Cellulite is the dimpling of skin. It is composed of fat cells beneath the skin's surface. The condition is more prevalent among women, because females naturally have more body fat than men. You are more prone to cellulite as your skin loses elasticity with age. In an effort to get rid of cellulite, you might look into different exercise routines and try over-the-counter creams. According to MedlinePlus, exercise cannot make existing cellulite disappear. However, certain exercises can reduce the appearance of cellulite or help prevent its occurrence in the first place.
Misconceptions
Cellulite is not a fat person's ailment, nor is it exclusive to older women. MedlinePlus says that cellulite occurs in anyone that has thin collagen fibers just below the skin. As a result, fat cells emerge from below the skin. The bulging effect gives the look of cottage cheese that cellulite is infamous for. Exercise helps prevent fat cell production that leads to cellulite. However, if cellulite runs in your family, you might eventually develop cellulite at some point, regardless of your exercise habits. The American Council on Exercise says that cellulite generally emerges during your 30s.
Effects of Exercise
Exercise in itself does not get rid of cellulite. Exercise does, however, shrink fat cells in the body. This helps reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. For example, the cellulite on your thighs will shrink along with the slimming of that area from weight loss through exercise. Building muscle also helps tone the areas where cellulite is located.
Recommendations
The American Council on Exercise recommends working out everyday with cardiovascular exercises. Examples include walking, running, swimming and bicycling. Cardio helps shrink the fat cells that lead to cellulite. In addition, the Council says that two to three sessions of strength-training workouts per week will help reduce the appearance of cellulite. This will help you gain muscle, which is essential for calorie-burning and strength. Try using dumbbells or resistance bands if you do not have access to gym equipment. If you solely concentrate on losing weight, you will also lose muscle mass. Toned muscles also help distract from the prevalence of cellulite.
Considerations
Diet along with exercise can help you maintain your weight. MedlinePlus explains that yo-yo dieters are more prone to cellulite. Constantly fluctuating in weight disrupts the metabolism, a key source that burns calories. If you do not burn calories properly, you will likely retain more fat during times of rest. Fat accumulation is the source of cellulite, although other factors such as age and genes play a role. Aim for regular exercise accompanied with a low-fat diet rich in produce and whole grains. This will help keep you satiated during workouts and throughout the day.
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