Looking in the mirror to see dimpled skin on your thighs or stomach can be an unnerving experience. Skin with a dimpled or cottage cheese appearance can affect your arms, thighs, hips and stomach. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits that press against fibrous connective tissue attached to the muscles. You can quickly decrease the appearance of cellulite by building muscle to burn fat deposits. Performing strength training exercises can help you shed fat and get rid of cellulite quickly.
Lunges
Performing lunges develops muscle in your thighs, buttocks and calves to give your lower body a smoother, more toned appearance. Begin in a split stance with your right foot in front and left in back. Keep your chest lifted and abdominal muscles tight. Slowly lower your left knee toward the floor until your right knee is bent at a 90-degree angle. Squeeze your thigh muscles and press up, returning to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions.
Push-Ups
Doing push-ups builds muscle in your chest and arms to burn off fat deposits that cause cellulite. Start on a mat positioned on all fours. Place your hands on the floor spaced shoulder-width apart. Press up onto your toes so that your hands and feet are supporting your body weight. Keep your spine in a straight line. Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the ground. Pause for one second. Press your body weight back up until your arms are straight and return to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions.
Triceps Dips
Triceps dips engage the triceps and shoulder muscles to help melt fat that sits on the back of the arms. Begin seated on a flat bench with your hands placed beside your hips with palms facing forward. Extend your legs straight in front of you. Lift your hips off the bench so your hands are supporting your body weight. Lower your hips toward the ground until your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Press up until your arms are completely straight. Repeat the exercise for three sets of 15 repetitions.
Squats
Squats stimulate the muscles in the lower body to help tighten your thighs and lift your glutes. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms straight in front of you. Sit your hips back until your knees are bent at 90 degrees. Press up, while keeping your weight focused in your heels. Return the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Cellulite
- Bodybuilding.com: Compound Exercise
- "Weight Training Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers; 2006
Member Comments