Goodbye Cellulite Legs

The cellulite exercise program can attack the cellulite problem in a way creams and cosmetic preparations cannot. They may provide temporary relief by making superficial changes to the skin but cellulite returns.

The cellulite exercise plan produces effects under the skin in areas creams cannot reach! To understand what exercise does in relation to cellulite, consider for a few moments the makeup of skin and its underlying layers.

The layers of tissue under the skin are known as the subcutaneous layers. The first of these contains fat cell chambers separated by connective tissue. Connective tissue is one of four main classified types of biological tissue. Women have a different cell structure to men, which explains why women are the ones who mainly suffer with this problem. The connective tissue separating the fat cell chambers in a woman’s body is aligned more or less vertically, whereas in a man’s body it appears in a criss cross fashion.

Fat cells can protrude from the fat cell chambers into the dermis, which lays just under the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). An uneven skin surface resembling an orange peel is the result on certain areas of the skin. As men have thicker epidermis and dermis layers, in addition to the different connective tissue structure, cellulite is not noticeable.

In women however, the thighs and buttocks store more body fat. As women age, more fat can be deposited in the fat cell chambers and the connective tissue can loosen, thus allowing fat cells to protrude more into the dermis.

As creams and topical solutions can only work from above or on the skin, it is clear why they are limited in what they can do, given the complex structure underneath the skin that causes cellulite.

We can see therefore why a cellulite exercise plan is crucial in the battle against cellulite. Exercise can affect the fat cell chambers by reducing fat deposits. It can also tone up muscles. Muscles lie beneath the subcutaneous layers. The uppermost layer remember, contains the fat cell chambers. Soft, weak muscles can accentutate the problem of cellulite, whereas firm, toned muscles give better support to the fat cell chambers in the dermis and minimize the effect of cellulite!

What cellulite exercise program is effective? According to researchers, a 40 minute program 3 times a week can do much to keep the body toned up and minimize the effect of cellulite.

The 40 minute cellulite plan can be split in half. For 20 minutes, strength training exercises for the upper and lower body should be done. These can include flat bench press, push ups, bicep curls for the upper body, and leg curls, leg extensions, and hip adduction for the lower body. This can then be followed by 20 minutes of aerobic execises which can include bicycling, fitness walking, stair climbing, running, and swimming.

Check the link at the end of this article for a free illustrated resource which sets out all these exercises and much more in an easy to follow format.

When the cellulite exercise program is combined with a diet designed to reduce calorie intake, then real progress can be made in reducing cellulite. It should be noted there is no easy ‘fix’. Advertising and sensational claims regarding certain types of cellulite preparations should be viewed cautiously. The results they produce are only temporary at best. A much more realistic approach is to embark on a cellulite exercise program supported by a calorie reducing diet. True, it is much more work and harder to follow, but then, the results are much more pleasing too.

If cellulite causes you distress and embarassment, why not try the whole body approach and initiate a strategy that gets into the deeper underlying cause of cellulite. Review the exercises recommended for strength training and aerobic activity, select the ones you feel comfortable with, and start firming up those muscles and reducing the fat in those fat cell chambers which lie under the skin. You will certainly be rewarded for your efforts!