Cellulite is a word that describes dimpling in the skin caused by pockets of fat trapped below the surface. Up to 90 percent of women develop cellulite in their adult lives. Cellulite is wrongly associated with obesity, as it is possible for cellulite to develop in thin women. Cellulite is caused by hormonal factors, genetics, diet and lack of exercise. Also, you may be prone to cellulite if you sit or stand in one position for a long time on a consistent basis.
Cardiovascular Exercises
Basic cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging and swimming will promote cellulite reduction because they not only burn fat, but also stimulate blood flow and lymphatic circulation. As you increase your heart rate over the length of a workout, you help fat trapped under the skin to move into the bloodstream and eventually out of your body. Higher intensity cardiovascular workouts such as running on a treadmill or using an elliptical machine will expedite this process.
Leg Curls
This exercise can be done properly using the leg curl machine at your local gym. This machine has you sit in a chair-like seat and lift weight anchored to a bar that rests on your lower shins. The best cellulite reduction will come from sets of 10 to 12 repetitions, so you don't need to overload on the weight, but it should be enough so that the repetitions are challenging. This exercise will work your thighs, hips and buttocks.
Smith Machine
This apparatus found in your local gym has a bar that can be shelfed at many heights, which creates an element of safety should you get fatigued in the middle of an exercise. You should focus on squats and lunges using the Smith Machine. To do squats, place a comfortable weight on the bar and rest the bar on your shoulders. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and unhook the bar. Lower your butt until your knees are bent at a 90 degree angle and then push back up to standing position. For lunges, begin in the same stance as a squat with a comfortable weight. Step forward and lower your pelvis downward until your foward knee is at a 90 degree angle. Both of these exercises work your thighs, hips and buttocks, as well as your lower legs. If you cannot lift yourself up from the down position, hook the bar and step out of the machine.
