In a world where fitness and beauty standards seem to evolve faster than the seasons, a new trend has emerged that underscores an alarming fixation on physical appearance: the “ab crack.” Coined by Elle magazine, this term refers to a deep vertical line that supposedly divides a person’s abdominal muscles, suggesting an elite level of core fitness. But before you start obsessing over this latest fad, it’s important to understand why it’s a trend worth ignoring.
The Ab Crack: A Brief Overview
The “ab crack” is described as a pronounced line down the center of the abdomen, indicating well-defined abs. While the trend is celebrated in some circles as a symbol of peak physical condition, many view it as yet another unrealistic beauty standard.
Elle described it as “the craziest new core look,” highlighting it as a marker of gym success. However, critics are quick to point out that this trend is more damaging than motivational. As Metro put it, the ab crack is “the all-time worst” and “body-confidence crushing,” while Huffington Post called it “the trend none of us need in our lives.”
A Familiar Pattern
The emergence of the ab crack follows a troubling pattern of body-image trends that emphasize unattainable ideals.
Thigh Gap: This trend, which refers to having a visible gap between the thighs when standing with feet together, gained traction in 2012. It quickly became a source of body shaming, particularly among women, and contributed to unhealthy body image issues.
Bikini Bridge: Starting as a hoax in 2014, the bikini bridge describes the gap between a bikini bottom and the stomach when lying on one’s back. Despite its origins as a joke, it became a disturbing standard for body desirability.
Thigh Brow: The thigh brow, popularized by celebrities like the Kardashians, is the crease that appears at the top of the thighs when seated. This trend also contributed to unrealistic body standards.
The Impact of Unattainable Beauty Standards
Claire Mysko, president of the National Eating Disorders Association, emphasizes that such trends are not just superficial but can have serious health consequences. She explains, “These ‘ideal’ body-image goals are unrealistic and unhealthy for most people, leading to eating disorders and other severe health issues.” The pursuit of such trends can trigger or exacerbate eating disorders, which are complex, biologically-based, and socially-rooted conditions with potentially life-threatening outcomes.
Pamela Rutledge, director of the Media Psychology Research Center, points out the problematic nature of these trends. While comparing oneself to others can be detrimental, focusing on positive aspects like personal achievements and strengths can provide a healthier alternative. She suggests using trends as teaching moments for children and teenagers, discussing their unrealistic nature and promoting a broader, more inclusive definition of beauty.
The Takeaway
The ab crack, like many trends before it, represents a narrow and unrealistic standard of physical perfection. While it may generate buzz, it is ultimately another example of how fitness trends can perpetuate harmful body-image ideals. Instead of striving for such unattainable markers of fitness, it’s crucial to focus on overall health, personal well-being, and self-acceptance.
Embracing a balanced approach to fitness and celebrating diverse body types can lead to a healthier and more positive outlook. As each new trend emerges, it becomes increasingly clear that our collective energy is better spent on achieving genuine health and wellness, rather than chasing the latest superficial ideal.
