Sunday, October 5, 2008

Reduce Cellulite With These Exercises

By Lisa Adams

Even though cellulite is almost always associated with being overweight, this isn't necessarily true. Cellulite is a stubborn problem with no singular specific cause. Let's examine some of the causes of cellulite, and discuss specific exercises that will help reduce the problem.

Cellulite, in some degree or another, is present in almost every woman past the age of puberty. There are stages of cellulite, which range from non-visible to not only visible, but often painful. However, cellulite is not caused by being overweight, nor does being overweight mean a person will have cellulite.

Most medical researchers agree that the biggest cause of cellulite is hormonal and genetic. The genetic aspect applies particularly to body composition and circulatory patterns and disorders. In terms of hormonal factors, estrogen appears to be the hormone that causes cellulite and in many instances makes it worse.

Try These Exercises To Help

Stress levels are another majore factor in cellulite problems. To reduce stress, exercise should be introduced. Stress can also be caused by a poor diet, which of course also has a negative effect on weight and appearance.

Let's be clear ... exercise alone can't eliminate cellulite, but it can help reduce the problem to minimal levels. The effect on reducing stress levels alone should not be underestimated, even though stress reduction is another topic entirely. However, exercise, and specific exercises, have positive benefits on several levels, both mental and physical.

The Specifics

Most cellulite deposits are present in the upper rear thigh area. An excellent exercise to help tone that area is the stiff legged deadlift, which sounds more difficult than it is. Here's how to do it ... stand erect with your feet shoulder length apart, holding a dumbell weight in each hand, as much weight as you feel safe with (you can always do this with more weight later on). Now, bend forward at the waist until the dumbell weights either touch the ground, or as low as you can go. Keep your knees straight and don't bend them. You will feel the motion in the back of your thighs and also in your lower rear end. This is an excellent toning exercise that will help improve your appearance.

Another good exercise for cellulite reduction is indoor cycling. Try taking a spinning class if you belong to a health club. If not, use a stationary bike for at least 1/2 hour at a moderate pace. Spinning classes in particular are recommended because they burn a significant amount of calories. Further, they're fun and challenging, which helps reduce stress.

To reduce cellulite, a combination of strategies are necessary. This stands to reason, as a number of factors contribute to cellulite. Exercise and a good, clean diet are two major factors. Reducing your stress levels is another excellent strategy, and as we've pointed out, diet, exercise, and stress reduction go hand in hand. You'll find that combinin these three factors will go a long way in reducing a cellulite problem. - 15343

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