“Get your summer body ready!”

Urgh! I really can’t stand this phrase – and any other that is about getting bikini-ready (or Speedo-ready, for that matter) – on so many levels. Firstly, what with being so busy working, looking after children, and having a life, many people have little time for worrying about this sort of thing, and even those who do might only manage a swimwear wardrobe for a couple of weeks out of 52. Secondly, what does a summer body actually look like anyway? Surely it’s the same as a winter/autumn/spring body, just in different clothing; what you choose to wear is entirely your business. And thirdly, and this is my main point: why does a summer body apparently need any more attention than at any other part of the year? Our bodies need properly fuelling, exercise (movement) and care all year round – and for our whole lives. There are no healthy nor sustainable ‘quick-fixes’, so I urge you (if you were considering it) to jump off this ludicrous bandwagon and live well every day.  

​Here's a photo to bring back some perspective: nature in all its beauty.