How to Get Rid of Cellulite

You’re not alone, everyone has it and most of us are on the mission to get rid of the dimples that are on our thighs, butts, and bellies.

It is mainly women who suffer from cellulite dimples in their skin, because women tend to have a thinner skin compared to men.

But if you are looking to remove your cellulite, it’s important to keep in mind that no amount of products, scrubbing, or treatments can truly get rid of it. Why? Because cellulite forms when fat cells beneath your skin and pushes up against your connective tissue, causing your skin to dimple.

It’s normal and natural, and could be because of genetics, diet, nutrition, hydration, circulation and exercise. But if yours bothers you, there are ways to make it less noticeable.

Home remedies

Massage

One good remedy is a massage. This can be done at home or by a professional massage therapist.

Massages have so much body benefits, such as reducing thigh cellulite, improving blood flow and getting rid of excess fluid. It can also help stretch your skin tissue, which helps stretch out cellulite dimples, making them less noticeable for a while.

Massage creams offer the same benefits, but the important part is the massaging process. You can’t apply a cream and expect the cellulite to go away by itself.

Also, know that just one massage won’t help when it comes to cellulite. You need to repeat the process consistently to achieve the results you want.

Drink more water

Drinking water is another option that may help with cellulite.

Not only does it keep you hydrated, but water also helps remove the toxins that can lead to fat build up. Water can also help encourage circulation and lymphatic flow.

Eat More Raw Foods

Eat more fiber rich whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, instead of empty calorie foods.

The refined carbs found in many breads, candy, and soft drinks add calories. This leads to fat, especially in cellulite-prone areas.

Self-tanners

Perhaps a more cost-effective measure to reduce cellulite appearance is to use a self-tanner.

Try and avoid tanning in the sun or at tanning salons, this leads to skin issues, such as premature wrinkling or possibly skin cancer.

Exercising

Exercise is crucial.

It won’t make your cellulite disappear but firming and improving the tone of the muscle underneath the cellulite, will help your skin will look smoother.

It’s a good idea to focus on strength-training moves that build up the hamstrings, quads, buttocks and hips. Try to aim for training that targets the lower body at least two/three times a week, increasing the weight over time to really challenge and tone those muscles.

There are a variety of effective workouts to choose from:

  • Lunges-
    • Walking or stationary lunges target all of the lower-body muscles and this particular exercise can be embellished with a small-medium sized weight in each hand. Take one large step forward and lower your body so that both of your knees form 90-degree angles. Remember to keep your front knee over the ankle. Then when you have stabilised the position, hold for a brief moment and then return to your starting position and repeat. Depending on your fitness levels (remember if you are new to this then build up slowly) you should aim for 30 to 50 reps on each side.
  • Side steps-
    • This exercise can be extremely effective with the use of resistance bands tied around your lower shins. Stand with your feet apart with tension in the bands. Then step to the right to extend the band and the tension and feel the leg muscles get to work. Repeat on the left side and aim for a workout of 30-50 reps.
  • Squats-
    • It’s important to remember to keep your weight in the heels and your back straight as you lower your hips and bottom down and back (as you were about to sit in a chair). If you can try to lower your body until your thighs are at least parallel to the floor. Don’t let your knees extend past your toes. Try to aim for 30-50 reps.
  • Step-ups-
    • Stepping is a great way of toning the leg muscles and you can use either a bench or the elliptical machine in a gym. If you do opt for the stepper in the gym, make sure the resistance is right for you and don’t slouch over the arm rests. If you are using a bench, step up then step down with the same leg. Aim for 20 reps on each leg.
  • Leg raises-
    • Lie flat on your back and slowly raise your right leg off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower. Switch sides and repeat. Aim for 20-30 reps.

Running and cycling is a terrific way of burning fat, but try and involve interval training. Warm up at a gentle pace before sprinting for a set period of time and then recovering for the same time period, before going all over again. The more repetitions you can incorporate into your session, the better your calorie and fat burn.

Healthy eating

Whilst exercise is an important part of the cellulite equation, you need to supplement your workouts with a healthy balanced diet if you are to win the battle.

A low fat diet that is high in low fat protein and vegetables and avoids sugary foods and fruit is the key to success.

Drinking plenty of water will help flush out the toxins that contribute to cellulite and try not to hit the caffeine too much either. Herbal teas instead, are a good way to go and as little alcohol as possible will help too.

Try a three-part plan: a healthy diet, brisk exercise, and moves that tone your muscles.

At the Doctor’s Office

Some think liposuction is the answer, but this can actually make cellulite worse. Because you’re simply removing fat, it could make the skin look even more wrinkled.

If you’re considering a treatment for yourself, talk to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to learn more and make an informed decision.

Even though there’s no simple solution or miracle product for smoother skin right now, but if you can control those cellulite dimples with a healthy diet and nutrition and burn as much fat as possible with exercise, then you are certainly going to get on top of the problem.

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