The Middle-Aged Mom vs. the Bikini
Author: Jackie Culver
Not long ago I came across an internet poll where people gave their opinion about what age a woman should stop doing certain things.
For example, “How old is too old for long hair?” “At what point should a woman stop wearing high heels?” “When is a bikini an absolute no-no?” Um, let’s put on the brakes for a second. Is there truly an age when a woman cannot wear high heels? Is it just a comfort thing or maybe a safety concern? I believe in a woman’s right to awesome shoes at any age. But I digress…
Of course, the one that really caught my attention was the bikini question. Hmmmm…at 43, I believe I am fast approaching my expiration date. However, I have a drawer full of bikinis and have to admit that I don’t actually own a one piece bathing suit. What’s a girl to do?
I’m sure you know where I am going with this. Age is a state of mind, you’re only as old as you feel, etc. Well, to an extent that is true, but there are also a lot of things you can do to slow down the whole process. Yes, I am a middle aged mom, but I am in much better shape now than I was at 20. Father Time has proved to be a good motivator!
So here are a few tips to keep you bikini ready no matter what your age:
You are What You Eat!
I cannot stress this one enough. GET PROCESSED FOODS OUT OF YOUR DIET!! The chemicals may preserve the food but they won’t do the same for you! Eat foods that remember where they came from. Choose meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, etc. If you are thirsty, drink water.
Exercise
The value of exercise is evident both on the inside and out. Cardio burns away that annoying fat and building muscle gives your body that toned shape. It is recommended that everyone get at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week. If you are currently inactive, working up to this guideline is a good place to start. However, if you want to be a bikini babe, you are probably going to have to put a little more effort into it! (It is sad, but true.)
So, where do you start? Well, that depends on where you are right now. If your idea of a vigorous workout is the walk from the couch to the refrigerator, then you would probably benefit from 10 minutes of walking each day and then slowly building up to 30 minutes a day.
If 30 minutes of moderate activity a day is a piece of chicken for you, then start adding a little weight training. Use light weights and high reps to start.
For my more advanced beach beauties, I recommend adding this move to your arsenal, the Modified Burpee.
Alternate 20 seconds of this move between weight training sets, and you will be a puddle on the floor when you are done!