We’ve all seen them, the constant magazine headlines and advertisements for products we don’t really need being shoved in our face asking us one question, “How are you going to get your beach body this summer?” The obvious problem with this idea is that society’s perception of the perfect “beach body” is only ONE body (long legs, slight ab definition, sun kissed skin) that the majority just doesn’t have, making women feel like their perfectly normal and acceptable body should be covered up this season. That only one body type should wear a bikini and feel content. Almost all women’s fashion magazines have a famous actress or athlete on the cover showing her body that everyone wants to obtain these days, with phrases in bold lettering next to the models that say “The Best Crash Diet Technique” or “How to Drop 30 pounds in 30 days.”
Last year, Protein World released an ad with the question “Are You Beach Body Ready?” and a woman next to it with another unrealistic body standard. This would’ve been just another aggravating oppressing message that we (sadly) see all of the time, but this one was plastered throughout the walls of the subway lines in New York City. The poster was practically screaming at the pedestrians, with it’s bold yellow appearance and obnoxiously large size. Music teacher Katya Powder put on sticker on the model’s abdomen with the expression “this oppresses women.” The trend of calling out the true meaning behind this advertisement became wildly popular last summer when hashtags #everybodysready and #BeachBodyNotSorry trended. Even with all of the controversy, nothing was done to remove the ad because of the discomfort that it caused. It just further pushes the idea that the ultimate goal for your body should be to look like a photo shopped supermodel.
With these toxic and psychologically damaging messages, how in the world are the rest of us supposed to feel confident with our run-of-the-mill bodies? The first step is to remind yourself of the obvious, that people come in all shapes and sizes, and a lot of what you want to obtain could be out of your control. When you think about genetics, height, money, time, and other contributing factors, it makes sense that your body isn’t identical to Victoria Secret Supermodel Candice Swanepoel’s, when it is her job to look like an exotic and glamorous woman to sell Victoria’s Secrets’ products. The considerations listed above are the reason why she looks the way that she does, so don’t beat yourself up about it. She is beautiful, but so is the everyday woman. Exercising for the right reasons is crucial for high self-esteem. Running four miles every morning to achieve a “goal weight” is straining and almost always disappointing. People who exercise for the enjoyment of it are less depressed and stressed than people who force themselves to do heavy weight lifting and don’t feel good while doing it. Taking pictures of yourself from your favorite angles and admiring your features doesn’t hurt. Even one little thing can make you feel good the next time you start to feel insecurity creep up.
There is no singular “beach body.” If you have a body, and you are at the beach, congratulations! You have a beach body. As difficult as it is, telling yourself you love and accept the way you look is a leap into believing it yourself.
