Cellulite is a common type of fat which pushes against connective tissue underneath the skin. Cellulite is often found on the skin of the thighs, buttocks and stomach and has a lumpy, dimply, cottage cheese-like appearance. Gender, body fat, genes, age and skin thickness are associated with the appearance and severity of cellulite. Most women and some men have cellulite. Cellulite is no cause for concern but it may cause embarrassment. There is no miracle cure for cellulite but some things can help reduce its appearance, TeensHealth states.
Weight Loss
Weight loss is an effective way to improve the appearance of cellulite. A healthy, balanced diet combined with regular exercise will help you lose body fat if you're overweight. Weight loss makes cellulite less noticeable but doesn't rid it completely, MayoClinic.com states.
Strengthening Exercises
Muscle-strengthening exercises for the legs, thighs and buttocks help improve the appearance of cellulite, MayoClinic.com notes. Perform strength-training exercises two to three times weekly using free weights, machines, elastic bands or your own body weight. Choose from overhead presses, leg presses, seated leg curls, hip adduction and abduction, dumbbell squats, trunk curls and body weight trunk extensions, the American Council on Exercise recommends.
Aerobic Exercise
Combine strength-training exercises with aerobic exercise to help rid cellulite. Try treadmill walking or jogging at 70 percent to 80 percent of your maximal heart rate, the American Council on Exercise advises. Booking a session with a personal trainer can help guide you in the right direction.
Stretching
Stretching helps improve circulation, which reduces the appearance of lumps, Dr. Howard Murad writes in Fitness Magazine. Increase your blood flow by laying on your back with your legs extended. Pull your right knee up and in toward your chest, holding for 20 seconds. Repeat with the left leg.
Lasers and Radio-Frequency Systems
Lasers and radio-frequency systems show promising results for reducing the appearance of cellulite. One system treats cellulite with negative tissue massage, infrared light and radio-frequency, while the other involves tissue massage and diode laser energy, MayoClinic.com reports. Twice-weekly treatments may give results lasting six months.
Cellulite Creams
Body lotions designed to tackle cellulite draw out excess moisture from beneath the skin, helping to minimize the appearance of unsightly lumps and bumps. Newer products on the market may give results in just one week. Readers of Fitness Magazine discovered that body lotions containing menthol, green tea, caffeine, lotus extract or ginseng firmed, tightened and improved the appearance of their skin. Cellulite creams penetrate your skin more effectively if you exfoliate your skin beforehand, Dr. Bill Johnson writes in Fitness Magazine. Sweep a natural-bristle brush over the affected areas to remove dead skin cells.
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