Ankle On Over To The Gym

Do you suffer from the heartbreak of cankles? That's slang for the unattractive, short and thick calf /ankle hybrid. Don't despair. In its discussion of the curse of the cankle, Web MD cites research that has linked excess fat below the waist to less risk of heart disease and diabetes (as long as you're not seriously overweight, that is).

Gold's Gym is running a tongue-in-cheek campaign called “Cankle Awareness Month" to motivate members to work out. Just remember that spot reduction does not work. Whether it's your ankles or your thighs that lose fat first is strictly up to your genes, say the experts at Web MD. Stay motivated by sharing your workouts with others. At the Daily Mile, you can find training partners, create running routes, challenge your friends, and share your progress.

Healthy eating also contributes to weight loss. Drink a fiber cocktail instead of a soft drink or alcoholic beverage. Find recipes here.

Until your cankles have melted away, you can disguise them with these fashion tips, courtesy of Shefinds. Long skirts will cover up cankles and high-heel pumps will minimize their appearance.