Eighty percent of women worldwide have cellulite and you don’t have to be overweight or fat to have it! The keys to a good anti-cellulite training program are: losing body fat, following a low-carb diet, firming the muscle underneath the skin, and boosting circulation and blood flow.
Circulation : Enhance your circulation by getting massages and doing regular exercise that involves strength training and cardio.
Exercise : Firming the muscle underneath the cellulite will help smooth the skin’s appearance. Focus on strength-training moves that build up the hamstrings, quads, buttocks and hips. Aim for training the lower body at least two times a week, increasing the weight over time to challenge your muscles. Read on to learn how to do some basic moves highlighted in Prevention Magazine.
1. CLOCKWORK LUNGE
[A] Stand with hands on hips, feet hip-width apart. [B] Take a big step forward with your right foot and lower down until right leg is bent 90° and left knee is nearly touching the floor. Push back up to starting position. [C] Take a big step to the right with right foot, bending right knee and keeping left leg straight. Return to starting position. [D] Take a big step back with right foot. Lower down until left leg is bent 90° and right knee is almost touching the floor. Return to starting position.
Repeat with your left foot, stepping to the front, then to the left side, then back. That’s 1 set. Do 15 sets.
2. STRAIGHT-LEG DEADLIFT
[A] Stand with feet hip-width apart. Hold 1 weight in each hand, palms facing your body. [B] Hinge at hips to lower torso until it is almost parallel to floor. Return to starting position. Repeat 15 times.
3. BOOT STRAPPERS
[A] Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Bend at the waist to touch toes. [B] Bend knees and lower butt until it nearly touches the floor. Allow heels to lift if needed. [C] Keep hands on your toes. Lift butt up so you’re in a toe-touch position again. [D] Bend your knees and lower butt to the floor again. This time stand all the way up. That’s 1 rep. Do 15 reps.
If you do not have time for the gym – then the next best activity is to go Power-Walking three times a week. This is brisk walking to the point where you’re almost jogging. It’s just as effective at burning fat as jogging is, but it’s safer because it doesn’t put so much pressure on the joints. Start with a 10-minute power walk twice a week, building up to 45 minutes three times a week. Don’t forget to pump your arms when you walk, to work your upper body as well.
If knowledge is power, then here is to these few simple steps about cellulite to help you feel empowered about that puckering skin! And best of all, remember that you’re human, so embrace it because a little cellulite shouldn’t prevent you from doing the things you love!