Even though our summer holidays are a bit tentative this year we still hope to get to the beach or pool and like every year we are still hearing the people in the business of health and fitness and declaring….”It’s time for Operation Bikini”
Aaaaarrrgghhhhhhh Really?
It’s used in lighthearted way, but having spent a lifetime in a love-hate relationship with my body, ”Operation Bikini” plays to my insecurities and vanity, and makes me feel self conscious about myself. It makes me feel like maybe my body isn’t good enough unless I go through some “operation” to get it acceptable. Like there are “rules” and “criteria” to adhere to before you can be seen in a bikini and it makes me feel I am being judged and compared, and that the way I look in a bikini is actually super important, and that my worth is tied up in this.
“Oh God - Do I have to go on a mission to be good enough to be seen in a bikini?”
Now, don’t get me wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to look hot in your bikini on the beach this summer, and I’d be putting myself out of business if we didn’t want to look and feel our best. I am passionate about helping people be strong and confident in their bodies through Pilates, on Reformer, and on the Mat. It’s what I do. A firm bum is a healthy bum but..
..Nobody rocks a bikini (or anything for that matter) better than a woman who is comfortable with who she is and this is more than physical.
“Operation Bikini” could be more powerful for us and perhaps more importantly, impressionable younger women, if the message and the motives were more about inclusion and not exclusion - If it were about being more confident and strong in our bodies, and to rock the god d4mn bikini because we are comfortable in our own skin, no matter what our size or tone.
Rather than to suggest we need to make our bodies better, or more acceptable because summer is here, there could be more motivation to exercise to be healthier, more energetic, more confident and more congruent with who she we are, so on the beach we shine because we are happy.
So ladies If you are going on “Operation Bikini” at your local gym, Pilates or Yoga studio, with a Personal Trainer, Kick Boxing or Trampolining just remember you are absolutely fine just the way you are already, and your exercise routine will pay off in power, strength, flexibility, stamina, confidence, so you can have fun in the sun with your family and friends, feeling and looking great in your unique way.
For me it’s Pilates, every single time, that gives me my strength, vitality, confidence and deeper connection.
Let’s not forget the amazing physical benefits of Pilates. For example, Pilates helps you get a strong bum which supports the pelvis and the lower spine and we need it to carry us around strong and allowing us to move with confidence, staying free from low back pain… as well as looking great in jeans. Win win!
The energy centre around the base of the spine is stimulated when we do Pilates. This movement helps plants roots from which to grow, and grounds us. Its helps us feel secure and capable so Pilates can really help the way you feel on an emotional level as well as physical.
Give it a try and for the rest of July my Live Mat Online Classes are Free.. I’d love to see you there…Although not suitable for absolute beginners or injuries, they will give you a great all around challenge at your level.
Or look at my Reformer Pilates Intro Offers for a September renaissance if you are in Barcelona.
Thank you and take care X
