What's so wrong about a thigh gap?

SONIA820
SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, don't throw things at me, but it seems like anytime anyone posts anything about wanting or having a thigh gap, it's received negatively? Why?

I suppose I should add that on my journey (I am purposely stalled out right now, due to pregnancy just being healthy and still logging and such just not as heavy handed) I lost 106lbs with good eating and Jillian Micheal's, walking, swimming and hiking and ended up with an awesome thigh gap...never had one before, so I think it's kind of cool that my thighs don't touch...what am I missing here? I don't lift heavy... YET, so maybe it's the inner thigh muscles that I haven't built up yet...
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Replies

  • sarahrbraun
    sarahrbraun Posts: 2,261 Member
    Okay, don't throw things at me, but it seems like anytime anyone posts anything about wanting or having a thigh gap, it's received negatively? Why?

    I suppose I should add that on my journey (I am purposely stalled out right now, due to pregnancy just being healthy and still logging and such just not as heavy handed) I lost 106lbs with good eating and Jillian Micheal's, walking, swimming and hiking and ended up with an awesome thigh gap...never had one before, so I think it's kind of cool that my thighs don't touch...what am I missing here? I don't lift heavy... YET, so maybe it's the inner thigh muscles that I haven't built up yet...

    It isn't that the thigh gap is BAD...it is that many people don't understand why it is all that. Why are some women willing to do just about ANYTHING, including getting anorexic skinny, to GET a thigh gap? Some women just are not orthopedically capable of getting a thigh gap...
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    It's a huge thing in the pro-ana community. Things that are big with that crowd tend to be received with suspicion here.
  • jenlarz
    jenlarz Posts: 813 Member
    hmm. maybe I'm reading different threads. I see most stating they want a gap.
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    It's the not the actual thigh gap but the people. The people associated with wanting them so badly are usually willing to go to unhealthy lengths to achieve one, which may not even be possible given their bone structure.
  • SONIA820
    SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...

    That's not a thigh gap. A thigh gap is when both feet are touching next to each other.

    Ex from google:
    GTXxw.png
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,449 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...

    But you obviously have wide enough hips to make this possible.

    Some people, me included, do not.
  • iorahkwano
    iorahkwano Posts: 709 Member
    It's a huge thing in the pro-ana community. Things that are big with that crowd tend to be received with suspicion here.

    Yes. This.

    Thigh gap isn't a measure of health or fitness, and shouldn't be considered a weight loss "goal." It's not attainable for all body types and many people would say it's a characteristic of anorexic bodies. It's one thing to want smaller thighs but lots of people who post here about "thigh gap" are already skinny and seem to be wanting to emulate the underfed model look. They sort of make us question if they're going to starve themselves as soon as someone reinforces their thigh gap obsession & gives them the green light.

    Out of all the fitness goals possible, why pick sunken-in inner thighs?
    It's not like one's going to be standing around with their feet together or hopping down the street like that...
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,449 Member
    That pic HAS to be shopped. Look at the calves!! In proportion, that's not really possible, is it?
  • pastryari
    pastryari Posts: 8,646 Member
    That pic HAS to be shopped. Look at the calves!! In proportion, that's not really possible, is it?

    I think it prob is. Look around the room. Everything is the exact same as the first pic.
  • lizziebeth1028
    lizziebeth1028 Posts: 3,602 Member
    Okay, don't throw things at me, but it seems like anytime anyone posts anything about wanting or having a thigh gap, it's received negatively? Why?

    I suppose I should add that on my journey (I am purposely stalled out right now, due to pregnancy just being healthy and still logging and such just not as heavy handed) I lost 106lbs with good eating and Jillian Micheal's, walking, swimming and hiking and ended up with an awesome thigh gap...never had one before, so I think it's kind of cool that my thighs don't touch...what am I missing here? I don't lift heavy... YET, so maybe it's the inner thigh muscles that I haven't built up yet...

    It isn't that the thigh gap is BAD...it is that many people don't understand why it is all that. Why are some women willing to do just about ANYTHING, including getting anorexic skinny, to GET a thigh gap? Some women just are not orthopedically capable of getting a thigh gap...

