Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably noticed the growing craze around planking. It’s everywhere on social media — videos, challenges, workout routines… But does planking actually have a place in a routine to care for your skin? Let’s take a closer look at this undeniably popular fitness practice…
What is planking?
Plank training is a form of exercise that primarily targets specific muscle groups: the core, the back, and sometimes the glutes (buttocks) and thigh muscles (particularly the quadriceps). The most classic exercise is undoubtedly the plank, which involves holding a position face down, supported on the tips of your feet and forearms, with elbows resting on the floor. When performed correctly, the body is aligned in a straight line and the muscles are fully engaged. There are also other planking variations, such as the side plank, the wall sit, and certain yoga or Pilates poses.
Is planking useful when it comes to cellulite?
1- A quick look at cellulite first
Before answering that question, let’s recap what cellulite actually is. Superficial lipodystrophy (the medical term for cellulite) is a benign tissue condition affecting the vast majority of women (90%). It is linked to a build-up of fat and water in the hypodermis. It gives the skin a bumpy appearance, commonly known as orange peel skin. It is associated with:
- An excess and multiplication of adipocytes: these subcutaneous fat cells become enlarged, distorting the lower layers of the epidermis in a way that is visible on the skin’s surface.
- Subcutaneous water retention, which can make the orange peel effect look more or less pronounced.
- Sometimes, fibrosis: in cases of fibrous cellulite, there is also a disorganisation of the elastic network (collagen and elastin fibres) within the connective tissues. It gives cellulite a more deeply set look.
2- Where does planking fit into your routine?
Let’s get to the point. The defining characteristic of planking is that it is performed isometrically — meaning it involves a voluntary muscle contraction without any movement. Planking is therefore a static exercise. As such, it strengthens many muscles and serves as an excellent foundation for more dynamic physical activity.
However, if you want to care for the appearance of your skin, a more dynamic activity is a better bet than planking sessions alone. Granted, planking has its place in any workout routine: it calls for sustained effort and real focus on your posture. That said, it remains a static exercise, in which the body works without moving through a sequence of movements, unlike more rhythmic and varied sports. Moreover, planking is more of a preparatory exercise than one that gives you an intense, rhythmic cardio workout. This is why it makes more sense to combine planking with endurance exercise for a more complete routine.
Furthermore, planking is a static exercise, so it’s worth pairing it with activities that get you moving every day, such as going for a walk or a swim. Movement brings variety and rhythm to your workout routine.
Planking alone is therefore not enough to care for the appearance of cellulite.
What should you do alongside planking to tackle cellulite?
Every goal has its method. When it comes to caring for your figure, consistency is everything. Alongside your planking sessions, adding an endurance sport is essential. You’re spoilt for choice: Zumba, swimming, the cross trainer, rowing, running… Pick an endurance sport you enjoy and commit to it 2 to 3 times a week, with longer sessions.
It’s also well worth paying attention to your diet. Salt, sugar and saturated fats are best kept in moderation on your plate. Focusing on a varied diet (fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins) and home-cooked meals is a simple way to build good everyday habits.
And finally, to round off your routine, don’t forget targeted massage and skincare! Our Pack Maxi Anti-Cellulite is a complete routine for looking after your skin every day. It contains:
- Our Cellulite Scrub, for gentle skin exfoliation: the ideal prep step before the rest of your anti-cellulite routine.
- Our specialist cellulite oils: the Shower Oil (enriched with pineapple bromelain) and the Massage Oil (for your daily anti-cellulite massages).
- Our must-have accessories, including our best-seller, the little Cupping Massage Cup (pinch-and-roll massage at home), and the Orange Peel Massager (to accompany your massages).
- Our Cryo Cellulite Cream, doubly enriched with coffee and green coffee, both known for their high caffeine content.
- Two coaching guides to support you every day with your anti-cellulite routine!
Give yourself time and be consistent with your routine. To sum it all up:
- Planking, yes, but always paired with a more dynamic workout.
- A balanced diet, day in, day out.
- The anti-cellulite treatments from the pack.
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- Waterbike and Cellulite: What Can You Expect?
- Exercise Bike & Cellulite: Does It Really Work?
- Vibration plate: is it effective against cellulite?
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Solutions.
