Exercises for getting rid of cellulite
WHEN cellulite starts to form beneath your skin, your first reaction is to hide them or to scour the Internet for cellulite-smoothing lotions and creams — 99 per cent of which almost never improves your skin.
But personal trainer at Gymkhana, Gisel Harrow, said you can improve the appearance of your skin by making a few lifestyle changes and committing to an exercise routine aimed at correcting the skin deformation.
“Cellulite is fat deposits under the skin’s layer that can be embarrassingly unsightly, especially for women. The amount of cellulite in the body is heavily influenced by genetics and gender since women store most of the fat in their legs, bottom and stomach. And while it does not age discriminate, it generally affects older women more since muscles are lost faster as you age,” Harrow said.
She noted that, regardless of the source of your cellulite, a lifestyle change could reverse the skin condition though it won’t ever reach the point of perfectly smooth skin.
“Exercise, along with proper diet and good circulation, can play a great role in reducing the appearance of cellulite though it won’t erase it altogether. So eating lean meats, reducing carbohydrates and increasing your circulation is best while focusing on strength training and a muscle-firming routine,” Harrow advised.
But what specific exercise routines best target cellulite? Harrow shares a few:
HIIT (high-intensity interval training)
High-intensity interval training involves short, intense bursts of exercise with less intense moves or complete rest in-between. These are simple exercises such as running, biking, jumping rope, jumping jacks, rowing, duck-punch and all other cardio-based exercises.
Squats
This specific exercise addresses the glutes, hamstring, and quadriceps. It involves slowly bending at the knees and squatting back as though moving your buttocks down towards an imaginary chair. Be sure to keep your back flat while you do this and never allow your knees to extend beyond the point of your toes. Then, at the point where your thighs are just about parallel to the floor, stop and try never to go lower than this point.
Lunges
Walking or stationary lunges effectively target all lower body muscles. Take one large step forward and lower your body so both of your knees form 90-degree angles, keeping your front knee over the ankle. Return to starting position.
Step ups
Place your right foot on a bench or chair. Press through your right heel as you step onto the bench, bringing your left foot to meet your right so you are standing on the bench. Then return to the starting position by stepping down with the right foot, then the left so both feet are on the floor.
Harrow also advised that getting frequent massages or steam baths could also improve your circulation as poor circulation is one of the main causes of cellulite. She said that poor circulation reduces essential nutrients to the area and weakens the skin’s connective tissue, causing the broken or dimpled appearance.
