Dear Women of the World,
I know, you’ve been told: your body is not ready for the beach.
How do I know you’ve been told? Oh, perhaps simply by scanning the article titles of virtually every single women’s magazine cover in the past month.
But have you ever tried to read those articles and follow their advice? I have. Those “3 easy steps” usually involve radically changing my eating habits, my exercise habits, and a variety of painful hair removal tips.
I really have no time, energy, or inclination for all that work. Because — let’s be real — we’re all skimming those articles in the hopes of a “quick fix,” aren’t we? Something that actually works.
After living in Australia and travelling through some very hot climates over the years, I have won and lost many a war in getting my body ready for the beach. At this ripe age of 42, however, I pretty much have it all down to a fine art.
And, of course, I will divulge it all to you. And at no cost too!
Step #1: Treat yourself a gorgeous wide-brimmed hat.
I don’t care how expensive it is … if you put it on and you feel fabulous (or at least not silly) in it, then buy it immediately. I used to think my numerous cases of sun stroke were caused by being outside too long, but really, it was because of being outside without a hat. If I wear a hat to the beach, I can stay out all day.
Because, really, a nauseous and headache-y body that is dealing with sunstroke is not “beach ready” is it?
Step #2: Be good to your skin.
Australia, naturally, is way ahead on the curve here. They’ve been covering their skin with UV-resistant clothing and swimwear, as well as properly applying sunscreen for decades. Canadians, on the other hand, are so excited to see the sun again that we forget that we are also at risk for skin cancer here in our country too. But we are. In fact, melanoma is considered the deadliest type of cancer and it’s on the rise in Canada. So, let’s be good to our skin.
Because, really, the best “beach ready” body is one that is healthy enough to make it to the beach, right?
Step #3: Don’t forget to grab your sunglasses!
Did you know that over time, the sun’s rays can damage the eyes and surrounding skin? So much so that this can sometimes lead to vision loss and conditions from cataracts and macular degeneration to eye and eyelid cancers. Yep, it’s true. Fortunately, sun glasses that protect your eyes are not hard to find or expensive to buy.
Because, really, the best “beach body” is one that can enjoy the gorgeous views of the ocean and kids frolicking in the waves, isn’t it?
Step #4: Pick the right bathing suit for you
What is the right bathing suit for you? Is it one that is flattering, comfortable, provides good support? No, actually. It’s the one that you happen to have in your drawer when the opportunity to go to the beach comes up.
Because, really, women should not have to be mentally harassed (by magazines or our own psyche) before being able to enjoy the beach!
So there you go. That, my friends, is how you get your body ready for the beach!
P.S. Are you disappointed that I didn’t suggest you needed to cover your stretch marks with self-tanner? Or that you need to do far more crunches before even considering putting a bathing suit on? Or maybe perhaps that you should wear a certain style of suit because you happen to be living in a certain body? Yeah, I didn’t think so. You’ve probably already had your share of body-shaming already and the season has just started.
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