City or countryside, or even the gym… Whatever your lifestyle, cycling is an accessible sport for everyone. Whether you’re a complete beginner, a fan of family rides, or a seasoned rider tackling the most challenging mountain trails, you reap the benefits of cycling — starting with its powerful effects on cellulite. A closer look at the anti-cellulite virtues of the humble bicycle.
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How cycling helps fight cellulite
1- Burning fat reserves: goodbye stubborn fat!
Cycling is an endurance sport: practised at a steady pace, it encourages the body to draw on its fat reserves for energy. The effect is straightforward. Cellulite (and especially adipose cellulite) is caused by an excess of fat in the adipocytes — leading to a deformation of the dermis, the dreaded orange-peel skin — and regular cycling can help reduce it.
Another effect worth noting: the AfterBurn Effect. What’s that? It refers to the energy expenditure that continues after exercise. Endurance sports like cycling help build a strong base metabolism and denser deep muscles. And to function properly, those muscles need energy. The greater your muscle mass, the more fat you burn — effortlessly. A completely natural mechanism that has a real impact on cellulite.
2- Boosting blood circulation: lighter legs!
Beyond helping to break down fat, cycling has a particularly positive effect on venous return and lymphatic circulation. A toned veno-lymphatic network helps reduce cellulite, especially when it is water-retention cellulite.
Each pedal stroke engages the plantar arch, promoting venous return. The pedalling motion also stimulates the contraction of the calf muscles and quadriceps, which in turn boosts lymphatic circulation. And good blood circulation means:
- Better elimination of toxins
- Improved oxygenation of the body
- Optimal hydration of organs and cells
- Reduced water retention in the tissues
As you can see, cycling is a sport that is particularly beneficial for women prone to water retention and, by extension, water-retention cellulite.
3- Deep muscle toning: firmer skin ahead!
Some women struggle with fibrous cellulite. Deep-set and often tender to the touch, it develops over time as a result of poor lifestyle habits and an unbalanced diet. The outcome: hardened, densely packed collagen fibres that trap the adipocytes and prevent the natural release of fat. This stubborn type of cellulite is notoriously difficult to shift.
Cycling, as a full-body endurance sport that engages muscles deeply and intensely, helps tone the silhouette from within. And if you’re dealing with particularly stubborn cellulite, don’t give up! Cycling could well help you turn things around.
What routine should you follow to tackle cellulite?
1- Outdoor cycling
What’s the right pace for your cycling sessions? The body needs at least 40 minutes of exercise before it starts burning fat. Plan longer rides at a moderate pace. To engage different muscle groups (glutes, thighs, calves), vary your route with flat stretches, climbs and descents. Two cycling sessions a week should help firm up your skin. Goodbye, cellulite!
2- Indoor cycling
If you prefer working out indoors, regularly adjust the resistance on your bike to simulate different terrains. You can also try RPM (or spinning) classes, which alternate between high-intensity and recovery phases. To maximise the effects of spinning on cellulite, aim for 3 sessions of 30 to 40 minutes per week.
3- Cycling… in moderation!
Finally, if you’re not particularly sporty — and there’s absolutely no judgement here! — you can still enjoy cycling in a more relaxed way (with your children, your best friend or your dog by your side!) or as part of your daily routine (cycling to work or popping out for bread). These small everyday trips take the pressure off the “performance” aspect often associated with sport, while still keeping you moving. And cellulite absolutely hates that!
How to maximise the effects of cycling on cellulite?
If you want to amplify the benefits of your cycling sessions, nothing beats a massage incorporated into a daily anti-cellulite routine. You might also consider electrostimulation treatments, which help stimulate both the skin and the muscles. Our EMS cupping device lets you enjoy the benefits of electrostimulation at home — quickly and effortlessly!
