Cellulite is a problem for most women and some men. The Mayo Clinic reports that at least eight out of 10 women show some degree of dimpled skin, usually on the thighs and buttocks. While it might not be possible to get rid of your cellulite completely, beginning an exercise program can help reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of affected areas. Consult your doctor before beginning any new fitness regimen.
Identification
Cellulite occurs when fat pushes up through openings between the cords that connect your muscles to your skin, the American Council on Exercise explains. When this happens, the skin appears dimpled and bumpy and is often described as having a "cottage cheese" appearance. In addition to the thighs and buttocks, you may also have cellulite in the breasts, abdomen and arms. Cellulite may be more noticeable if you are overweight. The problem can be inherited, can increase with age and is more common in women, due to fat-distribution patterns in the buttocks and thighs.
Exercise Benefits
Exercise can help you battle cellulite by reducing body fat. A reduction in body fat means that there is less fat to poke through connective cords. Aerobic exercise is any form of exercise that involves moving the large muscles in your body while increasing your heart rate. Running, walking, bicycling and sports all fall into the aerobic exercise category. You'll need to perform aerobic exercise for 30 minutes or more at least four or five days every week to reap the full benefits of this type of exercise.
Toning Exercises
While aerobic exercise is necessary to burn body fat, you'll also need to perform exercises that tone and strengthen your muscles. When muscles are toned, cellulite is less obvious. You can perform toning exercises at home or in a gym to strengthen muscles in the arms and legs. Hand weights and resistance bands can help you achieve your goals, or you can take advantage of special strength and resistance exercise machines at a gym. Performing overhead presses, leg presses and hip abduction and adduction exercises on gym machines can help you tone problem areas, the American Council on Exercise notes.
Considerations
Exercise alone is not enough to combat cellulite. Avoiding high-fat, fried or sugary foods will also help you avoid adding excess fat to your body. If you are not happy with the results of your diet and exercise program, you may wish to talk to your doctor about other options. Undergoing radio frequency or laser therapy may be helpful in improving your cellulite, the Medical News Today website reports. During treatment, heat or laser light is aimed at cellulite in combination with tissue message. Treatment won't reduce cellulite forever, but may improve the appearance of problem areas for up to six months. If you elect to try radio frequency or laser treatment, it is still important to continue your exercise program and keep body fat low.
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