Summer is coming ya’ll. Along with it comes the talk about having a “summer body.”
It’s that time of year when store displays of warm sweaters are switched with colorful little bikinis. You know, when the days are longer and the sun is warmer. It’s that time of year when people are talking about what’s coming…
SUMMER!
We should be excited about summer! It’s sunny, people come out from hibernation, and we can swim, ride bikes, and be one with nature (whatever that means). Summer should be fun.
Fun… or stressful?
It’s interesting then, that many women talk about not liking summer because they aren’t confident in their bodies. To many, summer means wearing fewer layers, smaller clothes, and swimsuits.
It seems that insecurities tend to steal joy during the summer season.
However, it’s really not that surprising when you look at what is being pushed on us.
Because it’s ALSO that time of year when gyms, fitness gurus, workout program ambassadors, and people selling diet supplements start talking about what’s coming too.
“Get your body ready”, “get your ‘bikini body ready”, “get your ‘summer body in 6 weeks”, etc., etc., etc.
Here’s the truth:
Ladies and gents, I just want to remind you of an honest to God truth:
Your winter body is good enough this summer. Your winter body is good enough all year, actually.
Please remember when you see the ads, videos, and before and after photos, that people and companies make money off of our insecurities.
That’s why the diet culture pushes it down our throats– because it works for them. The idea of a slim, fit, body is appealing, sure, but your body is already good enough this summer.
What’s a true “summer body” anyway?
I’m not saying don’t take care of yourself. Go ahead and move your body and give it the nutrients it needs to have energy. These are great things!
It is a problem, though, is when these diet and fitness messages make us feel insecure and ashamed.
Don’t think less of your body because the media is putting pressure on you to change your body for summer. You don’t need to change it.
Is your body a body?
Is your body a body that functions in the summer?
THEN IT’S ALREADY A SUMMER BODY.
Always has been, always will be.
(Last Updated: June 1, 2022)
