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Any advice for shifting cellulite above the knee?
Hi,
I have a problem that is affecting my motivation. I used to swim in competition for four years, I had lots of training a week and my legs used to be really fit. I suddenly stopped when I moved to town and never bothered finding another swimming pool which I do regret now.
I am going regularly to the gym around at least 2 times a week if not 3 and work a lot harder on my legs than the rest of my body but it doesn't seem to make a difference. I have cellulite on the part above my knee and I can not get rid off of it. Would you have any advice concerning that?
Thanks a million
Our expert says...
Hi,
The principles to tackling cellulite, regardless of where it is on the body, is the same:
- A sensible eating plan
- Regular exercise ? including strength training, particularly in the areas where cellulite is present
The key thing is not to get caught up in the scams and hyped products that apparently rid the body of cellulite, as cellulite is nothing more than plain old fat wrapped up in a different package. It's interlaced with a connective tissue called collagen, which is what gives it its cottage cheese, dimpled appearance. To get rid of it you need to lose body fat and improve your muscle tone with exercise.
Liposuction is one way to do this, but I suggest a sensible eating plan, regular exercise including weight training and a little patience. This isn't as sexy or as appealing as taking a pill or sitting in a bath (or any of the other wacky treatments out there!) but it's the only way you'll see improvements short of surgery.
It has been quoted that cellulite is heredity in about 85% percent of women and it is widely seen that even particularly thin women can have some cellulite. Some medical experts feel it may be partially caused by female hormones though these theories are unsubstantiated at present.
With exercises like squats, lunges, leg extensions, various fit ball exercises, cardiovascular exercises like the stair climber machine and by using the power plate machine, (if you have access), you can reduce the SIZE of your fat cells and this can reduce the cottage cheese, dimpled appearance.
In terms of nutrition, the basic guidelines still rein true for reducing body fat stores:
- Drink lots of water
- Have a nutrition plan low in saturated and trans fatty acids (commonly found in processed meals)
- Maximise fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains
- Choose healthy fats like nuts and lean meats
- Take a multi-vitamin
Also worth considering is deep tissue, (i.e. sports/remedial massage), as this improves blood circulation, (aiding mobilisation of fatty deposits) and enhances the elasticity and condition of the skin. I hope this helps and you can make progress to change the area of your body that you currently want to, but do not let it discourage you from your bigger, long term goals as even the fittest people have cellulite.
Kelly
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