Cellulite, the bane of many women’s existence. Despite what popular media may tell us, it’s not just an issue for those who are overweight. In fact, even the fittest of women can suffer from cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat cells underneath the skin. As these cells grow, they push against the connective tissue, causing the skin to dimple and pucker.
While it’s true that fat loss can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, there are also specific exercises you can do to help target problem areas.
Cardiovascular exercise
Cardiovascular exercise is a great way to burn calories and ultimately reduce body fat. When it comes to cellulite, the key is to choose exercises that target the lower body, such as running, cycling, and stair climbing.
These exercises work the muscles in the legs and glutes, which can help firm up the area and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Strength training
Strength training is essential for building lean muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism and burn fat more efficiently.
Targeted lower body exercises, such as lunges, squats, and leg presses, can help tone and firm the muscles in the legs and butt, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Plyometrics
Plyometrics, also known as jump training, is a high-intensity workout that involves explosive movements such as jumping and bounding. These exercises work the muscles in the legs and glutes, burning calories and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Plyometrics can be tough on the joints, so it’s important to start slowly and gradually build up to more advanced exercises.
Pilates
Pilates is a low-impact workout that targets the deep muscles of the core, hips, and thighs. It’s a great way to improve flexibility, posture, and balance, while also toning and firming the muscles in the lower body.
Pilates exercises such as leg circles, side lying leg lifts, and the hundred can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Yoga
Yoga is a low-impact workout that helps improve flexibility, balance, and strength. It can also help tone and firm the muscles in the lower body, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Yoga poses such as the warrior series, chair pose, and bridge pose can be effective at targeting problem areas.
CrossFit
CrossFit is a high-intensity workout that combines cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and plyometric movements. It’s a great way to burn fat and build lean muscle mass, targeting the lower body and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
CrossFit workouts such as squats, box jumps, and burpees are all effective at targeting problem areas.
Barre workouts
Barre workouts combine elements of ballet, Pilates, and yoga to create a low-impact workout that targets the muscles in the lower body. These exercises are great for toning and firming the butt, thighs, and hips, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Barre workouts such as plies, leg lifts, and glute bridges can be effective at targeting problem areas.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
HIIT workouts are a fast-paced, high-intensity workout that combines bursts of cardiovascular exercise with intervals of strength training.
These exercises are great for burning calories and reducing body fat, while also toning and firming the muscles in the lower body. HIIT workouts such as jump squats, box jumps, and mountain climbers can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Cycling
Cycling is a great low-impact workout that targets the muscles in the lower body. It’s a great way to burn calories and reduce body fat, while also toning and firming the muscles in the thighs and butt.
Cycling workouts such as hill climbs and intervals can be especially effective at targeting problem areas.
Conclusion
Cellulite can be a frustrating problem, but it’s not something that has to be accepted or avoided at all costs.
By incorporating targeted exercises into your workout routine, you can tone and firm the muscles in your lower body, reducing the appearance of cellulite.