There was a time when every woman wore a girdle. In the early 50s, glamor demanded those perfect lines and contours. Tummies were slimmed, hips made smooth, busts enhanced and reshaped - long line bras and girdles slimmed bulges and created curves. All of these items were generally very restrictive and uncomfortable.

The sixties brought us freedom, we were the generation that “let it all hang out” and prided ourselves on loving nature in its gloriously unbridled beauty.

Then came the women’s movement and bra-burning. Women were not going to be held to archaic standards of beauty; we demanded to be seen as equals and measured by the worth of our intellect and capabilities rather than the measurements of our figures.

Well as they say, everything old is new again. The latest trend in Hollywood is spandex undergarments - a new take on an old girdle. The most popular brand is Spanx who market a complete line of slimming garments for everyone from the very slim to plus sizes as well as maternity undergarments.

Everyone from Tyra Banks to Gwyneth Paltrow admits to wearing slimming undergarments to achieve that sleek look. Watch out girls, girdles are back!

Shop for Spanx garments at Amazon

Models who are considered too skinny will be banned from a fashion show in Madrid later this month. The regional government has expressed concern that the image portrayed by these gaunt women might influence young Spanish girls and increase the incidence of anorexia and bulimia.

It seems to me that the skeletal thinness of fashion models and Hollywood stars is increasingly out of step with the attitudes of average women. When we were young, low-rise pants or “hip-huggers” with body suits that clung to every inch of the torso were worn by young women everywhere, but no one would have dared to wear that style unless they were pencil thin. Nowadays the pants are still riding low on the hips and in place of the body suit are stretchy, torso-hugging shirts that end just short of the top of the pant-waist, showing lots of skin. The difference is that heavier girls wear the style just as often as the skinny ones do. Attitudes towards what is an acceptable body seem to be shifting more towards healthy weights and away from the desire to be bone thin.

These thoughts make me hopeful for the future although, because they are my personal observations, I could be wrong. But think of having fashion and Hollywood taking their cue from the public instead of the other way around. It can happen, if we refuse to accept the pre-packaged trends and images they offer us.

I am not saying that there’s anything wrong with being in style and enjoying all that fashion has to offer. I am suggesting that we send the message, loud and clear, over and over, until Hollywood and fashion designers hear us: Style and fashion are for everyone, not just for under-nourished twenty-somethings who do not represent real women.

Madrid bans too-thin models from catwalk

We all know we should exercise for energy and health. Resistance training builds muscle mass and helps harden bones to guard against osteoporosis. But few have room to set up a complete gym in their homes and the prospect of joining a gym is often not an appealing one. When you are starting out on a weight loss or workout program, the gym can be a depressing place. Who wants to take their neglected middle and flabby upper arms to be compared to those twenty-something hard bodies that parade the gym in workout clothes that are not designed to conceal but rather draw attention to their… ummm… personal assets?

Curves is a health club that caters to women. With a total workout circuit that takes only 30 minutes, the Curves program fits into your busy schedule. What’s more, most women find the atmosphere to be relaxing, fun and supportive. With 9000 locations nationwide, there is probably one near you.

The Curves system is built around easy to use hydraulic resistance machines. The program is simple and clear: complete the circuit in 30 minutes for a toned and confident new you.

Dedicated to women’s fitness, Curves offers a proven 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also offers a commonsense weight management program that ends the need for perpetual dieting. With more than 9,000 locations and 4 million members worldwide, Curves offers something others can’t: the support you need to reach your goals. At Curves, discover the power to amaze yourself.

For more information visit the Curves website.