Okay mamas, today I am getting on my "Mama Fitness" soapbox here about one of my pet peeves - ill fitting bathing suits. This is going to be very politically incorrect, so if you think everyone should wear what they want because they have confidence about their body type, or if you are easily offended - stop reading now. Seriously, don’t keep reading. This is no holds barred, tell it like it is, major Mama Fitness "do's" and “don’ts”. You’ve been warned, here we go…
1. Mama Fitness Don't #1: Thongs – Even if you have a hot body and nice booty, no woman wants to look at your butt at the beach or in public places. The men might, but we don’t. We were just in Oahu on vacation and I cannot even begin to tell you how many cellulite ridden, droopy butts we saw in thongs. Yes, there were some taut booties, too, but looking at butt cracks while trying to chill on the beach ruins the view. Keep the thongs in your backyard and under tight fitting clothes. Please.
2. Mama Fitness Don't #2: Boob spread – Have you had kids? Are you over the age of 25? Then you probably have some boob sagging. Come on, admit it – most of us have it. Gravity and pregnancy are not our friends when it comes to our boobs. If you must wear a triangle or halter bikini top, please get the correct size. Having your boobs spill out of the bottoms, sides, and top of your suit is not pretty. Keep the dogs in the yard – get a proper fitting top. Preferably one with underwire.
3. Mama Fitness Don't #3: Large boobs – if you are blessed or have blessed yourself with sizable boobs, again, please get a top that fits. We just attended a kids’ pool party and one of the mamas (with triple D enhancements), was parading around with a top that barely covered the girls. She seriously looked like she was hiding cantaloupes under eye patches. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not against cosmetic surgery to look better or feel good about how you look. I’m just suggesting that you wear your proper size. They do sell separates. Take advantage of it.
4. Mama Fitness Don't #4: Body type – Out of shape? Overweight? Stretch marks? Choose your swimsuit wisely. Just because something comes in your size doesn’t mean you should wear it. Ladies, please look in the mirror and honestly assess how you look. A hanging belly or muffin top does not look good in a bikini. There are a lot of flattering suits for your body type. Think fat, hairy guy in a Speedo. Enough said.
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So, now that I’ve told you what NOT to do, here’s how to get a great suit that looks awesome on your body:
1. Mama Fitness Do #1: Choose Your Top Wisely - if you are smaller on top, you have the advantage of being able to wear any look. In general, suits that push you up by tying around the neck look great. Ruffles, bright colors and graphic designs also tend to look very attractive and give you a little extra “pop”.
Being larger on the top or in the tummy area is often the hardest to fit. Try a tankini top that focuses mainly on your cleavage, but that also offers the support you need. Also consider underwire or built in padding. If you are larger on top, you will probably want to avoid triangle styles because they don’t offer enough support and will make you look saggy. Choose a solid color or subtle stripes.
2. Mama Fitness Do #2: Make Your Bottom Look “Bootylicious” - if you are larger on the bottom or if you have long, thin legs definitely emphasize them! Scoop or high cut bottoms will probably look the best on you. String-tie bikini bottoms will also look good.
If you have wider hips and thicker thighs, you have several options. Choose something other than a regular bikini bottom. Try a bikini skirt, bikini shorts or a cute pair of board shorts. Also, wearing a bottom in a solid color, even if your top piece has some type of design, is a great way to draw attention away from your problem area.
3. Mama Fitness Do #3: Yes, a One Piece Can Look Hot! - to put less emphasis on your tummy area, think one-piece. Avoid solid colored suits and opt for something with tropical flowers or graphics. Firm control or ruched one-pieces will often do the job of hiding your tummy area.
If you want to emphasize your cleavage area, consider a one piece swimsuit with a ring hole. Choose a suit in a darker color if you want to hide your tummy area but emphasize your cleavage. Woo-hoo!
Pleated one piece swimsuits are an excellent choice for any mama who has a long, lean body. It will emphasize your curves. For emphasis on your hips and shoulders, a cutout one piece swimsuit is hot. To emphasize your shoulders and back area, try a swimsuit that is low cut in the back or has crisscross back straps.
The secret is to find a suit that looks wonderful on you and makes you look amazing!
‘Til next week, stay fit mamas!
*NOTE:I am not a medical professional, nutritionist or a weight loss guru. I am going to give you information and tips based on my personal experience and opinion, things I've read and things my friends (who are also busy hot mamas) have tried. Oh, yeah, and get the okay from your doctor or health care provider before starting any exercise, supplementation or diet program.
