Given that around 90 percent of the female population is affected by cellulite, a vast majority of women consider it the bane of their existence. Because of the unsightly dimpled appearance that mars otherwise flawless skin, her choice of clothes is limited to those that hide cellulite-ridden areas of the body. As a result, they lose confidence and do not feel good about their themselves. This is why most women tend to go great lengths to solve the problem.
Getting Rid of Cellulite
Cellulite is the buildup of fat cells in the chambers located in the skins subcutaneous layer. Over time, this buildup makes fat and toxic waste disposal less efficient, as circulation is gradually hampered. The resulting bulk of these materials, compounded by fluid retention, leads to a puckering effect as the fatty bulk pushes through the network of connective tissues that hold them.
Most women have the wrong assumption that an all-in-one surefire solution to their cellulite woes exists. Keep this in mind: there is no overnight cure. To reduce or eliminate cellulite, you need to work very hard.
While there are many cellulite products and treatments available -- each promising instant results -- there is no known scientifically-supported permanent cure for cellulite. Some treatments offer temporary solutions or simply camouflage the problem. To date, a healthy mix of exercise and proper diet still remains the best option to reduce the cellulite.
Exercise To Beat Cellulite
Having a regular exercise routine and sticking to it puts the body back in shape, putting it on the road to becoming cellulite-free. Proper exercise does a lot to increase blood circulation and help out the lymphatic system. When you exercise, not only is your body burning off excess fat, but muscles are also being built and toned. This makes for a body that burns more calories efficiently and prevents fat buildup even when you are at rest.
Generally, women have the same problem areas that they actively target to slim down and tone when exercising. Ideally, routines that burn fat in the hips, thighs, abdomen, and buttocks are best as these are the spots where cellulite is more prominent.
An effective anti-cellulite exercise routine consists of two major parts: cardiovascular workout and resistance training. These two routines, when done together, work to eat away at those lumpy fat deposits.
Cardiovascular Workout
Cardiovascular workout improves cardiovascular function. This translates to better circulation, resulting to an improvement in the removal of fluids and toxins around the fat pockets under the skin. Remember that cellulite is worsened by poor blood circulation.
A good cardiovascular workout does not have to be done inside a gym. Cardiovascular exercises include a variety of simple activities such as running, walking, swimming, jogging, dancing, and any rapid and vigorous workout focused on trimming the lower portion of the body, specifically the hips, thighs, and buttocks.
Resistance Training Done Properly
Some women avoid resistance training in fears of overdeveloping muscles, resulting in a bulky, unfeminine frame. However, women should note that while cardiovascular exercises do improve circulation and lessen the appearance of cellulite, it does not tone and firm the muscles, which is the key to winning the battle against cellulite. Hence, the need to include some light resistance training to the fitness routine becomes essential.
As a rule, women should perform resistance training routines at a weight that allows them to do 15-25 repetitions, the last few of which should feel a bit challenging. Trouble spots should be target-trained four to six times a week, 15-25 repetitions per set, at a rapid pace with little rest in between sets. Each set should be performed over and over depending on the persons endurance.
On top of the cellulite-busting effect, resistance training carries some added health benefits such as increased bone mass, better function and strength of the connective tissues, and improved metabolism as a result of the development of lean muscles.
The Role of Proper Diet
As with any exercise program, proper diet plays a vital role in achieving optimal results. Maintaining a low-fat high-fiber diet serves to reinforce the desirable effects of your exercise program. Drink plenty of water and eat foods rich in vitamin C to keep connective tissues between fat cells supple and enhance the skins elasticity.
