Some thoughts and discussions from me.
How Do I Get a Bikini Body?
Yes, I realize the title of this post is kind of eye-roll-worthy, but keep reading. The title is not what it seems. I’m not here to give you tips on how to “look your best in a bikini this summer.”
Last week I was in Florida, and I spent a large chunk of time either on the beach, in the ocean, or in the pool. In other words– I was in a bikini 87% of the time last week – and I managed to give zero cares as to what other people thought of my body while in said bikini.
Leading up to the trip, I didn’t cut carbs, watch calories, or limit indulgences. Heck, I’d say I’ve been more lax and indulgent about my diet in the past few months than I have been in a long time. The fact that swim suit season is here, and that I’d be on the beach in a bikini didn’t affect my food intake or exercise regimen at all - nor should it!
The thought that what we wear to the beach or pool is to appease someone else is ludicrous. What other people think about my body in a bikini won’t effect my fun-having-level either way. I’m going to play in the sand and swim in the ocean regardless – and did!
I haven’t always had this mindset, though. Gosh, I can remember in high school – and even college – doing leg and butt exercises in my room while in my swim suit, just minutes before I knew I’d be in my bikini in front of other people. I’d also hang up pictures of Victoria’s Secret models for motivation to get my body to look like theirs. The notion that I could somehow transform my body into a completely different body type and shape is almost as absurd as the idea that I needed my ‘bikini body’ for the sake of what other people thought!
It seems this topic has been talked about a lot lately; It’s been the topic of many a blogs lately. And yes, I’m reiterating it, because I think it’s a damn good message. I first saw this simple statement come from Neghar Fonooni talking about how to get a bikini body:
How To Get a Bikini Body
1. Put a bikini on your body.
It’s as simple as that; there is no step 2. It’s a bikni body because it’s a body with a bikini on it.
I’m not my leanest right now. I’m not my strongest, and I’ve been more shredded and cut. My ass doesn’t look the best it has in the past (partly thanks to my new obsession with trail running, but mostly to my affinity for cheeseburgers and beer 
) Yep, some would say (and have, in so many words) that I don’t “have my bikini body.” But frankly, when I was more cut and lean, I wasn’t happy – and more importantly, I wasn’t even healthy. The past 3 months, instead of obsessively focusing on “getting my bikini body,” I was focusing on having fun with friends, enjoying life, and enjoying movement, and moderation.
I’m happy, I’m healthy, and I feel physically capable to do what I want. Would I like to lose a little body fat? Eh sure, but it absolutely doesn’t dictate whether or not I’m going to wear a bikini to the beach. Now, I’m not saying at all that you have to wear a bikini. I’m not here to try and tell you what to do! Wear whatever you want, just don’t let what you think other people think be the reason. You get to decide for yourself 
So, how did I get my bikini body? I put a bikini ON my body.
Good for you! You are right that it’s as easy as just putting a bikini on. I’d say step 2 would be feel confident. Don’t be shy in it and hide under a towel. Flaunt what you have worked for!
Heather @fitncookies recently posted…A weekend of dashing places
Preach it, Paige! Growing up in Australia was hell for a body-conscious teen. I spent 9 months a year at the beach, desperately doing those crunches and push ups in my room before heading to the beach – where I would spend the entire day and not eat a thing. Oy.
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig recently posted…Moving and all the carbs
Best post regarding a bikini body ever!!!
100% agree with you! I’m heavier than I was last summer, but I don’t care – people on the beach aren’t going to be paying attention to me anyways (people are usually so caught up in their own insecurities that they don’t actually end up paying attention to other people, at least from my own experience), so why would I let anything stop me from enjoying my time at the beach?
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…Scenes From the Weekend.
amen sister bear!!!
My ten year old daughter just asked me yesterday why she has never seen me in a bikini. I have worn one around her, but I don’t most of the time, so it isn’t something she remembers. I don’t feel as though I have a body that should be wearing one, yet I now feel as though I should try to consciously wear one more often just to show her that I am proud of my body because I am. I tell her all the time that it’s not about being skinny, it’s about being healthy and strong and fit. I feel that I am those things, so I should portray that better. So, today, for sun-sitting, I will don that bikini…in my yard…baby steps… 😉
Abso-freakin-lutely! Couldn’t agree more with you. And you are totally ROCKIN’ that bikini! Love that you’re happy and healthy — confidence says everything!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries recently posted…Swanson’s 45th Anniversary + A Giveaway!
Oh yes!!! I realized the other day that I have been recognizing the wide variety of body shapes/sizes on the beach this summer. In the past, I only noticed the super thin women & compared myself to them…but they’re not the norm. Body diversity is a wonderful thing!
Lauren recently posted…A Foolproof Cleanse that Takes Less than 10 Minutes
Amen and amen! When you live to have a certain body and restrict, life isn’t enjoyable!
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Weekend Snaps and Naps
Totally agree Paige! It’s all about enjoying life and not worrying about having someone else’s “perfect body”
Sarah @ Blonde Bostonian recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 5
This is perfect. I used to obsess over every bump and curve in my body, and each of them would make me less and less confident about wearing a bikini, but this year, even though I don’t have the abs I had last year, I’m healthier and more confident than ever.
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves recently posted…Rain, Rain, Go Away
Paige you are so beautiful!!! Love this post 🙂 Embrace our bodies as they are now!!
Love this post! I don’t think any person is ever totally satisfied with how they look, but if we wait to do things until we are completely satisfied then there is a world of fun that we are missing out on!
I love this! Thanks for sharing!
Lex @ Flecks of Lex recently posted…Race Recap: 5K Foam Fest (plus, a discount code!)
Bikini Body – 3 Fast Ways to Get in : http://fashionmakeupfitness.com/