Hello friends~
I hope you’re having a wonderful summer!
I want to tell you about a post I saw on social media recently, where the floodgates opened (surprisingly mostly from women) with negative comments about revealing thong swimsuits. The buttocks, ass, glutes, are a beautiful group of muscles that play a significant role in almost all functions of the body, so what’s the big deal? Wear the damn swimsuit.
If you travel you may have noticed that in European countries there’s a more relaxed attitude towards what people wear at the beach or pool, and women appear to be more confident, and comfortable in their bodies. Americans on the beach? Not so much.
Body shaming is rampant – judgement and criticism of women choosing to wear any type of swimwear is just priggish.
I had thought that we were evolving with body positivity, body acceptance, supporting women, all bodies. Apparently not.
The comments in that post ranged from prudish, criticizing young moms for “exposing their bodies” while playing with their kids, to the abundance of nasty comments about larger women who “shouldn’t” be wearing revealing swimwear. And there were also comments about some women (probably me) wearing any kind of skimpy swimwear having the audacity to expose ugly, old skin.
We love Asbury Park beaches – every body type, skin color, language, and every age, and every style of swimwear – bikinis to burkas. The diversity, the freedom to wear anything (this goes for men too), is really wonderful, and I’m grateful to live in a city with beaches that welcome everyone.
Gravity sucks, literally.
In another post in that same week – a much, much younger trainer (30 or 40 years younger) posted that women should strength train to “fill up” the loosening skin as they age. I resisted commenting, “Honey, I hate to break it to you – you’ll find out…” Wrinkly skin is unavoidable as we age, give or take some genetic blessings. Train strength to be strong. Period. Gravity sucks, and you can’t escape it, even with collagen and other supplements.
From the perspective of a Boomer, a 72 yo mom of 6, grandma of 15, and a strength coach: I have not chosen to wear a thong, but I’ve always preferred a bikini to a one-piece, although I do own a few. They’re sticky when wet, and just hard to put on. My personal choice of swimwear might be outside the norm for my age, considering the wrinkly tummy, knees, and other bits (shoulders, forearms, back!). Exercise, specifically strength training helps with muscle definition, but gravity, along with collagen loss is winning. As I pull on the bikini top and bottom, I admit that when I notice the saggy parts in the mirror I’m briefly horrified. I know that I’m influenced by the media constantly pushing the youth agenda, and it pisses me off.
When the industry and young trainers advise women about their aging bodies, it seems to convey that the quest for youthfulness is a significant reason to exercise. Message from an old chick: aging doesn’t suck if you get strong, stay strong, and maintain an active lifestyle.
While at the same time that we’re being deluged with youth culture in advertising, thankfully women are indeed being encouraged to strength train (heavy) to reduce all-cause mortality, likelihood of injury, and to be able to get off the toilet, pick up grandkids, or put a carry-on into the overhead compartment (that one is always on the list). Important, to be sure, but I want much more than that. As long as I am alive I plan on staying strong so I can feel awesome, and do tons of fun and challenging stuff whenever I want.
Here’s this last thought before we wrap it up: Start now, and keep going, whatever your age.
Scientists found that strength training in later decades helps preserve muscle and strength for years. The researchers believe that high-load training triggers neuromuscular adaptations and helps preserve fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are especially prone to age-related loss (sarcopenia). By stressing the muscles at higher intensities, older adults can maintain their function well beyond the training period.
If you choose to slow down, so will your body.
It’s your body, whether bigger, smaller, younger, older – it’s crucial to stay strong, and whatever you wear is your business.
Hope you have a wonderful summer, wherever you are, and no matter what you wear.
x
Polli
