How to Win a Swimsuit Competition: What I've Tried to Do Over the Last 3 Years!

I've been competing under the Miss America Organization for a while now, and over the years I think I've pretty much narrowed down what it take to be successful at the swimsuit competition (now, if I can just get my body to coincide with my brain!!!!!)


OK.... Everyone should know that the swimsuit competition is the time where the judges get to see how well each contestant has maintained a very healthy lifestyle and exercise schedule. They are overall looking for poise, grace, fitness and a great attitude.

Here's what every pageant girl should do to get ready for the swimsuit competiton:

• DIET. It is essential that you constantly eat the right foods and drink lots of water each day (accept a few days before the pageant. You don't wanna look bloated!) Stay away from sodas and sweets.... acne is a no-no!!! But we all know what's good for us, and it's not just celery and carrots. Chicken, turkey, fish, and tons of other foods are good for you. And remember, just about anything is good in moderation! Watch your diet, and the first step to winning swimsuit is underway.


• YOUR PERSONAL BEST. A lot of people assume that you have to be thin to win the swimsuit competition. Totally not true! Very few people are actually born thin, but anybody can be healthy! Judges are more so looking for muscle tone versus thinness in swimsuit. Think about it this way: being thin could just mean you have a high metabolism. It doesn't mean you're in shape. However, muscle tone shows work; it shows a constant dedication to a fit lifestyle. Work very heavily on abs (ex. crunches) and legs (ex. squates) ... these are focal points for the judges. If those parts are toned, you're good to go!


• FIRM BUT FEMININE. Ok, don't go too overboard! Although you wanna be fit, you don't wanna lose your girlish look. Look at toned movie stars for example- they obviously work out, but they don't have man-muscles! Remember, you are still going for Miss America, so you have to relate to women mentally and PHYSICALLY. You can still do exercises for your bust (ex. push ups), but don't overdo it.

• (SPRAY) TANNING. I tan too, and I'm black! Tanning is not just a way to achieve a more galmorous skin tone, but it can also make your body look more defined if done in the right way. It's all about contouring: spraying in some places a tad bit heavier than others. Now, I say spray tanning because it's the safest way to get a great tan and still protect your skin fron harmful UV rays. Now, for dark-skinned girls such as myself, tanning is also helpful for evening out a skin tone. My skin is discolored slightly on my legs, and tanning is like puttin makeup all over your body to even it out. And it does not make you darker (if you pick out the right color).


• STRUT. I've seen competitions in which a girl wasn't that physically fit, didn't eat right, and still won swimsuit! Why? Because she struts her stuff! She is confident and has an amazing walk, and the judges just eat it up! Now, I doubt this girl just walked on stage and fell into amazing confidence. NO! She practiced and practiced and practiced to perfect her walk while making it appear natural at the same time. I have heard several times that the swimsuit competition, contrary to popular belief, is won from the neck up. Therefore, if you believe you're hot, everyone else will believe it too. It'll come through in your eyes and in your smile. You'll be a shoe-in to catch the award!

And remember, even if you're not competing in a swimsuit competition, this is advice you can take with you in daily life. Be healthy, be fit, and be confident!


Well, that's about all I know... Hope that helped someone!

Ash:-)