The Top Five At-Home Exercises That Combat Cellulite
Cellulite: that dreaded orange-peel, bumpy look that appears on our thighs and bum making us self-conscious in our swimwear and downright miserable that we can’t shift it. If you suffer from cellulite, you are not alone. Almost 80% of women have cellulite and a proportion of men as well, there are many reasons we have cellulite, but don’t worry there are many ways to combat it too.
What Is Cellulite?
The uneven and bumpy texture of cellulite is caused by fat pockets underneath the skin. Don’t worry, having cellulite does not mean you are fat. In males, fat cells and collagen fibres are interwoven like a net, whereas in women, these layers are not interwoven and run alongside each other. This can make the tissue less stable which means fat deposits can push through, creating uneven lumps and bumps. Unfortunately, women also have thinner skin than men which make cellulite even more prominent.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is caused by many different factors including;
Hormones – Women will often experience cellulite before their period, the changing levels of oestrogen can encourage the body to build and store fat, commonly on the thighs.
Contraceptive Pills – As contraceptive pills release hormones into the body, it can lead to the storage of fat in cells which push through the thin connective tissue.
Pregnancy – As well as fluid retention which can worsen the appearance of cellulite, there is a reduced level of collagen production which reduced the elasticity of skin, meaning fat cells can push through and affect the texture of your skin.
Menopause – During and after the menopause, many women notice their skin texture change and becoming thinner, making cellulite more prominent.
Genetics – Unfortunately, cellulite can be hereditary.
How To Remove Cellulite
Once a Day Body Scrub and Twice a Day Active Cellulite Cream provides a combined scientific and cosmetic approach to smoother, more toned looking skin on the legs, thighs, bottom, stomach and upper arms. High strength active ingredients and light-diffusing concealers in our leading edge formulations instantly beautify the body.
Exercise can also help, so, to get those fat cells on the move and muscles into shape, it’s time to focus on some fat-burning, bum-toning and thigh strengthening exercises. Don’t worry; no expensive gym membership is needed, just add these five exercises into your normal workout or routine and try to complete them four times a week. Try them regularly and routinely, and you will see your lower body transformed with a smooth, toned and muscular appearance and most importantly, with no more cellulite!
Top Five Cellulite-Busting Exercises
Straddle Squat with Heel Raises
- Stand with your feet wide apart (about a metre apart), with your toes pointed out.
- Squat down with your back straight, make sure your knees don’t go over your toes. Try to ensure your thighs are parallel with the floor.
- Hold the squat and lift each heel alternatively for five heel raises on each side. If you are feeling stable, lift both heels at the same time. Squeeze the heel down as if pressing an orange underneath it as you lower your foot.
- Raise your body out of the squat and repeat. Try this for 15 reps.
Variation: For more squat action, lift alternate heels up as you squat down and lower your heel as you come up. Repeat on each side 15 times.
Hip Bridge
- On a yoga mat, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Keep your arms flat by your sides.
- Raise your hips to the sky, so that your chest, hips and knees are in a straight line.
- Squeeze your bum and hold this position for five seconds
- In a controlled manner, slowly lower your hips down to the floor, try to continue squeezing your bum as you lower.
- Repeat the exercise again for 15 reps.
Lying Abduction
- On a yoga mat, lie on one side. Raise your body by resting on your forearm and have your legs stacked one on top of the other.
- Lift the leg on top to the highest comfortable point
- Hold the position with your leg in the air for three seconds
- Lower your leg in a slow and controlled manner
- Complete 20 reps on each leg.
Scissors
- On a yoga mat, lie on your back with both feet in the air, legs straight as possible and arms by your side.
- Open your legs as wide as you can and hold for three seconds
- Slowly, without bending your knees, return your legs to the start position, with both feet joined in the air
- Repeat 10 times then brings your feet back down to the floor. Rest and complete the exercise again.
Lunge
- Stand up straight, with your core muscles engaged, and your feet together
- Take a big step forward with your right leg and lower your left knee to the floor
- Make sure your right knee is at a 90-degree angle and isn’t further forward than the ankle.
- Push your foot into the ground to return to the start position
- Repeat ten times on each leg.
Variation: Add dumbells for your arms to complete a workout too.
Try these five exercises today and be impressed by your results!