Even though cellulite is almost always associated with being overweight, this isn’t necessarily true. Cellulite is a stubborn problem with no singular specific cause. Let’s examine some of the causes of cellulite, and discuss specific exercises that will help reduce the problem.

Cellulite, in some degree or another, is present in almost every woman past the age of puberty. There are stages of cellulite, which range from non-visible to not only visible, but often painful. However, cellulite is not caused by being overweight, nor does being overweight mean a person will have cellulite.

The two biggest contributors to cellulite are hormones and genetics. Hormonal factors revolve mostly around estrogen levels. Genetics, on the other hand, offer more complex factors, like body composition for one. Another genetic factor is body composition. An additional genetic factor is circulatory patterns, which affect skin cells.

Specific Exercises Will Help

While there’s no proven connection between spot exercises and cellulite reduction, diet and exercise do have a direct cause and effect relationship with cellulite. Poor diets contribute to circulatory problems and can affect hormonal levels, so it’s best to regulate one’s diet and reduce excess fats, salt, alcohol and other readily known health risks.

While exercise alone won’t eliminate a cellulite problem, it has an extremely positive effect on several levels. First, of course, are the physical benefits. In conjunction with those benefits are the mental and stress reduction benefits. As such, it’s important to incorporate exercise, and specific exercises, to help combat the problem.

The Specifics

There’s an exercise called the stiff legged deadlift, which might sound somewhat intimidating but it’s really easy to do. This exercise will attack the area where cellulite is commonly found … the back upper part of your legs, i.e. the upper hamstring area. First, stand tall with feet should width apart. Place two dumbell weights in your hands (start light at first, then increase the weight as you become more comfortable with the exercise). Then, with weights in hand, bend over at the waist, keeping your knees straight, until the weights touch the floor or get close to touching the floor. You’ll feel this movement in the back of your thighs and the upper hamstring area. The stiff legged deadlift also burns a surprising amount of calories. Try 2-3 sets of 10 and increase as you gain proficiency. This is an excellent exercise to improve your appearance.

Another recommended exercise is indoor cycling. If you belong to a health club, try a spinning (indoor cycling) class. Otherwise, use a stationary bike for at least 1/2 hour at a moderate pace. Spinning classes are recommended because they’re challenging and fun. Not only will you burn lots of calories and work your legs, you’ll also have fun and reduce your stress levels.

To reduce cellulite, a combination of strategies are necessary. This stands to reason, as a number of factors contribute to cellulite. Exercise and a good, clean diet are two major factors. Reducing your stress levels is another excellent strategy, and as we’ve pointed out, diet, exercise, and stress reduction go hand in hand. You’ll find that combinin these three factors will go a long way in reducing a cellulite problem.

About the Author:

Tagged with:

Filed under: Weightloss

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!