Meet the women proving that EVERY body is a beach body

The stars of our August reader shoot are here to get you ready for swimwear season - without changing a single thing.

Does stripping down to your swimwear sound like your worst nightmare?

Meet the women who'll change your mind.

According to recent research from Dove's Global Beauty and Confidence Report, British women's body confidence is amongst the lowest in the world, and 9 out of 10 women admit to missing out of important life activities such as engaging with friends and loved ones.

We'd say that a holiday is definitely an important life activity, and don't want anyone to miss out on one single moment - especially because they're worried about how they might look in a bikini, or whether they'll be caught at a bad angle in a photo.

Exposing your body isn't always easy, but it's harder to go through life letting opportunities pass you by because you felt like your body held you back.

So if the thought of slipping into your beachwear fills you with fear, you need to hear from these three inspiring ladies.

Emma, Tracy and Izzy, the stars of our August issue reader shoot, are about to tell you exactly why you need to break free from doubt and start enjoying every day with the body you've got right now...

Emma Haslam, 29, from Derby

Pole fitness instructor

You may remember size-18 Emma from Britain's Got Talent, where she wowed the judges (and the nation) with her incredible pole dancing skills. Here, she tells us how dancing gives her confidence, and why no one should be ashamed to stick on a two-piece and soak up the sun.

Izzy Nash, 48, from Maidstone

Tattoo enthusiast

Izzy's never felt insecure about her body, but her tattoos boosted her confidence even more. 'My tattoos are like another layer of clothing!' she says, as she tells us all about dealing with comments from the public and stripping off on the beach.

Tracy Halpin, 52, from Kent

Breast cancer survivor

Before cancer, Tracy never thought she'd be in her swimwear on camera, but as she tells us, 'my experience, my health issue, has definitely made me more determined in terms of my body and how I feel about it'. Tracy will take part in the Breast Cancer Care London Fashion Show on 2 November - for tickets, visit breastcancercare.org.uk/theshow

Subscribe to Essentials magazine to hear more stories from amazing women like these, and read the full interview with Izzy, Tracy and Emma in our August issue, on sale July 1st

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