Bethenny Frankel Shares Unfiltered Bikini Photo At 51 To Promote Body Positivity

Bethenny Frankel is embracing her body at 51.

The "Real Housewives of New York City" star posted on Instagram Friday an unfiltered photo of herself posing poolside in a blue two-piece bikini, sunglasses and a fedora hat.

In the caption, she highlighted the importance of body positivity and self-love, sharing that she chose "balance and happiness" over dieting and regular workouts.

"Here's the unfortunate truth. I rarely exercise. I hate water. I prioritize sleep but fail," she wrote. "I eat whatever I want, but I never binge. I run around like a lunatic with endless energy..."

Frankel said that she is in better shape now than when she "endlessly" dieted and exercised in her 20s and 30s. "[I] was much heavier & less happy overall with my physical appearance," she recalled.

The "Just B" podcast host added that she loves her skin, despite it sagging in some places, and although she isn't "in any notable muscular shape by anyone's standards," she’s finding joy in "choosing balance and happiness and doing the best [she] can."

"When I'm 90 I won't wish I exercised more, that's for sure," she concluded her message, adding the hashtags "#noglam #nofilter #loveyourself."

Frankel's post received praise from her followers, with some sharing their own struggles with trying to establish a healthy lifestyle.

"Your honesty is what makes you relatable…never stop. From day one on TV, I knew you were going to shine like no other. Will always be #teambethanny [sic]," one follower wrote.

"You are such a role model to me in every way! I aspire to be like you," a second Instagram user added.

"Me too sister!!! Too much exercise is not the answer for me either," Kristofer Buckle commented.

"I detest exercising too! I hate water too, but sadly, I'm only 4'11 and diet a lot because I'm so short and have a love affair with carbs [like] pizza. If I don't diet now and again, I'd look like a house," another follower commented.

However, some users disagreed with Frankel's suggestion that exercise is not important for leading a healthy lifestyle.

"In your 50s, weight training is important for strong bones and to offset osteoporosis," one person commented.

"Strength training and lifting weights promote strong bones, though, especially as we age," another wrote.

Some pointed out that Frankel has been known to practice yoga over the years. "You do yoga, that covers it all," one follower commented.