What are good exercises/foods to reduce cellulite?

lucygoosyyy
lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
in Fitness and Exercise
I eat really well and I have been losing some weight but also gaining some back in muscle, which wouldn't be bad except for the fact that my cellulite has actually increased. It seems to happen the more I work out (I usually just run or even do the Brazilian butt lift video work outs) and it really bugs me. I don't think it would help it if I stopped exercising, and even if it would I'm not willing to give those up, so I was wondering if any of you knew of any exercises that help reduce or prevent cellulite formation. I know swimming helps because I did water polo for a season in school last year, but I don't have time to swim every day like I was doing then.
*the cellulite is mild on the back of my legs and inner thighs & it shows when the sun is shining on it or if pressure is added to that area*
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Replies

  • froeschli
    froeschli Posts: 1,293 Member
    I read once that high impact sports (such as running) may damage the connective tissues that hold subcutaneous fat - which makes cellulite worse. Whether that's true or not - I'll keep running. The best thing you can do is lower your body fat % and it should reduce itself.
    Plenty of water, maybe some massage, etc etc pp are the usual tips.
  • KatLifter
    KatLifter Posts: 1,314 Member
    Don't over complicate it. You can't spot reduce fat or cellulite, it's genetic. Lower your body fat percentage by eating at a deficit, and do the exercise you like and will continue doing.

    ETA: you're 18, I'll bet you it isn't even noticeable to anyone else
  • nashai01
    nashai01 Posts: 536 Member
    bump
  • cmfaris8
    cmfaris8 Posts: 39
    I had a friend how was completely raw and she swore by grapefruit. She would go on these 3-day grapefruit cleanses to reduce cellulite. I don't know how safe that is, but maybe incorporating grapefruit into your diet. I think you can also use grapefruit oil on it too.
  • suelegal
    suelegal Posts: 1,282 Member
    I had a friend how was completely raw and she swore by grapefruit. She would go on these 3-day grapefruit cleanses to reduce cellulite. I don't know how safe that is, but maybe incorporating grapefruit into your diet. I think you can also use grapefruit oil on it too.

    Baloney, you cannot spot reduce fat or cellulite. All you can do is reduce body fat. Or I suppose liposuction, but I wouldn't recommend that at all.
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    There is no magical food that reduces cellulite. Sorry.

    How do you know you have gained muscle? It is nearly impossible to gain muscle on a deficit with just running and an exercise video.

    Are you logging all your foods? What is your calories goal and overall goal?
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    Do you think it'd be better to run on an elliptical to reduce impact? I wouldn't mind that, but do you have any tips to reduce body fat percentage without having too great of a deficit? I already have trouble reaching the minimum daily calorie intake. I'm only trying to lose a few pounds as it is and then just maintain that weight. MFP says you're not supposed to have under 1200 net calories per day but how am I supposed to create a deficit, just make sure I'm burning at least 300 extra a day but stay at or above 1200?
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    Thank you, I'll try the grapefruit! I heard it was really good I just need to start purchasing them at the grocery store
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    What have you set your goal weight loss as? With only 6lbs to lose you should be aiming for a very small deficit and trying to lose 1/2lb per week.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/963088-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy?hl=Lose+weight+obstacles+easy+&page=1#posts-14690973

    Is an excellent thread about setting your calorie goal.

    Don't stop running if you enjoy it, but maybe look into lifting weights as a supplement, it will help you maintain your lbm which means you'll look even better and avoid being skinny fat :bigsmile:
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    Thank you, I'll try the grapefruit! I heard it was really good I just need to start purchasing them at the grocery store

    Grapefruit juice is nice but won't do squat to help cellulite. I'll repeat. There is no magic food that helps cellulite.
  • Escape_Artist
    Escape_Artist Posts: 1,155 Member
    I've read that cellulite is also linked to lack of water.
    I used to have some, but them squats and gallons of water seem to have taken care of the nasty thing XD
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    What have you set your goal weight loss as? With only 6lbs to lose you should be aiming for a very small deficit and trying to lose 1/2lb per week.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/963088-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy?hl=Lose+weight+obstacles+easy+&page=1#posts-14690973

    Is an excellent thread about setting your calorie goal.

