Cellulite and Exercise

cellulite_and_exercise Contrary to Hollywood's storied fable, most women have cellulite; fat that appears as dimpled skin on hips, buttocks, and thighs. Though cellulite is not life threatening, it can make that perfect mini-skirt or swimming suit look not so perfect. If you are one of the many people who love shorts, skirts, and dresses, cellulite can be an annoyance. There is good news, however. You can now take those sexy summer clothes out of the closet because researchers have shown a direct relationship between cellulite and exercise.

Cellulite and Exercise: What is cellulite?

First and foremost, what is cellulite? Cellulite resembles dimples in the skin and is sometimes described as giving the skin a “cottage cheese” texture. In mild cases, cellulite may be observed when the skin is pinched. In more severe cases, cellulite gives the skin the appearance of rumpled and bumpy skin. Cellulite is often observed around the thigh and buttocks; however, it can also be found on the breast, lower abdomen, and upper arms.

Cellulite and Exercise: What Causes Cellulite?

Biologically, cellulite is caused by fibrous connective cords. These fibers connect the skin to muscles. Fat cells are located inbetween the skin and muscles. As the fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin while the fibrous cords are pulling down. This creates a dimple effect. Factors that contribute to cellulite include having high level of stress, using hormonal contraceptives, and living an inactive lifestyle.

Cellulite and Exercise: Exercising Your Cellulite Away

According to the Mayo Clinic, an active and well-balanced lifestyle is probably the most beneficial and long-lasting cellulite treatment. This includes regular exercise (cardiovascular and weight training) and a low-caloric diet. Not only will you strengthen your muscles, but tone muscles will improve the appearance of the dimpled skin. In addition, exercise will improve blood circulation which will help clear blocked tissue.

Cellulite studies have suggested a direct correlation between cellulite and exercise: a committed exercise routine can improve the appearance of cellulite in just a couple of months (msnbc). In studies conducted by Wayne Westcott, the fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA (Quincy, MA), sedentary women who committed to a reduced-calorie diet and workout three times a week lost an average of 9 pounds of fat and gained about 2 pounds of muscle in just two months. These women also reported a reduction in the appearance of cellulite on their thighs and hips.

cellulite_and_exercise Don’t skip out on the weight training; having too littler underlying muscles can worsen the appearance of cellulite. The benefit of exercising to reduce the appearance of cellulite is invaluable. If you can’t squeeze in gym time, try the following exercise at home: reverse lunges, plie squats, back kicks. These workouts will tone up the muscles in regions where cellulite is often observed in women. In addition, incorporate a healthy dieting plan and regular exercise to achieve maximum results.

(photo: MayoClinic.com)

Cellulite and Exercise: Alternative Cellulite Treatments

The following methods have been proposed to eliminate cellulite, but did you know that these treatments have not been proven effective in removing cellulite.

Liposuction: In the costly procedure, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under yout skin and creates tiny incisions in the fat cells. These fat cells are then suctioned out of the body. Liposuction, however, will not remove cellulite. As a matter of fact, the Mayo Clinic warns that liposuction may make the cellulite appear worse!

Vigorous Massages: There are cellulite treatments that are based on vigorous massages to stimulate blood flow, remove toxins, and reduce excess fluid in cellulite-prone areas. For example, Endermologie uses a hand help machine that kneads the skin. Though slight improvement may be observed after this treatment, the results are usually temporary. This may suggest continuous treatment may be necessary to maintain the results.

Cellulite Creams: Arguably, the simplest and least-costly approach to reducing the appearance of cellulite is lotions and creams that purport to stimulate cell circulation, melt fat, and move fluid and toxins out. Doctors claim that ingredients such as methyxanthine (one form of which is caffeine), may help to remove cellulite.

"Caffeine creams work great to pull fluids out of the spaces between cells and induce lipolysis -- fat burning in the layer just below the skin's surface," says Dr. Newburger (MD). A reliable delivery system to transport the cream to the cell, liposome technology for example, is essential in the effectiveness of cellulite creams. In studies published in the Journal Dermatologic Surgery (1999), methylxanthine creams reduced fat cells in skin. Visible results were observed in about eight weeks. The scientist of this study concluded that: “The caffeine-based liposome-encapsulated cream significantly reduced the thickness of the subcutaneous fat over a 2-month period.” (Lesser T. et al., Dermatol Surg. 1999 Jun; 25 (6):455-62).

Popular cellulite treatments are Revitol’s Cellulite Cream, DS Laboratories Oligo DX, and Murad’s Cellulite Solutions (most of these products have free trials). Cellulite creams often contain ingredients such as methyxanthine and antioxidants to nurture the skin. These products are most effective when used in conjunction to regular exercise and a reasonable diet. When selecting cellulite cream, examine ingredients for possible allergies. Some cellulite creams may cause rashes or irritation. Remember, there is no prevention for cellulite. Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping active will strengthen your muscles and will help keep your skin toned and healthy.

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