Cellulite dimpled skin that looks like cottage cheese. It often appears on the legs but poses no major health threat to the body, although it can hurt self-esteem. Numerous topical solutions and products are purported to remove cellulite, but they lack validity. Weight loss -- through healthy diet and regular exercise -- is probably the most beneficial cellulite treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic's website. By adding targeted exercises, you increase your muscle mass and improve the appearance of your legs.
Step 1
Cut back on your caloric intake to promote weight loss throughout your body. Track your calories for three days, add the totals together and divide by three to get an average intake. Subtract 500 to 1,000 calories from this number. This will cause about 1 to 2 lbs. of weight loss a week, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Step 2
Replace the unhealthy foods with nutrient-dense options. Give up the cheese puffs, potato chips, chocolate covered doughnuts, wings and hot dogs. Eat nothing but leafy greens, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, beans and low-fat dairy products.
Step 3
Do some form of cardio that involves your legs, such as running, elliptical training, rowing, stair climbing, indoor cycling or swimming. To lose weight, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 60 to 90 minutes of cardio. Work out three days a week on alternating days, and exercise more than once a day if you are pressed for time.
Step 4
Grab a stability ball to do wall squats. Position the ball between your mid-back and a wall and stand with your feet slightly forward and shoulder-width apart. Tighten your abs and keep your shoulders in line with your hips as you lower yourself toward the floor. Stop when your knees bend to 90 degrees, and stand back up. Repeat for 10 to 12 repetitions.
Step 5
Execute a set of walking lunges. Stand with your feet together and place your hands on your hips or at your sides. Take a big step forward with your left foot and lower yourself by bending both knees. Stop when your front thigh parallels the floor and your back knee is right above the floor. Keep your core tight and back straight when doing this. Stand back up, step forward with your right foot and lunge again. Continue this pattern until you've done 10 to 12 reps with each leg.
Step 6
Step up and down on an exercise platform. Start off behind the platform with your feet together and arms at your sides. Place your right foot on the platform and press down to lift your body. Let your left leg hang in the air behind you and hold your position for a second. Lower yourself back down, repeat for 10 to 12 reps and switch sides.
Step 7
Lie flat on your back to do hamstring curls with a stability ball. Place the back of your lower legs on top of the ball and apply downward force to lift your butt off the floor. Keep your back straight and in the air as you roll the ball toward your body. Stop when your heels are by your butt and roll the ball back out. Repeat for 10 to 12 repetitions.
Tips and Warnings
- Perform four or five sets of your leg exercises, and do them three days a week on non-cardio days.
Things You'll Need
- Stability ball
- Exercise platform
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