Do Cellulite Removal Exercises Work?

You can certainly find plenty of cellulite removal exercises. They are on the internet, in magazines and heavily advertised on TV. You see a lot of other products (creams, lotions, etc.) that target the problem. The big question is this. Do any of these products work?

One of the reasons for the huge number of treatments is the huge number of women who have the issue. Studies indicate that 80-90% of all women past the age of puberty are affected. Most healthcare professionals question whether or not cellulite on thighs or other parts of the body can honestly be referred to as a “problem”, since the term problem indicates that it is unusual when it is actually quite common. A good dermatologist will likely tell you that cellulite is “normal”.

The forming of cellulite

Some women just don’t like the way that it looks. I don’t! The skin usually appears dimpled instead of smooth. The hips, thighs and buttocks are affected most often. The dimples or nodules are actually fat cells that have been deposited in fibrous tissues. Until the late 1960s, the term was not in common use. You won’t see ads for cellulite removal exercises in old magazines. You might say the whole thing is a new invention.

Most healthcare professionals agree that the available treatments are ineffective. Even liposuction is rarely recommended unless the fat deposits are relatively large. That doesn’t mean there is no hope. You probably can improve your appearance using some of these methods but you just have to be careful. Some efforts could make matters worse. Here are some safer and more effective suggestions.

Do Cellulite Removal Exercises Work?

  • Creams
    The best anti cellulite creams contain caffeine. Creams containing caffeine work by stimulating blood flow to the skin and decreasing fluids present in the fat cells. These creams are only effective temporarily. For example, you might use a cream before wearing a short dress or putting on your bathing suit to make your skin look better for a while. They do not actually “get rid” of the fat.
  • Cellulite removal exercises
    These are designed to tighten and tone the skin in target areas such as the thighs and hips. In truth, any exercise would be beneficial. Building more muscle in the area helps to tighten the surrounding skin decreasing the appearance of the fat cells, causing your body to look more muscular and toned. My favorites exercises for the “bumpier” areas are:
    • Squats
    • Walking lunges
    • Glute Squeeze or Pelvic Lift
    • Deadlifts
    • Glute Kickbacks
    • Plyometric Combos such as Air Squats, Split Lunge, Sprints
  • Reduce Sugar and Processed Food Intake
    By far, these last two suggestions when applied consistently will reap the most benefit in your fight against cellulite. Consider eating sugars and starchy carbs only when earned in the gym. Consume earlier in the day or after a workout. Doing this helps to prevent these foods from being stored as fat in your body, which in turn produces bumpier cellulite.

    Crash diets, in particular, should be avoided, as they have been associated with an increase of the fatty deposits in the muscular tissues. Focus rather on a balanced diet of whole foods including lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy fats.

  • Massage

    The typical cellulite removal system includes some form of massage. Like the caffeine-based creams, the idea is to improve circulation to the skin and basically “move” some fluids around. Like the creams, these massages could have a temporarily positive effect.

Body Message

cellulite removal

So overall, the general connection between cellulite and exercise is a positive one. Women who are lean and strong have less of the dimply bumps. Women who are more on the “flabby” side are more likely to have cottage-cheese thighs.

There is no reason not to try cellulite removal exercises or any form of exercise. Exercise is good for the health of your body. You might still see a few dimples on your thighs or buttocks, no matter what you do. Just try to remember that it’s normal. Being in good health is what’s most important. Also, remember that the perfect scenario is a combination of a whole foods diet and a solid strength-training program.