We all get cellulite, but is there actually a way to help reduce the appearance of cellulite on thighs
and bum through exercise alone? Actually there is. Just going on a run isn’t
going to do much for your cellulite sadly but you could do a shorter exercise
routine and get better results from it. By mixing HIIT (High Intensity Interval
Training) with muscle toning exercises you are sure to wave goodbye to that
unsightly orange peel and hello to smooth cellulite-free legs. Last week I
spoke about how HIIT can get you fitter faster with less effort and this week I
want to focus on the best rest bite exercises for HIIT to help tone your legs
and give you significant cellulite reduction.
Side Squat
This exercise works the back, front and inside of the thighs as well as
the glutes which is where most women have problematic cellulite.
Stand with your feet hips width apart and try to keep your arms out, clasped and back
straight and elongated throughout the exercise.
Move your right foot out into second position with your toes pointed slightly out.
Squat down until your thighs are at a right angle but be careful not to put too much
pressure on the knees. Push down through the heels and stick your bum out to
keep your balance and to maximise the muscle effort.
Push yourself back up to your starting position and repeat on the other side. Do at
least 10 reps on each leg then switch to an exercise that focuses on a
different part of the body like arms or stomach.
Inner-Thigh Leg Raises
This is a great exercise for cellulite and really works your inner thighs, stomach and glutes. It can be mixed up with regular leg raises if you want to challenge yourself.
Lie on one side with your leg closest to the floor stretched out straight. Cross your top leg over it and bend it so the knee rests on the floor.
Prop your head up on your hand or rest it on your arm flat (whatever you feel mostcomfortable).
As you exhale raise your bottom leg and as you inhale bring it down. You will find that you can’t raise it very high but that doesn’t matter. The small movement
is all you need to get the muscles working.
Do 10 reps and then repeat on the other leg.
Mountain Climbers
This is a classic and it’s sure to get your heart pumping so try mixing
these in with your toning exercises. It works your arms, stomach, legs and bum
and are great to use as your high intensity exercise in between the other more
toning exercises to really help you lose cellulite on your body.
Start on all fours and raise your bum and knees but keeping your hands planted firmly on
the floor.
Alternate your legs like you are running but keeping your hands still. You will be
raising your knee to your chest and then replacing it behind you in quick
succession.
Try this in ultra-slow motion to really work the muscles hard or if you want an exercise
that isn’t high in cardiovascular intensity.
Do 30 reps and then rest for 30 seconds.
Leg Raises
Lots of people do different variations of these but this sequences works best for me.
This works your glutes and thighs and is a great cellulite reduction exercise.
Start on your hands and knees with them shoulders width apart. Make sure to keep your back straight throughout this
whole exercise so that it is your bum and legs working not your back.
Lift your right foot to the ceiling, keeping your leg bent. If you are doing it right you will feel it in your bum. You’re
back should not be moving.
Draw your knee to your chest and then repeat 10 times.
If you want to challenge yourself add in some pulses when your leg is raised. Small pulsating movements will really get the
glutes working. Do this for 30 seconds then switch to the following exercise.
Straighten your back leg out so it is in line with your spine and at the same time straighten your opposite arm so that they
are all in line with each other. Balance in this position for 10 seconds and return
to the pulses.
Repeat on the other side.