Cellulite is the dimpling of the skin that occurs when fat cells ruse to the surface of the skin. The cells are able to get to the surface because the connective tissue between muscles is weak and loose. Women find cellulite unattractive and feel self-conscious in bathing suits and other clothing that reveals the thigh, hip or leg. Diet and exercise are the most effective, long-term solutions for cellulite, but even tightening those connective tissues and building up muscle in the hips, thighs and buttocks may not make cellulite disappear entirely. Stretch before and after these exercises.
Back Kicks
If you are working out on a hard surface, lay an exercise mat on the floor. Get on your hands and knees. Looking straight ahead, lift one leg at a time so the leg is at a 45-degree angle to the floor. Exhale as you smoothly and slowly bring the leg back to the starting position and repeat. Do 15 to 25 repetitions on each leg.
Plié Squats
Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Turn out your feet to the sides. Tighten your abs as you inhale. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees, lowering your hips toward the floor but stopping just before your buttocks are level with your knees. Exhale, squeezing your buttocks and thighs and return to the starting position, recommends Jeanette Jenkins, a personal trainer based in Los Angeles. Jenkins advises holding 3 lb. to 25 lb. dumbbells to increase resistance. Do two sets of 15 to 25 repetitions.
Seated Leg Raise
This exercise can be done at your desk, as many times a day as you like. Sit on the edge of a chair and rest your feet so your legs are at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Raise legs one at a time so each leg is straight out in front of you. Exhale as you lift your leg. Hold that position for 30 seconds and breathe normally. Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each leg.
Hip Abduction and Adduction
Use a resistance band or loop of tubing for this exercise. Loop one end around an immobile object and the other end around the foot. For hip abduction, position yourself so the leg you are exercising is far from the immobile object. Move your leg sideways, away from your body and pull the band tight. Hold for a count of two or three and return to the starting position. Do 10 to 15 repetitions on each leg.
For hip adduction, position yourself so the working leg is closest to the immobile object. Bring that leg across your body, keeping your hips from moving too much, and press against the tubing or resistance band. Hold for a count of two or three, release and repeat 10 to 15 times on each leg.
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