How to Win a Swimsuit Contest in a Beauty Pageant

Exercising is a good way to get prepared for a swimsuit contest.

Women have been entering beauty pageants since the 1920s. According to the Pageant Center, approximately 3 to 4 million women compete every year in various beauty pageants all over the United States. Because so many women compete in beauty pageants, you have to work hard to set yourself apart from the others. If you have dreams of winning a swimsuit competition in a beauty pageant, you must begin preparing weeks ahead of time.

Instructions

1. Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy products. Limit your intake of fattening foods, such as pizza, hamburgers and chips. Drink water instead of juice and soda.

2. Aim for 20 to 60 minutes of aerobic activity on most days of the week. Jog, swim, take your dog for a walk or take a dance class. Do strength-training exercises two to three days a week to build muscle. Do push-ups, sit-ups, lunges and squats, and lift weights.

3. Start using a self-tanner a week before the pageant to give yourself a healthy glow. When you are applying the self-tanner to your body, use gloves to prevent the self-tanner from staining your hands.

4. Choose a flattering swimsuit. Wear a swimsuit with thin vertical stripes to elongate a petite frame. Enhance a small bust by wearing a padded halter top with ruffles. Wear a dark one-piece swimsuit to conceal tummy bulge. If you have an hour-glass figure, wear a bright colored top with darker, solid bottoms.

5. Walk with confidence. Show the judges that you are sure of yourself by smiling, and walking with your head held high. Practice walking at home with your heals on to make sure you can walk without falling on the stage.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear high heals with your swimsuit. Heals will help you appear longer and leaner, especially if you are short in stature. Wear your hair down instead of up in a bun or ponytail. Choose a swimsuit that is cut high on the leg. Wear an ankle bracelet as an accessory. Cover up tattoos with tattoo cover up makeup.

References

• Pageant Center: Pageant Trivia
• Total Beauty Secrets: Beauty Pageant Secrets -- Here she is, Miss America!
• Fit Watch: How Often Should You Exercise?
• HelpGuide.org: Healthy Eating
• Top Travel Tips: How To Choose The Right Ladies Swimwear For Your Body Shape