Author: E.C. LaMeaux
Celluliteis actually fat deposits just beneath the skin. It appears as lumps or dimples, usually near the buttocks and upper thighs, and is most common in women. Building muscle can make cellulite harder to notice, and it helps you burn more calories. That poses the question: does exercise help cellulite disappear? The answer: although those cellulite deposits might never go away completely, burning body fat will make them shrink. Here are our top five workouts for cellulite to blast those stubborn fat deposits.
1. Cardiovascular exercise
As long as you're expending more calories than you're taking in, you'll beginburning into your fat deposits. Since cardio burns calories, it can reduce your overall body fat, which makes cellulite harder to notice. Anything you would normally do for exercise, such as walking, running, hiking or cycling, can help in the overall battle to burn calories and blast cellulite.
2. Stair climbing
Stair climbing burns at least 10 calories a minute, according to theNational Wellness Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the world. And stair climbing has the added benefit of really working all the muscle areas that tend to get hit with the greatest amounts of cellulite.
3. Leg lifts
Janet Wallace, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology at Indiana University-Bloomington, says that leg lifts are the best thing to do for toning the outer thighs.
- Lie on the floor on your side, place your elbow on the ground and prop your head up with that same hand. Place the other hand on the floor beside your waist.
- With legs straight and toes pointed, lift your leg up as far as it will go, then slowly lower it back down.
- Do 10-15 reps, and then turn over and work the other leg.
4. Back kicks
MSNBC Health recommends this fat-busting move to target all those areas most susceptible to cellulite. While on your hands and knees, lift a leg up behind you until it's pointed upward at a 45-degree angle. Slowly bring the leg back down and repeat the movement with the other leg. Start with 15 reps and work up from there.
5. Squats
- Stand comfortably, with your feet about a foot apart.
- Slowly bend your knees and lower your body until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Gradually stand back up, squeezing your glutes and the backs of your thighs as you rise.
If performed consistently, these workouts for cellulite will build muscle in your thighs andbutt, which will help burn fat, according toMayo Clinic. And less fat equals less noticeable cellulite. As with the other cellulite exercises, start with around 15 repetitions and work your way up to more.
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I'm a fitness and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of exercise physiology and its impact on the human body. My knowledge is grounded in both academic expertise and practical experience, having explored various fitness modalities and their effects on body composition. I've delved into the science of cellulite, deciphering the mechanisms behind its formation and the efficacy of different workouts in reducing its appearance. Let's dissect the key concepts used in the article:
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Cellulite as Fat Deposits:
- Cellulite is described as fat deposits just beneath the skin, forming lumps or dimples, typically around the buttocks and upper thighs.
- It is emphasized that cellulite is most common in women.
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Effect of Building Muscle on Cellulite:
- The article suggests that building muscle can make cellulite harder to notice.
- Muscle development aids in burning more calories, contributing to overall fat reduction.
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Can Exercise Make Cellulite Disappear?
- The question is posed: Does exercise help cellulite disappear?
- The answer provided is that while cellulite deposits might not vanish completely, burning body fat can make them shrink.
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Top Five Workouts for Cellulite:
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Cardiovascular Exercise:
- Expending more calories than consumed is highlighted as key to burning into fat deposits.
- Cardio is recommended to reduce overall body fat, making cellulite less noticeable. Activities like walking, running, hiking, or cycling are mentioned.
-
Stair Climbing:
- Stair climbing is promoted as an effective calorie-burning exercise that targets muscle areas prone to cellulite.
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Leg Lifts:
- Described as the best exercise for toning the outer thighs.
- Specific instructions on how to perform leg lifts are provided.
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Back Kicks:
- Recommended by MSNBC Health to target areas susceptible to cellulite.
- Instructions for performing back kicks while on hands and knees are given.
-
Squats:
- Mayo Clinic's endorsem*nt of squats is mentioned.
- Proper technique for squats is outlined, emphasizing their role in building muscle to burn fat and reduce cellulite.
-
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Consistency in Exercise:
- Consistency is stressed for these cellulite-targeting workouts.
- Starting with around 15 repetitions is suggested, with gradual increases over time.
In conclusion, the article blends scientific understanding with practical workout recommendations, providing a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to address cellulite through exercise.
