What does a bikini body look like to you?

Most of us would agree it refers to any body in a bikini.  

But while the term 'bikini body' isn't inherently negative, it's one that fitness guru Kayla Itsines regrets using in the title of  her renowned fitness programme.

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In 2013, Itsines created the internationally successful exercise programme, the 'Bikini Body' Guide (otherwise known as #bbg), but has since dropped the name to focus on launching  her best-selling fitness app 'Sweat with Kayla'.

She told Bloomberg Business: 'Do I regret calling my guides Bikini Body? My answer is yes.

'When I released the app, I called it Sweat With Kayla. Sweat is so empowering. I love that.'

Reflecting on her multi-million pound business, which has seen her accrue more than 5.3 million Instagram followers, Itsines admitted she understands why she received criticism for the programme's name as it rejecting certain body types that didn't fit the toned and athletic physique she promoted.

'I wish I'd made it more clear that any body can wear a bikini and that a 'bikini body' isn't my body,' she told Cosmopolitan

'It's feeling comfortable and strong and fit and great about yourself when you wear the least amount of clothing you can wear in public.'

New summer mantra, anyone?

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Katie O'Malley
Site Director

Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.