    ^^^This. It's not a realistic goal for some of us. And to me - it's not right to focus in on such a singular goal. When I look in the mirror I'm zeroing in on my overall appearance and muscle tone, what do I need to do to tweak my workouts. I'm not worried about if there's a gap between my thighs.
  • RECowgill
    RECowgill Posts: 881 Member
    That pic HAS to be shopped. Look at the calves!! In proportion, that's not really possible, is it?

    I think it prob is. Look around the room. Everything is the exact same as the first pic.

    That was the first thing I thought. Good grief woman work on your calves, how does she walk? :noway:
  • corrinnebrown
    corrinnebrown Posts: 345 Member
    I want a thigh gap.
  • joselo2
    joselo2 Posts: 461
    yeah, ppl who b*tch about thigh gap probably want one and are jealous. nothing wrong with it! x
  • SONIA820
    SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
    It's a huge thing in the pro-ana community. Things that are big with that crowd tend to be received with suspicion here.

    Yes. This.

    Thigh gap isn't a measure of health or fitness, and shouldn't be considered a weight loss "goal." It's not attainable for all body types and many people would say it's a characteristic of anorexic bodies. It's one thing to want smaller thighs but lots of people who post here about "thigh gap" are already skinny and seem to be wanting to emulate the underfed model look. They sort of make us question if they're going to starve themselves as soon as someone reinforces their thigh gap obsession & gives them the green light.

    Out of all the fitness goals possible, why pick sunken-in inner thighs?
    It's not like one's going to be standing around with their feet together or hopping down the street like that...


    OH man, I have had so many goals since beginning this little trip! First one was just to lose weight, then whew 20 lbs, 40...speed, endurance...can I run? I can run... :) Well I started to run! Getting pregnant was a byproduct of the weight loss! HAHA I can't wait to keep going, I started seeing muscles that I didn't even know I had! :)
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    yeah, ppl who b*tch about thigh gap probably want one and are jealous. nothing wrong with it! x

    Silly goose.
  • meghan6867
    meghan6867 Posts: 388 Member
    Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting a thigh gap. It is, however, unrealistic and unattainable for some people. It's just body type... I know plenty of people that are stick thin and still don't have it. They won't achieve a thigh gap unless they undergo some pretty unhealthy lifestyle choices.

    For example, I'm a bit more chesty than the average woman my size. Sure... I could starve myself and the girls would eventually disappear... but it isn't healthy. So: I accept my bustiness and deal.

    Moral of the story: There are more important things than a thigh gap.
  • misssiri
    misssiri Posts: 335 Member
    This doesn't really answer your question but my biggest problem with thigh gap threads is that they normally turn into body shaming threads IMO.

    Nothing wrong with a thigh gap if you have the bone structure. I happen to have wide hips so I have one. I'll trade someone for some boobs.

    Now if you are not genetically inclined, why worry about it? It's silly. Why not focus on being strong, healthy, etc?

    I don't mean you OP, I mean in general.
  • SONIA820
    SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...

    But you obviously have wide enough hips to make this possible.

    Some people, me included, do not.

    Apparently! LOL! It has been quite a shock to see what was hiding all along! :) Still a ways to go!
  • Missjulesdid
    Missjulesdid Posts: 1,444 Member
    Seeing a thigh gap on a woman would send my grandmother into orbit!!! She thought it was the most vulgar display imaginable.

    protruding clavicles? Bring it on.. A stomach that does not have a top or a bottom? sign me up... but thigh gap? I'll pass... If I naturally had one, It wouldn't bother me.. but It's certainly not a hallmark of something I'm striving for.
  • Km0714
    Km0714 Posts: 62 Member
    I'm not sure either! I want one so bad, i love the way it looks in clothes! I'm a big on fashion haha
  • Moxie42
    Moxie42 Posts: 1,400 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...

    It's not necessarily that yours is suspicious...if you're healthy, I would hope no one would give you a hard time simply because you have one. But if your only goal was to have one, and that's all you cared about, that's what would set people off. It's the "I want one...I need one...how can I get one?" posts that usually summon the negativity. Congrats on your loss btw! :smile:
  • hmadrone
    hmadrone Posts: 129 Member
    I was delighted when a thigh gap showed up. I didn't have one when I was in my 20s and thinner than I am now. I did a lot of backpacking then, though, and my thighs were really BUILT. Now I'm a dancer, and I think my thighs look better than they ever have.