    Don't stop running if you enjoy it, but maybe look into lifting weights as a supplement, it will help you maintain your lbm which means you'll look even better and avoid being skinny fat :bigsmile:

    I'll definitely read that when I get home, thank you for the advice it's actually really helpful. I'm trying to avoid the skinny fat thing because I hate it when I see it on others. I know I've gained muscle though because it's in my genetics to gain muscle quickly (and it usually comes in as bulky and not lean~I don't even do intense workouts that would provoke that)
    I range from 112-115 lbs but I'm trying to get from 105-108 because that's more suited for my height. Although my weight is in the healthy range already I'd just be happier if I was a bit slimmer. I'm 5' btw, I haven't checked if it shows that on my profile
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Only cream derived from rainbow unicorn poo collected from palm fronds in the lost city of Reolillorin will do.
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    I've read that cellulite is also linked to lack of water.
    I used to have some, but them squats and gallons of water seem to have taken care of the nasty thing XD

    I drink about 5-6 bottles a day on average, what do you recommend? I could probably also cut down even more on my processed sugars, although I don't have much in the first place.
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    Only cream derived from rainbow unicorn poo collected from palm fronds in the lost city of Reolillorin will do.

    Hahahah sarcasm for impossible? Lol it was worth a shot, but I guess I'll just have to try these methods and hope for the best..or just accept myself for the way I am. As it was mentioned earlier I'm probably the only one that notices ????
  • KarenisPaleo
    KarenisPaleo Posts: 169 Member
    Only cream derived from rainbow unicorn poo collected from palm fronds in the lost city of Reolillorin will do.

    HA! Lucy, if you like grapefruit, by all means eat it.

    I'm sorry you were dealt the cellulite hand in life, but we all have something. Or multiple things that we don't like or want.

    It's genetic, grapefruit wont to a thing for it.

    You're young and beautiful. Enjoy that.
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    Only cream derived from rainbow unicorn poo collected from palm fronds in the lost city of Reolillorin will do.

    Hahahah sarcasm for impossible? Lol it was worth a shot, but I guess I'll just have to try these methods and hope for the best..or just accept myself for the way I am. As it was mentioned earlier I'm probably the only one that notices ????

    My other response was gonna be "HA, wait until you're 50!" ;) But I thought the unicorn was cuter.
  • Chokis
    Chokis Posts: 131
    Have you tried massaging those areas? Have you heard of dry brushing? Basically, you get a special brush (pretty rough bristle) and massage your problem areas in circular motion BEFORE you hit the shower on dry skin. It will help with blood circulation and overall skin appearance.
    http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=10474574&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CO76oN7JvLgCFSNyQgodjQIAoQ

    I've also heard that you can do wet massages with coffee grinds and sea salt when you're in the shower. Something about caffeine that helps improve skin appearance and again improve blood circulation.
    I've also read about the use of coconut oil for the to reduce cellulite (as a massage oil).
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,025 Member
    Sleep with honey on the problem areas. It will reduce it after about a week.
  • theepervette
    theepervette Posts: 638 Member
    if you get the suction part of a vacuum and put it on your cellulite it will suck it away. true story.
  • lucygoosyyy
    lucygoosyyy Posts: 15
    Have you tried massaging those areas? Have you heard of dry brushing? Basically, you get a special brush (pretty rough bristle) and massage your problem areas in circular motion BEFORE you hit the shower on dry skin. It will help with blood circulation and overall skin appearance.
    http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?sku=10474574&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&device=c&network=g&matchtype=&gclid=CO76oN7JvLgCFSNyQgodjQIAoQ

    I've also heard that you can do wet massages with coffee grinds and sea salt when you're in the shower. Something about caffeine that helps improve skin appearance and again improve blood circulation.
    I've also read about the use of coconut oil for the to reduce cellulite (as a massage oil).

    Thank you I'll try this along with my regular diet and exercise. The dry brush is pretty inexpensive too, thanks for the link! Do you do this as well & have you seen improvements?
  • BrittanyMegan88
    BrittanyMegan88 Posts: 670 Member
    I had cellulite on my thighs and butt & didn't even think to try to get rid of it but I started doing Pilates and it vanished completely as if I never even had it to begin with.
  • maheenahmed14661
    maheenahmed14661 Posts: 3
    Actually cellulite is not a skin issue. It is rather a muscle fiber issue which needs special exercises. Once you stimulate your muscles through these exercises you can get rid of it. I highly recommend this resource that works like a miracle. Learn here www.exerciseforcellulite.com
  • melodyr2
    melodyr2 Posts: 2
    It is genetics for the most part. My secret is weight training & don't shy away from challenging yourself. Try to focus on doing less reps because the weight is a bit challenging. If you can do more than 8-10 reps on a certain weight, try a couple of more lbs. I think the running is great for your heart and circulation but don't over do it :) Also, I agree with Brittany Pilates (or yoga) does help especially to stretch you out on off days for weight training and increases circulation.

    The idea is to try to increase your muscle and decrease the fat. Another secret of mine is to eat omegas; add some chia seeds to your breakfast or snack and grab some avocado and enjoy!

