Cellulite is not a health risk, but it can be an unsightly condition that produces dimpled or uneven skin in certain areas of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, these areas accumulate fat in between muscle and skin. Dimpling results from the connective cords that anchor the skin to the muscle in a honeycomb pattern. As fat builds up in this area, it pushes up on the skin, while the cords attempt to keep the skin closer to the muscle. The end result is cellulite. Although you may not be able to eliminate cellulite completely, you may greatly reduce its appearance by using certain methods.
Step 1
Burn fat with high-intensity interval cardio. Choose a cardio activity such as running on the treadmill or elliptical trainer. Warm up with a brisk pace for five minutes, then accelerate to full-out running or pedaling for one minute. Slow down to a brisk walk just enough to be able to regain your breath, then once again attempt the fast pace for one minute. Alternate back and forth from high-paced to cool down until you have performed 20 minutes of exercise. Your goal is to reach and maintain at least 75 to 95 percent of your maximum heart rate throughout the session. According to the website Building-muscle-now.
Step 2
Stay away from fatty foods and maintain a healthful diet. Limit or eliminate your intake of foods high in saturated fats, such as fried foods, chips, dips, dressings, baked goods, white breads and candies. Choose more healthful alternatives, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, lean meats and fish, coupled with whole-grain of breads and pastas. Make sure to choose low-fat options when available, but take care not to overuse them -- just because they are low in fat doesn't mean you can eat more of them.
Step 3
Lose weight slowly. Crash dieting or dropping weight too fast can actually make cellulite worse by not allowing the skin to regain elasticity fast enough. According to the Prevention magazine website, losing weight gradually helps keep your skin supple while making your fat loss last longer. Aim for two to three pounds a week at most.
Step 4
Target the areas where you see the cellulite, and work on building muscle in those spots. Not only does this help keep the area tighter, but as you lose fat with a healthful diet and cardio, the lean and toned muscles become more visible.
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