Q & A: “Can I Get Rid Of Cellulite?”
This is one of the most frequent questions that I am asked. Before I answer this question, let’s talk about what cellulite really is.
Cellulite is nothing more than fat, regular old body fat The general public has been led to believe that there is a difference between cellulite and regular body fat. There is no difference, therefore all of those products designed to get rid of cellulite are useless gimmicks. The reason cellulite looks different is because the fat cells close to the skin somehow become trapped in the skin’s connective tissue. The fat cells push against the walls of the connective tissue, causing a dimple effect. Some spas promote body wraps to get rid of cellulite. These wraps may temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite from pressure and through dehydration of the skin. This is only temporary....... just long enough for you to fork over your hard earned cash and walk out the door.
It is not known for sure why cellulite develops but medical experts believe that a combination of genetics and female hormones play a role since women are much more likely to develop cellulite. The underlining structure of the skins connective tissue is somewhat different in men making it more difficult for fat to accumulate under the skin. Cellulite has nothing to do with whether or not you are overweight. There are overweight people without cellulite and thin people with cellulite. It is possible to lose cellulite but most people go about it the wrong way. They focus totally on cardio and not enough on resistance training. This is a surefire way to increase the appearance of cellulite by burning up muscle tissue and decreasing the ‘toned’ appearance in the thigh and glute area.
Make no mistake about it. It is not an easy task to get rid of cellulite, you have to work your butt off (no pun intended). Anyone can do it but you have to be dedicated and consistent with your workouts. The three factors which are necessary to rid the body of cellulite are:
1.Resistance Training
2.Intense Cardio
3.Proper Diet
Resistance Training:
Resistance training will maintain the muscle you already have, this muscle is what gives you that tight and toned look. If resistance training is not done, then the body will break muscle down for energy, during cardio training. You can see how trying to ‘tighten up’ while burning off muscle is like running uphill on an ice covered mountain.
Intense Cardio:
This is where many people make their mistake. They don’t understand that in order for cardio to be effective it has to be done at moderate to high intensity. If you are able to watch t.v. AND follow what’s going on - then you are not getting much out of your workout (some people need something to focus on during an intense cardio session so they focus on t.v. but they are not really watching it, this is o.k.)
If you are not in shape then it will take awhile before you can step up the cardio. Until you can perform cardio at higher intensities, It’s o.k. to watch t.v. or read a magazine until you reach the proper fitness level to really step up the cardio.
Proper Diet:
When trying to reduce cellulite it is of the utmost to follow the proper diet. You can exercise until the cows come home and never lose an inch because you either eat to much or the wrong kinds of foods. A proper diet combined with resistance and cardiovascular training can bring about dramatic changes to your body.