Cellulite is fat that pushes through honeycombed shaped connective tissue and causes a dimply or cottage-cheese look on the skin. As the skin gets thinner with age, cellulite can become more noticeable. Exercising decreases your chance of developing cellulite, according the American Council on Exercise. Exercise increases muscle mass and tone, which gives a smoother look, decreasing the appearance of cellulite. An effective approach to getting rid of cellulite is to lower your total body-fat percentage by eating lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and essential fatty acids, doing fat-burning cardiovascular exercise daily and strengthening and toning your problem areas.
Air Flutter Kicks
Air flutter kicks engage and tone the inner and outer thighs. Begin lying supine with your back in neutral alignment, comfortable for you with no stress on the lower back. Extend both legs straight out about 10 to 12 inches of the floor, higher if you feel pressure on your lower back. Point the knees and toes to the outside walls and cross the right foot over the left, squeezing your inner thighs together as tight as you can. Extend the legs as far to the outside as possible and then bring them back in, crossing your left foot over your right. Do 15 full repetitions.
Step and Side Lift
The step and lift exercises engages the entire lower body with emphasis on the outer thighs. Begin standing in front of a step or stair that requires less than a 90-degree angle from the knee when stepping up. Hold a light dumbbell in each hand and relax the shoulders, neck and head. Step your right foot on the step, push up with your glutes and extend your left foot to the outside. Hold the lift for two to three seconds and then place your left foot back on the floor and bring your right foot off the step. Repeat the movement on the opposite side. Do 15 total repetitions on each side.
Donkey Kicks
Donkey kicks engage your core, glutes, hips and thighs. Begin on the floor on your hands and knees and engage your core by pulling your belly button in toward your back. Hold your core engagement and lift your right leg up toward the ceiling, keeping your right knee at hip level. Flex your foot and engage your glutes as tight as you can. Lift your leg in small, quick movements for 20 to 25 counts. Lower your leg and repeat on the opposite side. Do two to three sets of this exercise.
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