    And, to orbit out of here, it gave me great personal satisfaction when I got thin enough to steal my then-16-year-old daughter's mini-dresses. That really ought to be everyone's personal fitness goal.
  • sammyneb
    sammyneb Posts: 257
    I would love to have a thigh gap so when run I can wear running shorts without my thighs running together...would I starve myself for it, no..I just wear compression shorts.. (but I also have the hips to support a thigh gap!)
  • Emma_Problema
    Emma_Problema Posts: 422 Member
    Just another thing for women to focus on and hate about ourselves. Distract us from the more important things in the world....like absolutely EVERYTHING. Keep us picking apart our bodies so we pay more attention to stupid bull like thigh gaps rather than wage gaps. Keep us spending money on things we don't need like diet pills and weigh loss programs. Keep us unsatisfied and self-loathing. Hooray for capitalism and sexism.

    Kinda seems like a random tangent. But that's all this talk really is. Fueling the fire of body obsession and feelings of inadequacy. Some people have a thigh gap. Some people can't. That should be the end of the story. It has nothing to do with fitness levels and is not something worthy of attempting to achieve. There are no health benefits to a thigh gap. I don't think they're gross and I wouldn' t body shame someone who has one, but really....why continue to talk about it?
  • dawn2313
    dawn2313 Posts: 125 Member
    It's the not the actual thigh gap but the people. The people associated with wanting them so badly are usually willing to go to unhealthy lengths to achieve one, which may not even be possible given their bone structure.

    ^ This.
    If you have a thigh gap as a result of hard work, and healthy habits, then that's cool, but if you're striving for it and (like above poster said) will go to unhealthy lengths to get it.. then it's just wrong. I see a lot of teenagers wanting the thigh gap, which results in them wanting to be super skinny because they think that's how they get it, then they stop eating so that they'll become skinny... it's just an unhealthy cycle.
  • SONIA820
    SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
    AH HA! I think I get it..so my well earned thigh gap is suspicious because they may not realize how top heavy I started out...That makes sense to me...I just always found that curious...I still have work to do, but the fact that I can stand shoulder width apart and nothing touches, is kind of cool considering that I started out at 292...

    It's not necessarily that yours is suspicious...if you're healthy, I would hope no one would give you a hard time simply because you have one. But if your only goal was to have one, and that's all you cared about, that's what would set people off. It's the "I want one...I need one...how can I get one?" posts that usually summon the negativity. Congrats on your loss btw! :smile:

    Thanks dahling, no one has said anything! I just noticed little snide comments and negativity about it and was curious....I feel my loss has been healthy, I am happy, went from 26's (NO THIGH GAP CITY...dear lord the chaffing!) to 12's (WHEW!), I don't have a size in mind, but I tell you what come June I really hope to get moving for realsies again!
  • SONIA820
    SONIA820 Posts: 208 Member
    Just another thing for women to focus on and hate about ourselves. Distract us from the more important things in the world....like absolutely EVERYTHING. Keep us picking apart our bodies so we pay more attention to stupid bull like thigh gaps rather than wage gaps. Keep us spending money on things we don't need like diet pills and weigh loss programs. Keep us unsatisfied and self-loathing. Hooray for capitalism and sexism.

    Kinda seems like a random tangent. But that's all this talk really is. Fueling the fire of body obsession and feelings of inadequacy. Some people have a thigh gap. Some people can't. That should be the end of the story. It has nothing to do with fitness levels and is not something worthy of attempting to achieve. There are no health benefits to a thigh gap. I don't think they're gross and I wouldn' t body shame someone who has them, but really....why continue to talk about it?

    Overly curious I suppose! :) I figured it was a body type, shape, bone structure thing as it was and had no clue why there would be such negativity about it, especially when it was a naturally occurring thing for me... Part of it I suppose, runs into your conclusion, that by all the negativity I was wondering if I was actually doing what I should have been doing all along because that's what I ended up with. :)
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member
    Why don't guys talk about wanting thigh gaps?

    jeans_zpsd1a89ebe.jpg
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,449 Member
    Why don't guys talk about wanting thigh gaps?

    [edit because that picture freaks me out a little bit. Headless guys...ya know?]

    I'll bet some do. I know there are some really thin male models.

    Not my cuppa - but, some probably want it.


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