Cellulite Reduction Techniques

Warm summer days are here and since we're all exposing a little more skin, I thought I'd take up our favorite subject...cellulite!  

I have to admit, I'm pretty thin, but I am definitely, um, a Masters runner shall we say, so I do have a bit of cellulite on the backs of my thighs.  What IS this stuff, anyway and where does it come from?  Is there anything that can be done about it?  Well, you may not want to.  In doing some research on pesky "adipose tissue" I came up with this funny little thread on Cool Running.  Check it out.  Seems like there are a lot of folks that find cellulite...sexy?  Who knew?

We're constantly bombarded with ads for potions, cremes and all manner of devices to rid ourselves of cellulite.  The fact of the matter is that the amount of cellulite you have is probably the result of genetics.  Running and other forms of aerobic exercise do help, but it takes some time to see any effect.  And the cremes and potions?  Many of them actually swell the tissue around the effected area to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but do little to nothing to actually reduce it, (read the fine print).

Dr Len Kravitz has published a rather lengthy article on cellulite that you can check out.  Here is a summary of his recommendations:

- A caloric-restricted diet plan to help reduce some underlying body fat. 

- Aerobic exercise at least 3 to 5 times a week for at least 20 to 60 minutes. Suggested exercises are walking, jogging, aerobic dance, elliptical training, rowing, cycling, swimming or stair stepping.

- If you can, alternate modes of aerobic exercise to regularly give your body some variety.

- Implement a "resistance" (weight training) exercise program for your legs; Weak muscles can contribute to the bumpy’ look of cellulite. Try squats, leg presses, lunges, hip adduction exercises for the inner and outer thighs and leg curls.

Oh, and if you're thinking about going under the knife to rid yourself of cellulite woes you're going to be dissapointed.  Liposuction surgery can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite!  

Back to the gym Traxees! 

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