The physique of slim thick individuals sometimes referred to as “thickums,” has become incredibly popular in recent years. Also called thick-thighs-small-waist (TTSW), slim-thick is a body type specifically characterized by its hourglass figure where the waist is much smaller than the hips and thighs. This type of body type is most commonly associated with curvy celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Beyonce.
Just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s healthy. It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle regardless of the goal size and shape. Eating healthily and exercising regularly can help different people achieve whatever physique they like — skinny or curvy or anything in between — without sacrificing their overall health. Understanding the difference between what is a healthy body weight for you and what looks good for your body type can help you decide how to best reach your goals.
What Does Slim Thick Means?
It has the same hourglass shape as the classic ideal, but with a more muscular build. People with this body type tend to be more active and are able to maintain a healthy weight.
However, is it really healthy to have this type of body type? Let’s take a look at the facts.
Definition
Slim thick body type is an increasingly popular term used to describe body shape, size and structure. This body type is generally characterized by slim legs, wide hips and a full bust and buttocks. Women who have this figure often possess an hourglass frame—an overall slim waistline widening outward towards the bottom, creating an hourglass shape.
It has become increasingly common for people who do not naturally possess this exact body shape to strive for it through various methods such as diet and exercise or plastic surgery.
The “slim thick” term has been around since the late 2000s and gained popularity in the early 2010s with celebrities such as Beyoncé, who embodies the figure in question. A slim thick typically involves wearing clothes that create seamless curves while also highlighting other assets on their bodies such as long legs, as well as having good muscle tone in areas like the stomach and arms. People of all sizes can have this body type if they pay attention to how they dress and carry themselves.
As it gains popularity, more research is being done around the maintenance of this particular shape. Some believe that it requires dedication to a balanced diet in order to maintain this specific figure – however further studies are needed to assess any health benefits or risks associated with striving for or maintaining a slim thick body.
Characteristics
The physical characteristics of those with a slim thick body vary, but some common features include ample curves around the booty and hip area, flat stomachs and/or abs, toned arms, small waistlines and full chests. Those with a slim thick figures tend to be lean while still having noticeably curvy shapes. Achieving this look requires both following an active lifestyle and maintaining an appropriate diet.
In general, those with a slim thick figure should focus on eating clean foods that are high in protein, healthy fats (like omega-3 fatty acids) and fiber-rich carbohydrates. Incorporating strength training into their fitness regimen can further enhance the tone in arms, abs and legs. As for cardio activities, it is important to select ones that promote overall fat loss instead of muscle loss in order to maintain a slim yet curvy shape.
It is also vital for people with this figure type to always make time for rest — not only does it allow the body room for growth but also reduces stress levels which can lead to overindulgence primarily due to feeling overwhelmed or inadequate at times. By respecting the process individuals will soon notice how beautiful they look when taking good care of themselves no matter what their dress size is.
Examples
The term “slim thick” is often used to describe a body type that is curvy, yet slender. It has become popularized in recent years, especially amongst celebrities and influencers who possess an hourglass figure. Some of these well-known figures include Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and Cardi B. Generally speaking, a slim thick body type is characterized by having wide hips and a defined waist (sometimes referred to as a “pear” shape), a flat stomach, defined glutes, and proportionate bust size.
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Slim thick bodies are believed to be healthy because of the balance between fat and muscle mass. Although the amount of body fat varies from person to person depending on their activity level and overall health goals, slim thick individuals typically have enough lean muscle mass for it to be noticeable yet not significantly increase their overall size or weight significantly.
Additionally, many attribute this body type as being “genetically blessed,” suggesting that those with these proportions can enjoy the benefits of having a voluptuous shape without having to put in as much effort into creating it compared to those without this particular build naturally.
Examples include:
Rihanna & Shakira
Jennifer Lopez
Ashley Graham
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Katy Perry
Beyonce
Health Benefits
While some may argue whether it is healthy or not, there are certain health benefits that come with having this body type.
Let’s dive into more details about the health advantages associated with the slim thick body type.
Improved self-confidence
This type can offer improved self-confidence, as those who have this shape tend to feel more comfortable in their own skin compared to other body types. Having greater self-confidence can boost your overall mental well-being, helping you to approach all aspects of life with a greater sense of certainty and strength.
Improved self-confidence is also helpful in promoting broader physical health as it gives individuals the necessary push to create healthy habits such as improved nutrition, hydration levels and exercise.
Cardiovascular health
Having a slim thick body shape means having plenty of muscle mass which helps to consume more calories and contribute to cardiovascular strength. Regular exercise and physical activity are greatly recommended for maintaining this body type as it helps to protect the heart from some of the negative health risks associated with poor cardiovascular health such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Research suggests that those who have a slim thick body type have lower levels of cholesterol in their bloodstream, which furthers their studies prove that maintaining this body type is beneficial for better cardiovascular health. Additionally, having this fat-to-muscle mass ratio allows for fast exercise recovery times as well as improved aerobic performance.
Improved metabolism
Maintaining a slim thick body type has been linked to improved metabolism and energy levels. By having an optimal amount of body fat, your body is better able to access and store energy from the foods you eat.
