Despite its name, cellulite is nothing more than fat beneath the skin. As fat accumulates, fat pushes up against cords of connective tissue that attach fat to skin. These fibrous tissue are arranged like a honeycomb in women, so any increase in fat tends to bulge out, giving cellulite its characteristic lumpy appearance.
Cellulite affects more women than men. It is most commonly found around the thighs and buttocks, but it can also affect the breasts, stomach and upper arms. Hormones, genetics, eating too much fat, sitting or standing in one position for a long time and wearing underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks are said to contribute to the formation of cellulites.
Cellulite isn’t harmful to your health. Many people, however, would like to get rid of it because it can be quite unattractive and embarrassing
Moves to Remove Cellulite
You can make your cellulites look smaller and the skin look smoother and firmer with the right exercise plan. The way to do it is to work all the muscles in your lower body from every angle. This way, fat is reduced and lost muscle tissue is replaced, giving the area a firm and toned appearance.
Do a single set of 10 to 15 repetitions of the following exercises three to four times a week. Remember to do it slowly, counting 2 seconds to lift and 4 seconds to lower. Warm-up before you start b walking, doing light calisthenics or stationary cycling.
Side to Side
Stand with your legs apart, toes pointing out about 45 degrees and your back straight. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and rest them at your hips. You can make this easier by just resting your hands on your hips. Take a huge step to your left, bending the left knee and keeping the right leg extended and parallel to the floor. Don’t let your left knee to stick out over your toes or your buttocks to dip below your knees. Hold this position for a few seconds then return to the starting position. Repeat the motion to the right side without pausing.
Squat-Side Lift
Use ankle weights for this exercise. Stand with your feet apart, toes slightly pointing out, hands on your hips and elbows out to your side. Keep your head straight and eyes looking onward. Then slowly bend your knees and squat down as if you’re going to sit on a chair. Stop when your thighs are parallel to the floor. Keep your back straight and don’t let your knees extend over your toes while you do this. Hold this position for a second and then straighten your legs. Lift your left leg off the floor and out to the side as you do this. Hold again, then return to the starting position. Repeat the motion for the right leg. Perform one set of this exercise, alternating legs all throughout.
Kickback
Use ankle weights or a light dumbbell held behind the knee in the crook of your leg when doing this exercise. Take care not to hunch or arch your back to avoid putting any stress on your back.
Get down on your forearms and knees taking the pose similar to the hands-and-knees position. Bend your arms and support your weight on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your head in line with your back, eyes looking down. Then keeping your back straight and your legs bent, slowly kick back your right leg. Lift your right foot up keeping it flexed until your thigh is parallel to the floor. Hold this position for a second then return to the starting position. Do one set then repeat the motion with your left leg.
One-legged Lunge
You will need a chair or a sturdy bench for this exercise. You Practice doing regular lunges to get used to the motions of this exercise. To make it more challenging, hold dumbbells down at your sides.
Stand about two feet in front of a bench or a chair with your back on it. Extend your left leg behind you, placing your foot on the seat of the chair. Keep your back straight and your head aligned with your spine. Slowly bend your right knee until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Don’t let your right knee to extend over your toes. Hold, then go back to the starting position. Complete one set with your right leg then switch to the left.
Inner Leg Lift
Using ankle weights, lie on your left side with your head resting on your forearm. Place your right hand in front of your chest for support. With your bottom leg extended, bend the knee of your top leg, placing the foot of that leg on your other knee. Then slowly lift your bottom as comfortably as you can. Hold that position for one second then lower it slowly. Do one set with your left leg then do the same for the right.
Leg pull
Lie down on your back with an exercise band loosely tied around your ankles. Keep your arms at your sides. Extend your legs and lift them up directly above your hips. Keep your feet spread wide enough that the exercise band is slightly taut. Flex your feet and then slowly spread your legs as far as you can. Keep your back flat as you do this. Avoid arching your lower back or twisting your torso. Hold the position when the tension becomes too great for you to pull any further. Then slowly close your legs and return to the starting position.
Cellulite Home Remedies
In addition to exercise, try some of these simple home remedies to manage your cellulites
1. Dry brushing
Dry brushing improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This removes the toxins that have accumulated in the upper skin, which in turn reduces the appearance of cellulite. Using a body brush made with natural fibers and long sweeping motion, begin at your feet, slowly moving up your legs. Work on your arms, slowly working towards your chest. On your chest, direct the brush in a counter clockwise direction. Avoid circular and back and forth motions, always work towards the heart and don’t scrub too hard. The skin should be stimulated and invigorated, not red or irritated. Do this for about 5 minutes then shower to wash away the impurities.
2. Coffee scrub
Coffee has a skin- tightening affect while massaging improves circulation and blood flow. The coffee grounds also act as an exfoliant, sloughing off dead skin cells and encouraging new skin growth. And coffee smells great, too.
Mix together ¼ cup ground coffee beans, 3 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons coconut oil to make a paste. Apply the paste on the affected area and massage for a few minutes with a firm pressure. Rinse it off with warm water. Do this two to three times a week until you get the results that you want.
3. Cayenne pepper detox
A natural fat-burner, cayenne pepper has the ability to naturally heat up the body, improve blood circulation and boost metabolism. Regular consumption of cayenne pepper can help get rid of toxins and lessen the appearance of cellulites.
Add1 to 2 teaspoons cayenne powder, 1 teaspoon grated ginger and the juice of one lemon to a glass of warm water. Mix well. Drink the detox mix once or twice daily for two months.
4. Tangerine oil massage
Massaging the affected area with tangerine oil helps to enhance blood circulation and breaks down fat pockets and cellulite. Add five drops of tangerine essential oil to a tablespoon of olive oil. Use this to massage the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this for at least twice a day until you see the desired result. Avoid sun exposure for at least an hour after doing this.
