Cellulite 101; What Can You Do ?

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Dimples are pretty cute when you smile, but not so cute on the back of your legs. You know what I am talking about. Call it cottage cheese thighs, orange peel syndrome or cellulite. But regardless of what you call it, you hate it. If you don’t have cellulite, you’re blessed. For the other 90 percent of women, cellulite will make an appearance at some point in your life. Separate the facts from the myths on what cellulite is and what helps.Girl in skirt

Is Cellulite Fat?

Cellulite is fat underneath the skin. The fat pushes against the connective tissue, which is why cellulite has a lumpy appearance. Although an increased amount of body fat can contribute to the development of cellulite, even women who are not overweight can develop it. Hormones, genetics, age and thickness of your skin all play a role in whether you will develop cellulite.

Cosmetic Procedure Options

It might seem liposuction, which removes fat, can help reduce cellulite. According to the Mayo Clinic, liposuction does not usually help reduce cellulite. In fact, it might it worse. Laser procedures are also available, which claim to smooth the skin. Although some improvement may occur, maintenance treatments are usually needed to keep cellulite at bay.

What about Lotions?

You have probably seen various lotions and potions on the market, which claim to reduce cellulite and leave your skin smooth. Do they really work? There is good news and bad news when it comes to cellulite creams. The bad news is, they don’t significantly reduce cellulite.

While they don’t get rid of dimpling skin, the good news is cellulite lotions can make the skin look a little firmer. Look for products, which contain caffeine and retinol. Although there is currently not lotions which gets rid of cellulite completely, lotions won’t hurt and may help a little.

Tips

If you are like most women, you probably have some cellulite. You want to feel confident in your shorts and bikini, so what’s a girl to do? Although you may not be able to get rid of cellulite entirely, you can reduce its appearance.

  • Exercise: Both strength exercise and aerobics help combat the appearance of cellulite to some extent. Aerobics helps burn fat and strength training will help you tone. Although exercise will usually not make you cellulite free, it can reduce it.
  • Avoid smoking: Everyone knows smoking is unhealthy, but it can also have negative effects on your appearance. Smoking causes damage to the skin’s elasticity and makes cellulite more noticeable.
  • Avoid yo-yo dieting: Losing and gaining weight repeatedly can cause your skin to be loose, which may make you more prone to developing cellulite.
  • Try a self-tanner: Cellulite is not as noticeable on darker skin. Self-tanners not only give you a bronze glow, but they hide unwanted bumpy skin.

Finally, while no one wants to have cellulite, try to have some perspective. Maintaining good health and enjoying life is what’s important. In the whole scheme of things, cellulite is only a minor issue.  Don’t let it stop you from trying to look your best and feeling great.

8 Tips to Love Your Summer Workout

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Photo courtesy of Raquel Baranow Flicker Creative Commons 2.0

Photo courtesy of Raquel Baranow Flicker Creative Commons 2.0

It’s coming up on that time of year again when you want to wear your cute sundresses, shorts and bikinis. If you slacked off a bit working out during the winter months, you may not be feeling all those skimpy summer outfits. Even if you have worked out all winter and spring, summer is a great time to change things up. Sizzling heat and summer vacation plans don’t have to stop your fitness goals. Summer workouts can be fun, effective and leave you looking great in your cutest summer clothes. Consider some of the workout tips below to get you moving.1. Head Outdoors: Being outside when the air is warm and the sun is shining is good for the body and mind. Just be careful to avoid working out at the hottest times of the day.

2. Something New: Summer is an excellent time to get out of your workout rut. Try something you have never done before, such as rowing, mountain biking or marathon training.

3. Consider Pool Workouts: If you’re looking for a workout, which combines cardio and strength training, plus keeps you cool, a pool workout is a good choice. Whether you swim or do water aerobics, working out in the water provides extra resistance, which builds strength, and it’s easy on the joints.

4. Have a Drink or Two: When you are working out during the summer months, you have to be sure to stay well hydrated. In most instances, water is your best bet to replace fluid lost through exercise and sweating. Be sure to drink water before, during and after your workout.

5. Exercise in the Morning: If possible, exercise first thing in the morning before it gets too hot. Another option is exercising outside at dusk. The temperatures are cooler, and you’ll get to enjoy watching the sunset.

6. Stay Committed: Summer may be a time for vacations, barbeques and getting together with friends. There may be several reasons why you don’t have the time for exercise. Throw in hot days and it’s easy to let your exercise routine take a backseat to summer fun. Find ways to stay motivated, such as setting goals or working out with a friend.

7. Dress the Part: If you will be exercising outdoors be sure to wear fabrics, such as polyester blends, which are made to wick away moisture. This type of fabric helps keep your skin cool. Also don’t forget the shades to protect your eyes and waterproof sunscreen is a must if exercising outdoors.

8. Be Safe: Although exercising outside can be enjoyable during the summer, be sure to know your limits. Conditions including heat exhaustion and heat cramps can develop when you are working out in hot weather. Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include nausea, headache, dizziness and fatigue. Excessive sweating, cramps in the legs and arms and fatigue are signs of heat cramps. With either condition, stop exercising, get to a cool location such as indoors with air conditioning and drink some water.