In addition, extra fat helps keep your hormones in check by providing the necessary precursors for healthy endocrine function. This can lead to lower blood pressure and improved blood sugar levels, two key indicators for overall health and well-being.
Plus, having more lean muscle increases your metabolic rate, meaning that you can burn more calories during physical activity – giving you an edge over those with a leaner body type.
Finally, it’s thought that increased muscle mass also helps protect you from age-related diseases like osteoporosis, which is why having a slim thick composition can be so beneficial as we age.
Health Risks
Being slim thick isn’t a new body type and there can be serious health risks associated with it. It is important to understand the health risks associated with having a this body type and how to best manage them.
This section will discuss the potential risks and explore ways to create a healthier lifestyle.
Poor diet and nutrition
Having a slim thick body type is not necessarily unhealthy — as long as your diet and nutrition are balanced, this body type can be healthy. However, it’s important to note that the health risks associated with being slim thick include all the same health issues associated with being overweight or obese. Namely, if you are consuming too many calories each day and eating foods that are high in fat and sugar, this could lead to serious health problems over time.
Eating foods that will help you maintain a healthy weight and maintaining good physical fitness is essential in keeping your overall health in check. Making sure you eat regularly scheduled meals throughout the day — three full meals plus two snacks — is an important part of this process. Eating breakfast stimulates your body’s metabolism, which helps reduce cravings throughout the day. Fruits, vegetables and proteins should take up most of what’s on your plate while sugary snacks should be limited at all times.
In addition to having a balanced diet, engaging in physical activities such as resistance training is also key to maintaining good overall health when trying to stay slim thick. Resistance training helps build muscle strength and improves bone density and will help you reach your goals more quickly than simply relying on diet alone. Finally, getting plenty of rest each night and being monitored by a physician regularly can help prevent illnesses from developing due to poor diet or nutrition choices.
Lack of exercise
Those with a slim thick body type may be at risk for health problems if they do not make exercise a priority in their day-to-day lives. While having higher body fat makes it more difficult to burn calories and build muscle, incorporating regular physical activity into one’s lifestyle is essential to maintain overall healthy functioning.
When done regularly, exercise helps prevent long-term health risks like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, strengthens bones, increases flexibility, boosts immunity and prevents weight gain. Additionally, exercising improves mood and reduces stress levels by releasing endorphins into the bloodstream.
It is recommended for people with this body type to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week to reap the most benefits from exercising. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, golfing and pushing mowers; whereas vigorous activities include running or jogging, cycling on hills and aerobics.
Moreover, resistance training can be incorporated two to three times a week for additional benefits in promoting longevity and muscle building. This type of exercise involves short bursts of intense activity usually done with free weights or resistance bands. With all types of exercises, it is important to use correct form as improper technique can increase the risk of injury due to overexertion or fatigue-related accidents.
Risk of injury
Due to their leaner muscular physique and relatively low body fat, slim thick individuals may be at increased risk of injury while engaging in physical activities. This is because they might not have the same level of protection offered by body fat as someone with a higher body fat percentage.
To reduce the risks associated with physical activity, people with a slim thick body type should engage in exercise that is specific to their training goals and avoid overtraining or excessive physical activity.
Additionally, it is important for these individuals to properly refuel after exercising and rest sufficiently between workouts for optimal performance and injury prevention. Furthermore, incorporating proper dynamic stretching prior to exercise can help reduce soreness and improve mobility during training sessions.
How does one develop a “slim thick” physique?
Building muscle in the lower body through resistance training exercises such as squats, lunges, and deadlifts is key to achieving a slim thick body shape. These exercises target the glutes, hamstrings, and quads, which can help create the desired curves in the hips and thighs.
In addition to resistance training, incorporating cardiovascular exercise such as running, cycling, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help burn fat and reduce overall body fat percentage, which can make the muscles in the lower body more visible.
Diet also plays a crucial role in achieving a slim thick body type. Consuming a balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help build and maintain muscle mass while avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption can help reduce body fat percentage.
Is it unrealistic?
The slim-thick body type has gained popularity in recent years and is characterized by a curvier or fuller figure with a small waist, flat stomach, and larger butt, breasts, and thighs. This body ideal is often perpetuated by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, which can lead to unrealistic standards and pressures for people to conform to this body type.
Some argue that this body type is unattainable for the average person without the use of cosmetic procedures or excessive workouts, while others argue that it is a natural result of a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise.
Watch this video to find out more about unrealistic beauty standards:
Conclusion
After reviewing the benefits and disadvantages of having a slim thick body type, it’s clear that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. Eating lots of nutritious food, exercising regularly, getting enough rest and relaxation, and having good posture are all important for creating an overall healthy body type.
Additionally, it’s important to be honest with yourself about whether you have the personal confidence to carry off this body type. Ultimately, your health and well-being should be top priorities when it comes to deciding what body type is right for you.
Remember that feeling positive about your body is far more beneficial than striving for a certain size or shape per societal norms; therefore being comfortable in your own skin ensures an even healthier lifestyle.
It should also be noted that a slim thick body can provide both aesthetic beauty and improved physical performance. Whether you choose to achieve this look through dieting or exercise modifications is entirely up to you – as long as it’s done responsibly!
Be sure to visit stridestrong.com if you’re interested in diet plans, other body types, and more information.
