Some people get the chills when they hear nails on a chalkboard. I get chills right around this time every year when bathing suits make their way to the forefront of conversation again. Bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis, oh my! Southern California’s weather is the most temperate in the country, and even I can tell that it’s getting warmer. Time to bust out the old box of bathing suits from last summer. Yikes!
My bathing suits must really love me because no matter how many times I ask them (and by asking I mean stretch), they won’t stop squeezing me! The suits from last summer seem to hit all the wrong places. Does anyone else have this problem? I’m over my old bathing suits, and now it’s time to replenish the stash of suits via my computer. Last year I had a light bulb go on in my head; I could order bathing suits online and bypass the annoying horribly-lit and too-close-for-comfort mirrors in the department store fitting rooms. The web and my dimly-lit bathroom are the perfect solutions for me!
In my web surfing, I came across an article in Good Housekeeping called Flattering, Figure-Fixing Swimsuits for Every Body Type. It is a great resource. Personally, I’ve had great luck with Spanx bathing suits. They are very flattering because they are designed with tummy control and a fabulous bra with extra padding for an extra lift. The designers of Spanx must be menopausal women! They are brilliant. With my big hat and sunglasses, these bathing suits make me feel like I’ve just stepped out of a 1960s beach blanket summer surfing movie. When you’re trying on suits for this summer, make sure to keep that über critical voice in your head that I call my SUMO at bay. Stuff the sock you just took off in his mouth and have a great time — no negativity!
![fall scents for your home](http://www.livingbetter50.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Our-Aroma-Opium-Oil-Banner-2.jpg")
Peel off all of those layers (sweaters, leggings, and coats) and take inventory to see if you also need to peel off a few of those extra winter pounds that crept up. Perhaps a tune-up is in order. It is good for your health, which is the most important reason for doing it! While you’re toning up for summer, make sure to keep the positive reinforcement coming. Here are some exercises I’m going to try out:
- SELF – 5 Minutes to Flat Abs
- Fitness – Tone Your Arms in 3 Moves
- Kaboose – 10-Minute Routine: Butt-Toning Exercises
- SELF Challenge – Drop 10 – SELF swears this is a no-fail regimen, and even better – it’s free!
Of all the suits out there to choose from — one-piece, bikini, tankini… panini? — there’s the one you’ll always have, and that’s your birthday suit. Maybe talking about bathing suits don’t have to be akin to fast-talking. I’m going to try to push aside that annoying negative voice in my head (my SUMO), alter my opinion and force myself to thank the summer season for making me think about my eating and exercise habits. After all, we know that our weight and health go hand-in-hand. If you feel that weight has become a recent issue for you, be sure to fill out the Menopause Symptoms Chart and take it to your perimenopause and menopause specialist to talk about the best options in your perimenopause and menopause journey. Keep in mind that symptoms of thyroid disorders are often mistaken for perimenopause symptoms. Keep a close eye on your body and the way you function to ensure that you’re always living at 100%.
Let’s remember the one suit that really matters this summer. We can do it! Perimenopause and menopause have nothing on us! Be the change you wish to see in the world! To health! Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to finish all the ice cream in the freezer (If I get rid of it, I can’t eat anymore!).
What is your go-to bathing suit season workout?
Ellen Dolgen is the author of Shmirshky: The Pursuit of Hormone Happiness — a cut-to-the-chase book on perimenopause and menopause that’s filled with crucial information, helpful guides, and hilarious and heartfelt stories. Known for her humor, compassion, and sassy personality, Ellen has appeared on numerous television and radio broadcasts, including the Rachael Ray Show, The Doctors, Oprah Radio, Playboy Radio, “Tell Me More” on NPR, Doctor Radio, and dozens of other regional and national media outlets. Ellen is a regular guest on the popular radio show, “Broadminded,” on Sirius XM Radio (Stars XM 107) and KSWB Fox 5 Morning News San Diego. When Ellen isn’t promoting women’s health and wellness, she’s busy trying her best not to eat all the ice cream in the freezer.
1 thought on “Boomer Bathing Suits and Menopause”
I agree that the swimsuit is one of the most feared items in an adult woman’s life! At this age, it’s so much more important to find something that suits our bodies than following trends http://ofwitandwill.com/wear-it/the-swimsuit/