Tips To Beat Cellulite

Tips To Beat Cellulite

What is cellulite?

We all view the word with dread and regularly see it plastered accusingly across magazine covers, but what does it actually mean, and should we be bothered by it?
 

Sometimes called “orange peel skin,” cellulite occurs when stores of fat and fluid become trapped among connective tissue fibres. These pockets push outwards against the skin, creating a puckered or dimpled effect, often compared to citrus rind or cottage cheese. Cellulite can appear differently depending on its composition and grade, but is an extremely common aspect of many people's appearance. It can be found on people of all sizes and affects 90% of women, and 10% of men.
 

Why do we see cellulite?

The biggest factor leading to the appearance of cellulite is the weakened collagen tissue fibres below the skin. When these fibres lose their strength they become more susceptible to collecting pockets of fat and fluid, which become visible beneath the skin. Age, genetics and hormones are all thought to affect the strength of collagen fibres. Other factors include:
•    Fluctuations in weight or body shape, causing the connective tissue to stretch
•    Inactivity, since cellulite is more likely to appear in areas with poor circulation
•    Diet and nutrition, including fat and sodium intake, and hydration
 

Diet

If your diet is currently structured to help you lose body fat, this will have a knock-on effect for fat-based cellulite, although not for the types caused by fluid retention. Keep in mind that cellulite is found on all body types, and does not necessarily indicate that you should change your diet to support a weight loss goal.
Muscle, collagen and skin tone are also affected by diet. Incorporating dietary elements to support these areas can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Try increasing your intake of foods with anti-inflammatory benefits, including essential fatty acids, dark leafy vegetables, and berries. You may also want to increase your protein ratio if your goal is to strengthen muscle fibres, and try and eat organic foods, naturally low in salt and sugar.

Exercise

Exercise can be a very effective way to improve the appearance of cellulite, as an inactive lifestyle is believed to be a key reason for the development of cellulite. Choose a main cardiovascular workout that engages all the major muscle groups. Try swimming, or running and walking on a cross-trainer. Improving circulation is beneficial for tissue repair and for enhancing skin and muscle tone.

Specific strengthening exercises will add muscle tone and improve circulation in problem areas like thighs and glutes. Try adding bodyweight squats and lunges to your routine to strengthen these major muscle groups. As your performance improves, perform these exercises while holding dumbbells to make the workout more rigorous.

If you’re looking for a new challenge or prefer to be encouraged by an instructor, try attending a class that gets your legs working. Spinning is one of the most popular options, and it's sure to improve circulation! Body Pump is an effective way to get your heart pumping while strengthening your entire body. For spot toning, try out a fast class of Legs, Bums and Tums, specifically designed to target those tricky areas we're most likely to moan about!