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In Search of the Elusive Thigh Gap?
Fitness | June 21, 2015
The sad and strange rise of certain obsessions with our physical appearances seems to be getting worse, especially for us women. So many of these body trends and fads are misleading and often impossible to achieve! It’s no wonder and certainly no surprise that body dysmorphic disorders are on the rise – not just for us ladies either, men are also beginning to obsess over their body image.
I recently wrote about our obsession with cellulite and why we seriously need to get over it. Some cellulite is, after all, normal and natural. However, the obsession with thigh gaps is not only an incredibly unhealthy but it’s pretty stupid as well.
Some women simply have a genetic predisposition that allows them to have a thigh gap. Usually this means slightly wider hips. In other words, the skeletal structure of their pelvis is what allows them to have a thigh gap not hard work at the ZGYM building strength and muscle.
Although a good amount of complete starvation could theoretically get you the desired thigh gap together with a life threatening eating disorder. It’s kind of a package deal. This is absolutely ridiculous and has nothing to do with fitness and wellbeing obviously. It also has nothing to do with being fit and in shape.
Thigh gaps are so dependent on bone structure that trying to achieve one without the necessary bone structure requires putting yourself through unnecessary amounts of torture. And for what? A passing trend? Look at the thighs on these American beauty pageant contestants from some years ago. No thigh gaps on these lovely ladies.
It saddens me that many notions of physical beauty for women have absolutely nothing to do with fitness and wellbeing. In fact, many of these ideas of beauty are diametrically opposed to our health and wellbeing and often lead women, especially younger women, down a treacherous path of eating disorders and a terrible sense of self-worth.
P.S. The last time I saw my own thigh gap in the mirror was when I turned 14. By the time I was 15 years old, my thigh gap was gone for good. The only way you can see a thigh gap on me is if I stand with my feet apart 🙂 but I’m pretty good at Pistol Squats, which I’m more proud of than I would ever be about some space between my legs.
Have any of you ladies obsessed about having a thigh gap? How did you get over it?
Private Member |
A thigh gap? something I never had or aspired to . I do however don’t like the % fat that have deposited around my thighs over the past 5 years. The worse is that its moving towards my knees .I would like to have muscular/lean legs – I do not mind the size of my thighs but would love to have less fat on them. I seem to become toned easily but still struggle to reduce the thickness of the fat layer .Please anyone any suggestions
Private Member |
To be honest, I didn’t know this was a trend and from the sound of it it’s a stupid one. Hips and thighs runs in my family, so if wanted this so called “thigh gap” I could never have it. I am happy with my body and don’t need to follow some stupid trend(s) that my body cannot do. And the last time I had a “thigh gap” was 14 maybe 15. The only thing on my mind is being happy and healthy.
Private Member |
valras plage, france
I am sorry but are you supposed to have a space there with your legs closed? Like in the image above..if yes then this is decidedly the most stupid thing I’ve ever seen. Something to watch out for when you have daughters. thanks
Private Member |
astoria, or, usa
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=aPvAPK71eIE 🙂 hope this is ok to share
Totally agreed, very ridiculous expectation. While I don’t remember when/if I ever had a thigh gap because I obviously didn’t care enough to notice, my pregnancy has somehow spread to my thighs which is fine other than the new discomfort of chafing and the increased difficulty I just found trying to do Eagle Pose in Yoga 8. Other than that, I could care less 😉
Private Member |
lake tahoe, nv, usa
Haha!! That’s funny 🙂
Private Member |
Becky, you might want to try a product from the running store to prevent chafing. The packaging is like a deodorant solid and there are small ones to keep in your purse. Any running store has it.
Private Member |
I forgot to mention its name! Body Glide is one brand.
Private Member |
toronto, canada
Body Glide also works great on your feet to prevent blisters if you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes! Although I think they might have the worst sexist marketing out there. The exact same product in a pink tube “for women” costs way more and is smaller than the blue tube. Don’t worry the blue one doesn’t have much scent so you won’t smell like Old Spice all day or anything 🙂
Private Member |
I´ve never had a thigh gap too, but in summer it´s quite troublesome to don´t have it. Sometimes I find it out slightly painful when my thighs chafe each other.
Private Member |
hmm … i do believe it has a lot to do with genetics, what your build and boy type is. Im multiracial , latin/ african and white mix in there. i have a small waist, child baring hips, big butt and well i have a thigh gap even though i have semi athletic legs. i use to hate my body type growing up, i tried all sorts to be super skinny and lose the bum and big hips lol i soon learnt unfortunately no matter how much weight you lose, starve my self i was still that shape. im older and to be honest i love my body just as is now. As for thigh gap, no matter my weight, its still there so again for me its just genetics. I train 5 days a week, weights and hiit and try to just look the best for me and what my body will allow. i dont strive to look like anybody else. i think its so silly all these trends to be honest , we need to love ourselves flaws and all and accept ones self rather than trying to compare and attain what others have. 🙂