I love summer, the warmer weather, and the longer days, but this is also the time of year I start getting “bikini body” sponsored ads caught in my algorithm. As much as I request to get them off my feeds, there they are every year, pressuring me to change my body by shrinking, sculpting, or smoothing it. As someone who has turned down living my life in the past with the literal phrase “I’m not bikini ready”, I’m here to tell you:

Your summer body is the one you already have.

It’s not about earning the right to show your arms, go swimming, or enjoy the sunshine. You don’t have to “fix” yourself to participate fully in life this season. Your body is not a problem to solve—it’s the vehicle that let’s you live a big life, and it deserves kindness, respect, and movement that feels good, not punishing.

Let’s shift the narrative.

Instead of using summer as a deadline to change our bodies, what if we used it as an invitation? An invitation to feel good in our skin, to move in ways that bring us joy, and to build habits that support our overall well-being—not just aesthetics. An invitation to take care of our bodies in different ways, like paddle boarding on lakes, indulging in the fresh fruit and vegetables of the warmer season, hiking to gorgeous views with friends, or soaking up sun with zero sunburns?

If you’re feeling bombarded by the “get summer ready” messages, here are a few things to remember:

You don’t need to earn rest, fun, joy, or sunshine.
You can set health goals without shaming yourself.
You’re allowed to enjoy movement, even if you’re not trying to change your body.
Your body is already worthy of crop tops, swimsuits, and whatever else you want to wear.

This summer, you don’t need to hustle for a new body—you can build a better relationship with the one you’re in.

Because your summer body isn’t a future version of you.

It’s you. Right now. Just as you are.

Your Summer Body Is the One You Already Have