to Cuba for a week during late February and I was dreading taking off my shirt and lying on a beach exposed to the world. But once there, I realized that most of the tourists were flabby or out right fat! That made it easier and I was able to get past some of my embarrassment over my body and get some sun. Hopefully I can lose a few more pounds before sun season hits here.
ReplyI'll disagree on swimsuit shopping being a necessary part of summer. I know that I don't really care to swim a lot (I consider it exercise rather than fun, so I tend to do that at a gym) and I don't like being outside to in a swimsuit because I will just get a sunburn, peel, and then burn again. It's a common experience, but it's not one that everyone goes through.
That said, I think you do have good tips on trying to make it less painful.
ReplyAlways need good tips on this. I never seem to know what looks right on me & being older, we do have to be careful about certain areas! Bronzer is a good idea too... especially with major sunblock on now to avoid skin cancer.
ReplyC'mon Jody. Don't give me that "certain areas" carp (yes, carp). So uh...can we trade bods for the summer. We can switch back around, say...late August?
ReplyUgh, I hate wearing swimsuits. Mostly because I have yet to find a swimsuit top that makes me look like I have any sort of boobs whatsoever. If I could find a way to wear my "chicken cutlets" in my top at the lake, I'd do it. So even though I think the rest of my body looks fine in the suit, I tend to wear a coverup shirt on top to hide my flatness. Maybe I SHOULD go out and buy a suit that makes me look a little fuller on top or something.
ReplyThanks for the tips. It is scary getting into a cossie after a long break. We will never like what we see 100%. :) Just focus on the good parts. Everyone else is so worried about their own bodies that they are probably not even looking at yours! Try not to be your own worst critic.
ReplyI didnt know about the bronzers being a help. Thanks!
This is so true! I just got back from vacation. The first couple days I didn't want to get in the pool or ocean b/c I didn't want anyone to see my post-baby pudge. Then I saw how much fun my husband and baby were having in the pool and realized I was missing out. I ditched the cover up, bared my bikini un-ready body, and jumped in. We ended up having a wonderful time once I got over the fact I am not a supermodel!
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