    PS-Take a 1-2 day rest (I find the best results with 2 day) day so that your muscles can recover and develop.
  • RGv2
    RGv2 Posts: 5,789 Member
    What have you set your goal weight loss as? With only 6lbs to lose you should be aiming for a very small deficit and trying to lose 1/2lb per week.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/963088-level-obstacles-lose-weight-target-fat-easy?hl=Lose+weight+obstacles+easy+&page=1#posts-14690973

    Is an excellent thread about setting your calorie goal.

    Don't stop running if you enjoy it, but maybe look into lifting weights as a supplement, it will help you maintain your lbm which means you'll look even better and avoid being skinny fat :bigsmile:

    I'll definitely read that when I get home, thank you for the advice it's actually really helpful. I'm trying to avoid the skinny fat thing because I hate it when I see it on others. I know I've gained muscle though because it's in my genetics to gain muscle quickly (and it usually comes in as bulky and not lean~I don't even do intense workouts that would provoke that)
    I range from 112-115 lbs but I'm trying to get from 105-108 because that's more suited for my height. Although my weight is in the healthy range already I'd just be happier if I was a bit slimmer. I'm 5' btw, I haven't checked if it shows that on my profile

    Even if it's in your genetics to "gain muscle quickly", quickly isn't a matter of weeks. Plus, from your diary, you're on a deficit. Muscle isn't "gained quickly" on a deficit (if at all), by anyone.

    You need to measure yourself to verify it's muscle, if you're "gaining muscle", how would that make cellulite worse? Shouldn't it be disappearing?
  • KatLifter
    KatLifter Posts: 1,314 Member
    if you get the suction part of a vacuum and put it on your cellulite it will suck it away. true story.
    :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
  • gluteflute
    gluteflute Posts: 2
    All you really need is an adequate amount of water, vitamins, and butt busting exercises! Aim to drink at LEAST 8 cups of water each day (more if you live a hotter environment). Vitamins that help your body combat cellulite are vitamins A, B (all the B vitamins), C, E, EFA's (essential fatty acids) which include omega-3, 6, & 9; lecithin, gotu kola, horse chestnut, and ginko biloba. I know...that's a lot of pills, but they all aid in getting rid of cellulite. Also, when it comes to working out you should look to do a combination of both cardio and weightlifting exercises. I find that the best place to find these workouts are on Fitnessblender.com; they have a wide range of free exercises that you can do with a search engine that lets you choose what body area you want to focus on along with the difficulty of the exercises; they also provide the amount of calories burned (well, an estimate) and most of their videos require no equipment at all. I myself am fighting against cellulite and I have been doing so for about a month and a half and let me tell you, I can see a huge difference already; sure, the cellulite is still there, but I can see that it is improving wonderfully. I hope that you succeed in your journey to reduce cellulite((:
  • kdiamond
    kdiamond Posts: 3,329 Member
    I reduced mine to practically nothing by actually gaining weight in the form of muscle in my kegs....my legs went from smaller and jiggley to slightly bigger (and by bigger I'm talking 1/2 inch). I had more cellulite at 102 pounds/skinny than I do now at 110 pounds/athletic. I do lots of heavy deadlifts, squats (multiple varieties), lunges, leg curls & bridges, etc.. I also dry brush and exfoliate weekly, that helps make the legs look way smoother, also a little tan doesn't hurt either.

    Yes, it is genetic, but there are ways of reducing it and/or making it appear less noticeable. Gaining muscle really helped so much!
  • owieprone
    owieprone Posts: 217 Member
    Dry brushing as someone else mentioned will help the appearance of cellulite as well as make the skin on your legs look great. Someone else said it's genetic, it is, to a point you can make it look better like all things.

    if you are losing weight and didn't have cellulite before, be prepared to get some, if you did have cellulite before then be prepared for it to get worse before it gets better. Cellulite is basically your fat cells and your fat cells don't fill or empty symmetrically, making your lumpy bits look like orange skin, when you lose weight this can get worse before it gets better, that is down to [epi]genetics.

    running doesn't make it worse by anything other than it's helping you lose fat and toning the muscle underneath making it more apparant and hence the appearance as fat cells lose their contents will make your cellulite look worse (or better as it did for me, luck of the draw).

    there is nothing you can eat or put on it (don't waste your money on any sort of creams) that will sort it out long term and most won't work short term either... just better your diet (if it's ****) and get on with your exercise. Even 'skinny' people get cellulite, just look at that pic of Jerry Hall, if you lose tone it can appear again as your fat cells rearrange around the loss of muscle it was sat on before.

    one day you'll have a quick backside inspection and voila the old cellulite will be much improved. it's like magic, stop worrying about it, there are far better things to be putting your mind to ;)
  • takerbrat
    takerbrat Posts: 81 Member
    In addition to the dry skin brushing you might also try a homemade coffee body scrub (coffee, sugar, oil of choice, cocoa powder and cinnamon). The full recipe and a photo is on my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/TeamDontMessWithTheMommaPage

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