Even though we all wish there was a “genie bottle” or “magic pill” to help us get rid of cellulite fast, but in the end the best cellulite removal method is good, old-fashioned, healthy nutrition and anti cellulite exercises.
Many experts agree that sophisticated treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite and cost hundreds of dollars may simply cause your skin surface to puff up slightly, temporarily reducing the appearance of cellulite. Treatments like liposuction (a surgery used primarily to remove fat) and mesotherapy (injection of drugs into cellulite) are expensive, painful, and they too may produce only temporary improvement. Many doctors even warn that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite because liposuction is designed to remove deep fat instead of cellulite, which is close to the skin.
The Top Four Hamstring Exercises for Cellulite Reduction
I deeply believe (and am already starting to see results – wait, till I post some before and after photos!) – many experts agree, too – that an exercise routine that combines aerobic exercise with strength training is the best weapon against cellulite. They are free, long lasting, and provide benefits for your overall health.
With the right exercise plan, combined with proper diet, you can reduce cellulite and make your lower body look smoother and firmer. Now it’s just a matter of knowing what you need to eat, what exercises you should perform, the duration of your workout, and the rest of the specifics when it comes to “proper dieting and exercise.”
As I mentioned above, the areas that typically contain cellulite are the back of the legs, also known as the hamstrings. Below, I have listed 4 of the top hamstring exercises. Performing 4 sets 8 for 2 of the following 4 exercises, 3 days a week will tighten and firm up the trouble area found behind the upper leg.
1. Stiff Legged Dead Lifts
This exercise does not require any machines – just dumbbells and can be performed at home.
- Hold dumbbells at your sides. Keep your back straight and your feet slightly less than shoulder width apart.
- With your knees close to being locked, bend forward from the waist, until your upper body is parallel with the floor, letting your hands with the dumbbells hang at arm’s length close to the floor.
- You should feel the stretch in the back of your legs. If you are very flexible and cannot feel enough of a strech, use a step or block to stand on so you can get a deeper bend.
- Lift your torso up again, keep your shoulders back, and arch your lower back in for a complete lower back contraction.
2. Lunges with dumbbells
This exercise does not require any gym machines- just dumbbells and can be performed at home.
- Hold two dumbbells at your sides
- With your back straight, head up, and chest out, step forward, bend your knees, and bring your trailing knee close to the floor. Take a big step – your back leg should be almost straight.
- Push yourself back up off your heel not your toe to the starting position with one strong movement, bringing your feet together, then step forward with the other foot and repeat the movement.
- Alternate the legs or do all repetitions with one leg, and then repeat with the other.
3. Standing Leg Curls
This exercise can be performed with leg curl machine or with ankle weights. If you have access to one or have it at home – great. Otherwise, do them at the gym or use ankle weights.
- Stand up to the leg machine and place one leg behind the lever mechanism.
- Keep yourself steady and curl the leg back toward your behind as much as possible. Get a peak contraction at the top and then lower the weight back to the starting position.
- Do the exercises slowly and be conscious of your movement. Lift the leg and hold it there for one or two seconds. Lower the weight slowly. Repeat the set with the other leg. Be conscious of your body and movement at all times, making sure your form is correct.
4. Leg Curls with Leg Curl Machine
This exercise requires leg curl machine. If you have access to one or have it at home – great. Otherwise, you will have to do it at the gym.
- Lay face down on the leg curl machine and place your heels under the lever mechanism. Your legs should be stretched out straight. Hold on to the handles or the bench.
- Curl your legs up until your hamstrings get a peek contraction. Release and lower the weight slowly back to the starting position. . Leg curls should be done through the fullest range of motion possible.
To see real benefits from this you must also follow a healthy diet and make other lifestyle changes, or your results will be very limited.
Other exercises that are great for leg cellulite, are squats and bike riding. If you have a bike – try to ride it 2-3 times a week. If the weather is bad, you might get yourself a bike trainer and ride at home (read some bike trainer reviews) or a just cheap, second-hand stationary bike that you may find on Ebay.
Read more in Killer Cellulite Exercises For Your Legs and Butt, How to Get Rid of Cellulite the Old-fashioned way. To learn about other methods that you may try, visit Body Wraps for Cellulite Removal and How to Get Rid of Cellulite.
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Awesome post. You’re exactly right, exercise is the way to go.
Yes this is a great post, and I agree, exercise is definitely the way to go.
Linda@Slimming´s last blog ..7 Ways You can Beat Food Cravings
Hey there. Great tips. Do you have those before and after photos yet? Seems like some yoga to elongate the muscles would help as well. Thanks for posting!
I believe that a combination of exercise, diet and alternative treatments can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. I would also suggest drinking plenty of water to remain hydrated throughout, which can also help reduce how much cellulite you see.
I think its important to note that light exercise complements a healthy diet in trying to get rid of cellulite.
Getting rid of cellulite is difficult but exercise is the first step. You also need to watch what you eat.
Darvin @ Discount Yoga Mats´s last blog ..Manduka Yoga Mats
Loosing weight naturally is the way to go. All those diet supplements make things worst and create more complication, you could loose some weight but will gain other health problems.
Cellulite fats are tough just like the other acne infections and over weight , practically the best way to reduce your fat is by involving yourself in an exercise that will last for a long time this because some people start and after few days later they will leave the exercise probably because they have seen a little reduction but if you are doing it constantly you improve on it, also drink water regularly