By: Karolina Starczak

Sep 08, 2009

If you’re still wishing for Cameron Diaz’s thighs than it’s time to upgrade to a curvier role model. According to a new study, thin thighs may put you at risk for heart disease and even death. That's right, skinnny model thighs are out and Jennifer Hudson’s curvy thighs are a model of health.

The study, published in the September online issue of BMJ, found that both men and women with a thigh circumference under 60 cm or about 24 inches were more likely to have coronary heart disease and premature death. Now we’ve all heard that having a pear shape is healthier than an apple shape, but this study only focused on thigh measurements. This means that having thin thighs can be a health risk no matter what your actual shape is.

One reason to worry is that more than half of men and women aged 35 to 65 do not meet the 24 inch requirement. The problem is not really with having thin thighs, but where we are storing our fat if not on our legs. Skinny legs can indicate that the fat is being deposited around our heart, liver, and other organs. Not to mention, having a good amount of leg muscle may help with insulin insensitivity seen in Type II Diabetes. Don't think that the thigh circumference only comes from a little extra cushioning, having adequate muscle from regular exercise can also keep your heart healthy.

So how can you get those thighs to meet the heart disease preventing requirements? Here are some easy tips:

• No more shying away from squats and lunges. They may not be the most loved exercises, but with a pair of dumbbells they can easily add some voluptuous muscle to those legs. Don’t forget to check out some NSD videos for lower body lunge and squat ideas.
• Include biking in your cardio routine. Whether it’s a morning spin class or you’re hitting the road on your ten-speed, biking with resistance can do wonders for your cardiovascular endurance, as well as build muscle and strengthen legs.
• Stop skipping leg machines at the gym. They may seem intimidating, but can really help build muscle ifs used correctly. Start with the seated leg curl, leg extension, and leg press to become comfortable using leg machines. Don’t forget to ask one of the personal trainers walking around for a quick demo on how to properly adjust and use the machines.

What are some of your favorite leg workouts?

More on Legs
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Quick Lower Body Blasters
4 Essential Thigh Tighteners