With winter slowly creeping in, temperatures dropping and the days drawing in, getting out of bed can feel like a real challenge… let alone heading outside for a workout. Sound familiar, ladies? Luckily, there are ways to get moving and look after yourself without ever leaving your cosy nest. On today’s menu: a routine of six anti-cellulite exercises you can do entirely in bed, working your tummy, glutes, legs, arms and whole body. Life is good, isn’t it?
Work your tummy and hips
To do this, lie flat on your back with your legs straight and pressed together. Then slowly sit up, engaging your abs as you rise. Hold the top position for a few seconds before slowly lowering yourself back down. Remember to inhale on the way up and exhale on the way down.
Aim for 15 repetitions, at your own pace of course. Say hello to a little tummy workout!
Fire up your glutes and your bum
Still lying on your back, bend your knees and place your feet flat on the mattress, arms resting alongside your body. Lift your hips as high as you can off the mattress, hold for a few seconds, then slowly lower back down without fully resting your bottom on the mattress.
Complete 15 repetitions of this movement, always at your own pace. Hello, goddess-worthy glutes that have had a proper workout!
Work your legs gently
This time, lie on your side with your legs straight. Engage your glutes and abs, point your toes, and lift your left leg up towards the ceiling before bringing it back down towards your right leg.
Again, don’t let the leg rest completely. Lift it back up as soon as it grazes your right leg.
Do 15 repetitions again, and on each side of course! Hello, well-worked legs!
Don’t forget your arms for a well-worked upper body
You’re going to do elevated push-ups. To do this, stack your pillows and get into a plank position with your arms straight and your hands resting on the pile of pillows. Make sure your core is engaged and your back is straight. Then bend your arms and lower your body towards the mattress 10 times.
If this exercise feels too challenging, feel free to do it on your knees.
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Get your whole body working and say hello to the side plank
Start by lying on your right side, placing your forearm on the bed. Make sure your hips, shoulders and feet are all aligned.
Then lift your hips towards the ceiling as high as you can. Extend your left arm upward to accompany the movement.
Without letting your hips touch the bed — keeping your abs engaged — slowly lower your hips back to the starting position.
Using your lower arm, add a twist to really work the abs.
Continue this movement for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
Finally, finish with a targeted core and lower body exercise
Lie on your back with your hands tucked under your hips, palms facing down.
Bring both feet up in the air and point your toes. Keep both legs as straight as possible and lower your right leg towards the bed in a controlled movement.
Then, without touching the mattress, bring the leg back up to the starting position. Repeat on the other side. For those who want more of a challenge, try lowering and raising both legs at the same time.
A strength routine to do at your own pace
These six exercises are bodyweight strength moves. You engage your abs, brace your core and squeeze your glutes, with no equipment other than your pillows. To keep track, the routine includes 15 repetitions for the tummy, glutes and legs (on each side for the legs), 10 elevated push-ups for the arms, 30 seconds of side plank on each side, then the leg-lowering exercise. Go at your own pace and focus on slow, controlled movements rather than speed. Feel free to make an exercise easier, for example by doing the push-ups on your knees. If you feel any pain, stop and seek advice from a medical professional.
Does sleeping with your legs raised make any difference to cellulite?
This routine isn’t about how you sleep: it’s about moving in bed, not sleeping differently. That said, some of the exercises do have you lifting your legs, such as the side-lying leg raise or the legs pointing upwards at the end of the routine. Popping a cushion under your legs at night is simply a matter of personal comfort. If you experience any discomfort in your legs, have a chat with your GP.
This little anti-cellulite fitness routine: not a bad way to start the day, is it?
To round off this anti-cellulite exercise routine, why not use our Cellublue anti-cellulite cups alongside it: use them on your bottom, but also on your thighs, tummy, arms and more… You’ll find them in our 100% Anti-Cellulite pack, which includes the complete 3-step method for tackling the look of cellulite through massage!
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Frequently asked questions
How can I tackle the appearance of cellulite?
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Regular physical activity, such as the six-exercise bed routine above, is part of good everyday habits. For massage, the anti-cellulite cups mentioned at the end of the article can become part of your routine. The best approach is to go at your own pace and stay consistent.
Are these exercises Pilates?
This routine isn’t presented as a Pilates session. It does, however, share that discipline’s focus on core work and slow, controlled movements. If you already do Pilates, you can keep these exercises for the mornings when you just don’t fancy leaving your bed.
Can I do this routine if I’m pregnant or have back pain?
If you have any questions about pregnancy, pain or a medical condition, check with your GP or a medical professional before starting these exercises.
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- 7 Exercises for a Slimmer, Toned Waistline
- Fitness & anti-cellulite exercises: revisit the classics!
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
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