Too often seen as a relaxation activity rather than a sport in its own right, yoga actually has a great deal to offer! In addition to its well-known ability to relieve stress and tension, yoga is an excellent muscle-strengthening activity. It works deep muscle groups without any impact. But it also helps improve blood and lymphatic circulation, eliminate accumulated toxins, and therefore reduce the appearance of cellulite! So if you’re looking for an activity that leaves you feeling relaxed, toned, and helps smooth orange-peel skin, yoga is made for you…
Today we invite you to discover 5 anti-cellulite yoga poses. Remember to keep your breathing slow and deep throughout each movement, and take your time!
Yoga pose #1: the boat pose
This movement targets cellulite on your waist, buttocks, thighs, and calves!
Start by lying on your back, legs straight and arms alongside your body. Inhale as you lift your legs as high as possible without bending them. Point your feet! At the same time, raise your arms and upper body — without arching your back — and try to reach your toes. Be careful not to strain your neck; engage your core instead! Breathe steadily and hold for at least 20 seconds. Then exhale and release. Repeat the movement.
Yoga pose #2: the chair pose
For this anti-cellulite yoga pose, stand with your big toes touching and your ankles slightly apart. Bend your knees and lower your hips, pressing through your heels as if sitting down in mid-air. Then raise your arms above your head, forming a straight line from your wrists through your shoulders to your hips. Make sure to keep your core engaged throughout. Hold the pose for 5 to 8 breaths before standing back up.
Yoga pose #3: the bow pose
This exercise works the abs, thighs, and glutes to effectively target cellulite.
Begin by lying on your stomach with your arms alongside your body. Then bend your knees and reach back to grasp your ankles with your hands. Inhale and lift your head, arching your back. At the same time, raise your legs as high as possible to form your bow! Hold for 15 to 20 seconds while breathing normally, then release. Repeat the movement.
Yoga pose #4: the eagle pose
Start standing with your feet flat on the floor, hip-width apart. Inhale and raise your arms to shoulder height, perpendicular to your body, palms facing up. Then cross your arms, left over right. Bend your elbows and bring your hands toward your forehead. Place your right foot behind your left leg and “hook” your foot around the calf or ankle. Your left knee is slightly bent. Keep your core engaged and your gaze fixed straight ahead. Hold for 5 to 8 deep breaths, then repeat on the other side, switching arms and legs.
Yoga pose #5: the plank pose
The plank is a yoga exercise that provides an all-over toning effect for the abs, arms, shoulders, back, and glutes. By strengthening your deep muscles, it helps your body reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Lie face down, then press up onto your hands or forearms. Push through your feet to form a straight line from your ankles to your head. Engage your muscles, breathe deeply, and hold the pose for as long as possible. Be careful not to arch your back or let your hips rise!
To complement your anti-cellulite yoga routine and keep taking care of your body, don’t forget to follow up with a pinch-and-roll massage session using your CelluBlue Cups!