Cellulite is a common occurrence during pregnancy, affecting as many as 90% of women. It is caused by the additional weight gain and hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.
Although cellulite can be difficult to treat, there are certain exercises that can help reduce its appearance. Here are some exercises that you can do to reduce cellulite during pregnancy:.
1. Squats
Squats are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. To do a squat, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing forward.
Lower your body by bending your knees and pushing your hips back, keeping your back straight. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
2. Lunges
Lunges are another great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy. They target the muscles in the hips and thighs. To do a lunge, step forward with one foot and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle.
Keep your front knee over your ankle and your back knee just above the ground. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. Do 10-15 repetitions on each side.
3. Leg Lifts
Leg lifts are a great exercise for toning the muscles in the legs and buttocks while also reducing cellulite during pregnancy. To do a leg lift, lie on your side with your legs straight and your head resting on your arm.
Lift your top leg as high as you can without moving your hips or pelvis. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your leg. Repeat on the other side. Do 10-15 repetitions on each side.
4. Glute Bridges
Glute bridges are another great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy. They target the muscles in the buttocks while also strengthening the lower back and core muscles.
To do a glute bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Keep your arms at your sides. Lift your hips up until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your hips. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
5. Bicycle Crunches
Bicycle crunches are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the abdomen and legs. To do a bicycle crunch, lie on your back with your hands behind your head.
Lift your feet off the ground and bend your knees. Bring your left elbow to your right knee while straightening your left leg. Then bring your right elbow to your left knee while straightening your right leg. Continue alternating sides for 10-15 repetitions on each side.
6. Side Planks
Side planks are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the sides of the abdomen, hips, and legs.
To do a side plank, lie on your side with your legs straight and your feet stacked on top of each other. Prop yourself up on your elbow, with your elbow directly under your shoulder. Lift your hips so that your body forms a straight line from your head to your feet. Hold for 10-20 seconds, then lower your hips. Repeat on the other side.
7. Calf Raises
Calf raises are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the calves and can help improve circulation. To do a calf raise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lift your heels up as high as you can without moving your toes or the balls of your feet. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your heels. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
8. Plie Squats
Plie squats are a variation of the squat that target the muscles in the inner thighs and hips. To do a plie squat, stand with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing out at a 45-degree angle.
Bend your knees and push your hips back, keeping your back straight. Hold for a few seconds, then return to the starting position. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions.
9. Step-Ups
Step-ups are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the legs and buttocks. To do a step-up, stand in front of a step or stair with your feet together.
Step up onto the step with your right foot, then bring your left foot up to meet it. Step back down with your right foot, then your left foot. Repeat for 10-15 repetitions on each side.
10. Forward Lunges with a Twist
Forward lunges with a twist are a great exercise for reducing cellulite during pregnancy because they target the muscles in the hips, thighs, and abdominals.
To do a forward lunge with a twist, step forward with your right foot and lower your body until both knees are bent at a 90-degree angle. Twist your torso to the right while keeping your hips facing forward. Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. Do 10-15 repetitions on each side.