Looking in the mirror to see cellulite can make you want to pile on layers of clothing to camouflage problem areas. Cellulite is caused by deposits of fat that press against connective tissue that lies beneath the skins surface, which gives the skin a cottage-cheese appearance. Building muscle aids in decreasing your body fat percentage, to help diminish cellulite. Perform exercises that increase lean muscle mass all over your body to get rid of cellulite.
Pushups
Push ups develop the pectoral muscles in the chest while engaging the triceps and core. Begin on all fours with your hands spaced slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Align your hands with your chest. Press up onto the balls of your feet so your hands and feet are supporting your body weight. Keep your spine in a straight line from head to toe. Bend your arms and lower your chest toward the ground. Press your chest up and return to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 12 repetitions.
Dumbbell Bent-over Rows
Dumbbell bent-over rows build the lattisimus dorsi or upper back muscles and biceps. Stand holding a dumbbell in each hand. Bend over from the hips so your chest is almost parallel to the ground. Extend your arms down toward the floor with your palms facing upward. Pull the dumbbells back until your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle. Lower your arms down to the starting position. Repeat the movement for four sets of 12 repetitions.
Plie Squats
Performing plie squats engages the hamstrings, quadriceps and glutes. Begin in a wide stance with your hands on your hips. Lower your hips toward the ground until your thighs are parallel to the ground. Focus your weight in your heels and press up, returning to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 12 repetitions.
Prone Knee Tucks
Prone knee tucks work the abs, obliques and lower back while recruiting the shoulders to aid in stabilizing the body. Start on all fours and place the ball underneath your hips. Walk your hands forward until the ball is just below your knees. Slowly roll the ball forward while tucking your knees into your chest. Roll the ball backward while extending your legs. Return to the starting position. Repeat for four sets of 12 repetitions.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Cellulite
- Bodybuilding.com: Compound Exercise
- "Weight Training Manual"; National Federation of Professional Trainers; 2006
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