I’ve struggled since I was a kid because although I’ve never been ‘overweight,’ I’ve never had a perfect / ‘acceptable’ beach body either and I’ve always been incredibly self-conscious about it.
I’m a pretty slim build, long, slim, legs and arms but a short torso where any podge I do put on goes straight away. So I always felt unbalanced, and almost envious of mates whose chub went on their butt or thighs as to me it was better than having a chubby tummy.
On top of that, I have very pale skin and dark body hair. Let’s say puberty and swimming/ beach days with other friends who I swear to god didn’t have these issues just made me incredibly uncomfortable.
As I’ve grown up two things have happened; I’ve realised other people DO have these issues and I’m not alone AND how to look after my body and do things to overcome these issues.
Some people will say ‘just embrace your body for its flaws’ and I totally agree with that. But also finding ways to eradicate issues is also massively life changing! And by doing both you are still accepting your body.
So what I mean is; I found out what food is good for my body. I realised I had some intolerances that caused me to have an almost allergic reaction and made my body very unwell. Once I had blood tests and knew what to cut out, I physically felt better and that made me more confident!
Then I found laser hair removal. I have very sensitive skin so shaving, plucking, waxing etc had all left me with embarrassing rashes and ingrowing hairs. I found laser when I was 18 and had my bikini line done; it was LIFE CHANGING. The skin in that area also stopped being so sensitive. For years I had worn bikini shorts rather than normal bottoms, now I could actually wear what I wanted!
Years down the line and I’m now having more laser done, so far on my legs and soon onto my underarms etc. I go to Pulse Light Clinic in Fenchurch Street, and these days it’s much more affordable (I won’t tell you how much I spent on my bikini area back then! I don’t want to remember haha.)
And finally, I started understanding how to enjoy exercise again. I had always been a sporty kid but never the best. I was usually in the B team for example. I didn’t really understand how to work out to benefit my health or mind. I just liked being a team player.
Over the past few years via various trials at gyms and working with some amazing PT friends etc I have found so many classes and ways to train that I love on my own terms.
I now train at Virgin Active Gyms and I love the place SO much I get upset when I can’t go! I feel physically and mentally so much stronger even when I train once a week. Being able to mix up what I do helps. Some days I swim, others I do my own circuits in the gym and others I do classes like Yoga.
Right now I’ve been so busy travelling, I’ve been training a lot less than I like, but even that once a week hit at the gym keeps me feeling good. So some weeks my body looks ripped and others it isn’t ‘perfect’ but I don’t care!
This is me and as long as I feel like I’m treating my body right – then I feel confident about showing it off.
Don’t feel like finding solutions isn’t accepting your body… it’s really important to do the things that make you feel good about you.
It’s worth pointing out that my friends Callie and Danie have played a major part in helping me to feel confident in my body no matter how it looks. It’s my body either way!
They are incredible bloggers, and it might seem odd to some, that even though I’m not Plus Size they have inspired me. But I don’t think it’s odd at all!
No matter what shape, size, colour, etc you are, we all have our issues so please bear that in mind when you think it’s only you who feels self-conscious.
I hope this helped and if you want to ask me any questions please do on here or Instagram.
Wearing:
Motorhead bikini by EMP.
Mesh dress sold out but you can find a similar one here.
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