In a recent survey by a top women’s magazine, the number one complaint from readers about their body was cellulite. In a separate survey months later, the number one body phobia women had was developing cellulite. As this survey demonstrates, cellulite is a condition which is both loathed and feared by women all around the world. And this is for good reason – ninety percent of women will develop it sometime after puberty.
According to the anti-cellulite industry, specifically formulated creams are the best of all the natural ways to reduce cellulite. If you are skeptical about these claims then you can be forgiven since the industry turns over millions a year and has a vested interest in selling you such products. More often than not, cellulite creams are poor performing products that are marketed extremely well.
So what can you actually do? According to the real experts, combining diet and exercise is the best cellulite removal method. But not just any weight loss program will do. Instead, you need one that is focused on reducing your fat levels and increasing your lean muscle mass. This is because cellulite is not just caused by excess fat – a lack of lean muscle underneath the subcutaneous levels of fat will make your skin lumpier. By increasing the muscle mass, the fat and skin will have a firmer base of support which will make the areas look leaner and smoother.
In order to increase muscle and fat loss you will need a two part program. The first part should focus on eliminating fat and to do this a number of cardio exercises should be done. You should do exercises that not only raise your heart rate but also works out the muscles of your problems areas. As an example, the stepper machine or cycling are often good cardio exercises for the thighs and buttocks.
The second component of the program should involve lifting weights. This will not only increase the muscle in order to support the skin and fat but will also increase your fat burning metabolism. Muscle requires more calories to exist and simply increasing the amount of lean muscle will ensure that you burn more calories throughout the day, even when resting.
In sum, getting rid of cellulite requires commitment to an appropriate diet and exercise program. By using cardio exercises to burn fat and weight lifting exercise to increase lean muscle mass, you will see results in the weeks and months ahead.