Cellulite is an unsightly condition that affects hundreds of thousands of people a year. For many people it is a chronic issue that becomes more pronounced with age. Knowing how to reduce cellulite with exercise and prevention strategies not only improves appearance, but contributes to a healthier lifestyle.
Causes
Fat is normally kept below layers of connective tissue that lie just beneath the skin's surface. That connective tissue is responsible for helping to maintain smooth, cellulite-free skin. When that connective tissue is weakened, the layers of fat emerge, creating patches of lumpy uneven skin. Connective tissue is weakened by several causes including increased estrogen levels, poor circulation and fluid retention. Also, obesity can lead to cellulite as extra fat leads to increased pressure against connective tissues.
Symptoms
Cellulite is most often found in women especially older women whose connective tissue is weakened by age. Men have a different structure for their connective tissue that prevents cellulite from forming. Cellulite presents frequently in the upper thigh and hip areas. It resembles dimpled or lumpy skin that contrasts with areas of the body that are smooth, representative of strong layers of connective tissue. Cellulite is normally not painful or irritating.
Benefits of Exercise
Exercise helps combat all the causes of cellulite. When you exercise you increase blood flow and circulation which helps strengthen connective tissue. Increased circulation from exercise also helps to reduce fluid retention which causes cellulite. According to Kristin L. Sainani, Assistant Professor at Stanford University, cardiovascular exercise also helps reduce estrogen levels, balancing hormones and reducing stress.
Exercise
The best exercises to remove cellulite are cardiovascular exercises. Running, swimming and bicycling for 20 minutes a day will help greatly reduce cellulite. Also, cardiovascular exercise is the most efficient way to burn fat. Reducing fat reduces cellulite. Other exercises that help tone muscles in problem areas are also effective for reducing cellulite. Because most cellulite occurs in the thighs and butt, consider lunges and squats. Shoot for low weight and high repetition to tone muscles instead of adding bulk.
Alternative Treatment and Prevention
Dozens of alternative treatments deal with cellulite. Lasers, ointments, liposuction and massage are just a few techniques. However, these alternative techniques are meant to treat the symptoms of cellulite, rather than the problem that creates cellulite. The best way to remove cellulite permanently is to exercise and strengthen your connective tissue. Using alternative treatments may reduce the symptoms of cellulite, but without fixing the connective tissue, cellulite will return.
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