Cellulite Reduction & Lifestyle

What Is Cellulite?

Cellulite is fatty deposits under the skin that gives a dimpled appearance to the affected areas. Cellulite is generally found in specific areas of the body. the upper arms, abdomen, legs and bum. And although women are the more likely to have cellulite it is not exclusive to the fairer sex and does not discriminate between skinny or overweight people because fat itself is not the primary cause. Fat can exacerbate the situation but it is the interaction of the overlying skin and the underlying connective tissue that gives an area its appearance.

What Causes Cellulite?

Lack of exercise and poor diet are the main contributing factors to cellulite, but genetics also plays a part making some of us more prone to cellulite than others. A sluggish metabolism coupled with an unhealthy lifestyle are a sure recipe for cellulite.

Why Are Women More Prone To Cellulite Than Men?

It is the structure of the connective tissue that makes women more prone to cellulite than men. In men the connective tissue is diagonal and criss crossed, lying smoothly and continous. In women the connective tissue lies verticle to the skin and with the onset of puberty as the skin becomes less elastic the fat chambers that develop due to the structure of the connective tissue effectively push the fat upwards and simultaneously the fibrous bands pull the skin downwards.

Lunges

Great for toning the back of the thighs.

Stand with back straight and one foot in front of the other with that knee bent at a ninety degree angle to the floor.

Raise on to the ball of the other foot simultaneously using the arms for balance and hold for 10 seconds.

Return to a fully upright position then repeat 5 times.

Repeat putting other leg forward.

Squats

Great for toning the front and back thighs

Stand with feet shoulder width apart.

Maintain a straight back and assume a sitting position by lowering the bum towards the

floor.

Use the legs to return to an upright position.

Repeat 10 times.

Side Leg Raises

The inner thighs are non weight bearing so it is here that cellulite can be more noticeable. The following exercise is designed to tone up the inner thigh.

Ligh on the side with lower led bent comfortably and resting on the floor.

Raise the upper leg keeping it straight and as high as is tolerably comfortable.

Lower the leg avoding contact with the lower static leg in one continuous movement.

Aim for 25 repititions then repeat for other leg