Cellulite is a topographic change to the skin caused by the fibrous connective tissue that anchors the skin to the deeper structures, such as underlying muscles, in your body. The accumulation of fat cells pushes up against the skin as the connective tissue pulls down, which creates an uneven surface and dimpling. Bodybuilding is used as a treatment to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Influences
Cellulite is influenced by a number of factors, such as lifestyle, genetics, diet and hormone levels. It is much more common in women than in men because cellulite is usually distributed in the thighs, hips and buttocks areas. In fact, eight out of 10 women have some degree of cellulite. It is more common with aging, when the skin loses some of its elasticity.
Significance
According to Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., a fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA in Boston, Mass., lifting weights provides a firm and strong muscular foundation that smooths out the irregular, lumpy appearance of skin. The purpose is to reduce the tension resulting from the push-pull mechanism beneath the skin that causes cellulite in the first place.
Considerations
To target cellulite, you need to develop muscles in the hip and thigh area. Squats, dead lifts, lunges, leg presses, leg curls and other types of upper leg resistance training should provide the necessary impetus to gain muscles. You should also consider finishing off the workout with 15 minutes of intense, high-speed cardio on the treadmill or exercise bike to work your hamstrings and glutes effectively and elevate your metabolism.
Workouts
The key element of a weight-lifting routine is to use heavier weights with a fewer number of repetitions. This allows you to build the optimum amount of power and strength in your muscles. A 20-minute workout every two to three days should be sufficient to reduce cellulite if it is done in combination with other treatments, such as gradual weight loss and possible medical therapy. Fortunately, strength training and muscle building are also important aspects of losing weight. They play a role in metabolism and energy use.
Research
An exercise routine focused on building muscles and losing fat seems to work for the purpose of minimizing cellulite. Westcott tested this strategy on a small group of women, all of whom reported a reduction in cellulite appearance at the end of eight weeks. A 2006 study published in the journal "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery" also indicated the efficacy of weight loss as a strategy for reducing cellulite in women with a high starting body mass, although cellulite seemed to worsen in women who had a lower body mass to begin with.
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