Cellulite is fat, most often located on the thighs, hips and buttocks, that makes your skin appear dimpled. Cellulite is caused by fibrous connective tissue that attaches the skin to the muscles. Accumulated fat pushes the skin up, while the cords pull the skin down, creating dimples in the skin. Lasers and radio-frequency treatments show promising results in treating cellulite, but these methods are also expensive. Three remedies, however, can reduce the appearance of cellulite with no additional financial outlay.
Exercise
According to the Mayo Clinic, weight loss is the best way to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exercise -- aerobic, resistance and flexibility -- not only helps with weight loss, it tones the muscles and helps compress the fat beneath the skin. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderately intense cardiovascular exercise up to five days a week. Moderately intense exercise includes race walking and jogging as well as running and gym machines, such as the elliptical trainer or stair climber. The ACSM also recommends strength training at least twice a week. Strength training includes free weights and weight machines as well as resistance bands and body weight exercises, such as push-ups and crunches. Work all major muscle groups and do eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise.
Diet
Diet plays as important a role in weight loss as exercise. Medline Plus recommends a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables as well as dietary fiber and lean proteins. Try to get all four elements in each meal. For example, eat a breakfast of oatmeal with raisins, a glass of vegetable juice and a hard boiled egg. Stay hydrated, with at least eight 8 oz glasses of non-carbonated, non-caffeinated liquid per day -- which helps feed the metabolism and plumps the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Massage
Vigorous massage can temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite; however, these affects are short-lived, according to the Mayo Clinic. While in the shower or bath, make your hand into a fist and use circular motions to massage your buttocks, thighs and any other areas with cellulite. Alternatively, apply lotion or body oil to your problem areas, while dry, and use your fists to massage each area in a circular motion. Massage each area for at least 1 minute and repeat several times a day.
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