Does Running Reduce Cellulite?

I was talking to my GORGEOUS, thin friend the other day and much to my surprise, she was bemoaning the fact that she no longer feels comfortable wearing a bathing suit in public because of all the cellulite on the back of her legs. Now, M. has an amazing figure and she’s very athletic, but I have to say that her complaint made me feel a little better.  I’m pretty thin too – and I’ve been running for a lot of years - but somehow I have still collected that cellulite bumpiness on the backs of my thighs.

What IS this stuff, anyway and where does it come from?  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.  God only knows what my thighs would look like if I didn’t run!

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).
It’s hard to find any real information that’s not attached to the sale of a particular product, but 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 disappointed.  Liposuction surgery can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite!  



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