Let us clear up one major weight-loss myth: You absolutely cannot "spot reduce" fat anywhere on your body. Doing 100 consecutive crunches won't give you instant Victoria's Secret model abs because burning flab comes down to exercise and diet. But even those aren't always enough to achieve an "ideal" figure.
A few days ago, Demi Lovato posted a beachy pic of her bikini bottoms with a very body-positive PSA:
Regardless of what society tells you these days... You don't have to have a thigh gap to be beautiful. It is possible to love your body the way it is. #fitness #health #acceptance #selflove
Amen.
And as far as thigh gap obsession goes, sorry (not really) to break the news, but it's an unrealistic goal to aim for. Squats, lunges, and running won't increase the space between your thighs because targeted exercises help you tone muscle, not torch fat. And even then, muscle definition doesn't open your leg room.
Also, thigh gaps are primarily genetic. Some people are born that way, but for most of the population, this isn't a look you can—or should—strive for. There's no one "perfect" body out there.
Bottom line: Screw the thigh gap. It's a bigger fantasy that anything E L James could imagine.
You should also check out:
According to the World's Best Study, Red Wine Burns Fat
A New Study Says Using a Fancy Treadmill Desk Won't Help You Lose Weight
Timing Your Meals Could Redeem a Crappy Diet
-
What Is the "Protect the Dolls" TeeCelebrities from Pedro Pascal to Tilda Swinton have co-signed Conner Ives’s slogan tee, turning it into a viral rally cry that has already raised over $300,000 for Trans Lifeline.
-
The 'Weak Hero Class 2' Cast Breaks Down Its Shocking Ending, From the Major Team-Up to the Tragic DeathStars Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-yeong, and Lee Min-jae have a lot of thoughts about the K-drama's epic finale.
-
Prince William and Princess Kate's "First Priority" Is "Very Different" Than Queen Elizabeth's WasThe Prince and Princess of Wales are changing the modern monarchy.
-
There's a Huge Gap in Women's Healthcare Research—Perelel Wants to Change ThatThe vitamin company has pledged $10 million to help close the research gap, and they joined us at Power Play to talk about it.
-
BetterMe Will Make Your New Year’s Resolutions Last the Other 12 MonthsSponsored BetterMe: Health Coaching uses a psychology-based program to approach your health goals from all angles, so they stay within reach.
-
Everlywell's At-Home Test Kits Are 40% OffThe testing company is offering big savings on some of their most popular kits.
-
Senator Klobuchar: "Early Detection Saves Lives. It Saved Mine"Senator and breast cancer survivor Amy Klobuchar is encouraging women not to put off preventative care any longer.
-
I'm an Egg Donor. Why Was It So Difficult for Me to Tell People That?Much like abortion, surrogacy, and IVF, becoming an egg donor was a reproductive choice that felt unfit for society’s standards of womanhood.
-
The 20 Best Probiotics to Keep Your Gut in CheckGut health = wealth.
-
Simone Biles Is Out of the Team Final at the Tokyo OlympicsShe withdrew from the event due to a medical issue, according to USA Gymnastics.
-
The High Price of Living With Chronic PainThree women open up about how their conditions impact their bodies—and their wallets.
