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Exercises That Get Rid of Cellulite

"Orange-peel syndrome" and "cottage-cheese skin"--many modern terms describe cellulite. But the fat cell-related condition that causes dimpled skin was actually considered a sign of high social status, attractiveness and sexiness back in Victorian times. However if you're more of a 21st century kind of gal, exercise is one way to get rid of cellulite.

  1. What Causes Cellulite

    • Various factors, such as diet and, perhaps most influential, lack of physical activity, can lead to the development of cellulite. Research shows increasing problems with cellulite, resulting from an overall sedentary lifestyle adapted over years of modernization. Today many people work office jobs and get small amounts of physical activity (or none at all), while decades ago, physical labor was more prominent. Decreases in estrogen also can contribute to the problem.

    Exercises

    • Working out on a treadmill, biking (stationary counts) or an elliptical trainer are great exercise options for reducing cellulite. You can also incorporate fun and leisure into your fitness routine through activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, rowing and even ice-skating. The key is to work the areas where fat is stored, such as the quadriceps (thighs), hamstrings, calves, arms and buttocks. These cardiovascular exercises aid with blood flow--lack of circulation is a major contributor to the development of cellulite--and help fat trapped underneath the skin to travel through the blood stream and out of the body. These exercises also trigger perspiration, which helps detoxify the skin and burn fat.

      Specific workouts to consider include Fitness magazine's "30 Minute Stop Cellulite Workout." It includes moves like the Reverse Lunge, which targets the glutes and quads: the Standing Calf Raise; and the Side Step with Band, which secures a rubber band around the ankles to work the glutes as well as the outer thighs.

      Whichever exercise you choose, you should be getting a 20-minute cardio workout three days a week and another 20 minutes of strength training, taking a day off in between.

    Other Tip

    • Eating "organic" food was once a natural way of life. Modern-day eating habits we've developed over time--particularly the consumption of fast-food and food packed with chemical ingredients--have been known to promote fat production and, in turn ,the development of cellulite. Eliminating these foods can prevent cellulite from forming. So in addition to plenty of exercise, be sure to maintain a healthier diet of fewer fats and salt to decrease fat blockage and water retention. Also drink plenty of water to cleanse your system.

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