The Best Exercises To Reduce Cellulite

Cellulite can make you think twice about wearing revealing clothing like shorts or beachwear. Women and men can be affected by cellulite on the arms, legs or abdomen. Cellulite is caused by fat deposits that press against fibrous cords that connect the skin to the muscles, giving the skin an uneven appearance. Building muscle through strength training helps increase metabolism and aids in fat loss to reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. Performing compound exercises that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously will help you quickly increase lean muscle mass to promote cellulite reduction.

Barbell Lunges

Barbell lunges recruit the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes and calves. Begin in a split stance with your left foot in front and right foot in back. Holding the bar with both hands, position the barbell behind your neck so the bar is sitting on your trapezius muscle. Keep your chest elevated and lower your right knee toward the ground until your left knee is bent at 90 degrees. Focus your weight in your heels and press yourself up, returning to the starting position. Repeat the motion for three sets of 15 repetitions.

Stability Ball Push-ups

Stability ball push-ups work the chest, arms and core. Start on the floor on all fours. Place the stability ball under your hips. Walk your hands forward until the ball is underneath your feet. Bend your elbows and lower your chest toward the floor. Pause for one moment at the bottom of the movement. Press your chest up until your arms are straight, returning to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions.

Planks

Planks stimulate all of the core muscles, including the abs, external obliques and lower back. Begin in a push-up position with your spine in alignment from head to toe. Lower your body onto your elbows. Hold the plank position for 45 seconds. Lower your body down onto your knees to rest in between sets. Repeat the plank hold for three 45-second sets.

Tricep Dips

Tricep dips engage the triceps and shoulder muscles. Start seated on a flat bench or chair with a hard surface. Extend your legs in front of you and place your hands beside your hips with palms facing forward. Lift your hips off of the bench so your hands are supporting your bodyweight. Lower your hips toward the ground until your elbows are bent at 90 degrees. Press yourself up and return to the starting position. Repeat for three sets of 15 repetitions.