Can You Lose Cellulite With Exercise?

Can You Lose Cellulite With Exercise?
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Unwanted cellulite tends to build up on the legs, butt, hips and abdomen in women more than men. Although cellulite does not impact your overall health, the dimpled skin that it causes can have a negative effect on self-confidence. Completely losing cellulite is not possible, but exercise might be able to make it less obvious.

Weight Loss

You do not have to look hard to find cellulite removal products in magazines and online. Although the idea of rubbing a cream or ointment on your skin to evaporate cellulite sounds good in theory, it simply is not possible. According to MayoClinic.com, the best treatment option for cellulite is weight loss . Exercise is a major part of this plan so it does in fact help reduce its appearance, but it will not cause you to lose it altogether.

Cardio

Cardiovascular training involves repetitive movement of the body for an extended period of time with little added resistance. This in turn causes you to burn fat and lose weight. Being that cellulite is caused by fat globules trapped under the skin, cardio can help reduce it. All forms of cardio are effective as long as you like what you do and work out long enough to achieve results. Running, stair climbing, rowing, elliptical training and swimming are examples. The American College of Sports Medicine notes that it can take 60 to 90 minutes of exercise performed five days a week to lose weight.

Weight Training

Weight training is another important aspect of cellulite reduction. Two things happen when you lift weights. You improve definition in your muscles and you raise your resting metabolic rate. A pound of added muscle causes you to burn an additional 30 to 50 calories daily according to the University of Michigan Health System. Perform exercises like squats, lunges, deadlifts and step-ups. All of these exercises work multiple muscles at the same time which can help boost your development.

Dietary Adjustments

When you are trying to lose cellulite, you also have to look at your diet. If you were to make a caloric reduction, you will speed up weight loss and promote faster cellulite reduction. Reduce your intake by 500 to 1,000 calories a day. Choose foods that high in nutrient value and also drink plenty of water. Water is a good calorie-free substitute for soda, dessert coffees and sweetened tea, and it also helps flush impurities from your system.

Added Activity

During the course of the day, you have multiple ways to be more active. The more you move, the more calories you will burn and the greater effect you will experience with your cellulite. Go for walks at lunch, ride a bike to a local store instead of driving and join a sport league in your home town.

References

Article reviewed by MER Last updated on: May 26, 2011

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