Cellulite never plays fair… Not content with appearing on our thighs, our buttocks and our arms, it can also settle around the stomach and hips! To tone this part of the body, exercise is essential. So to help you look after the skin on your stomach, we’ve picked out 6 strength-training exercises: the plank, the cross crunch, the Russian twist, the side plank, the bicycle crunch and the boat pose. Pair them with a balanced diet and pinch-and-roll massages, both covered further down in our anti-cellulite routine and diet tips.
Stomach cellulite: what can you do?
In women, tummy cellulite can settle on the stomach as well as the hips. There’s no single step for caring for this area. What helps is a handful of simple habits, practised regularly.
For a natural approach, combine three pillars. First, strength-training exercises that work the abs and obliques: these are the 6 exercises below. Next, a balanced diet with less salt and sugar. Finally, pinch-and-roll massages on the stomach, explained in our routine.
The plank: an all-round exercise for the stomach
A classic move you’ve probably already heard of… The plank effectively engages every muscle in the body, especially the abs. It deserves its place in any stomach workout.
To perform this exercise, lie face down, then push up onto your hands and the balls of your feet. Keep your body in a straight line by engaging your core, as well as your thighs and glutes. And don’t forget to breathe! If you’re a beginner, aim to hold for at least 30 seconds, then gradually increase the duration.
The cross crunch: to work your core
This variation of the classic crunch targets the oblique abs. With regular practice, you’ll work your waist, where fat and cellulite often tend to sit, right down to your hips.
Lie on your back, bend your knees and lift your feet to form a 90° angle, then place your hands behind your ears. Look straight ahead with your chin slightly lifted, then engage your abs to raise your torso without straining your neck. As you come up, bring your right elbow toward your left knee, lower back down, then repeat on the other side. And repeat!
The Russian twist: easy and remarkably toning for the belly
This one is surprisingly enjoyable, and a real all-rounder! The twist also works the obliques, where fat and dimples tend to build up around the waistline.
Start by lying on your back, arms stretched out to the sides and feet together. Bend your knees and lift your legs, then slowly rotate your hips to the right until they nearly touch the floor, keeping your abs firmly engaged. Slowly return to the starting position, then lower your legs to the other side. Keep your shoulders flat on the ground and take your time.
The side plank: a variation to work the waist and hips
This plank variation works your deep abdominal muscles and engages the whole waist.
Lie on your side. Pressing into your forearm and the foot resting on the floor, lift your body into a straight line. To help with balance, you can extend your top arm toward the ceiling. Engage all your muscles and hold the position for as long as possible. Then switch sides. If holding this position is too challenging, you can rest your knee on the floor.
The bicycle crunch: an all-round exercise
The bicycle crunch combines the benefits of crunches and the twist. It helps you tone your stomach, where cellulite and fat have settled.
Lie on your back and place your hands behind your ears. Lift your legs slightly, then perform a pedalling motion by alternately bending and extending them. At the same time, engage your abs and lift your torso to bring the opposite elbow toward the bending knee.
The boat pose: our final exercise for the stomach
For this last move, sit on your mat. Lean your torso slightly back and extend your arms in front of you. Then lift both bent legs until your shins are parallel to the floor. Hold the position for as long as possible.
So, ladies, are you motivated and ready to take on these 6 exercises to look after your stomach? To pamper your skin, don’t forget to combine these strength-training moves with a healthy diet and regular pinch-and-roll massages on the stomach.
The anti-cellulite routine for the stomach
To massage the skin on your stomach
For your anti-cellulite massage, grab your Cellublue Cupping Cup, a must-have in your routine! Apply a rich massage oil to prepare the skin. Then use the cup to gently suction the skin. Finish with the Orange Peel Massager to complete the massage.
To care for dimpled areas
And to care for areas prone to dimples, reach for the anti-cellulite cream, ladies!
The anti-cellulite cream, with its 3% caffeine, an ingredient widely used in anti-cellulite care, is massaged into the areas where the orange-peel appearance is most visible.
The cream that smooths the appearance of orange peel skin* and tones the skin
*Consumer test on 22 volunteers over 2 weeks, participants' self-assessment.
- Smooths the appearance of orange peel skin on the thighs, buttocks and stomach
- Caffeine & Green Coffee, the two benchmark active ingredients in body care
- Melting texture: absorbs in seconds and leaves the skin feeling comfortable
Scrub, to prepare the skin
Exfoliating is the essential step in your body routine: it primes the skin to receive your other treatments! The Cellublue scrub, enriched with caffeine, helps exfoliate the skin while leaving it feeling soft.
The scrub that leaves skin smooth and skin texture refined*
*User test on 21 volunteers over 4 weeks, based on participants' feedback.
- Olive & apricot kernels: these natural grains gently sweep away dead skin cells
- Caffeine & monoi scent, so your shower instantly smells like a holiday
- In the shower, two to three times a week, massaging your thighs, bottom and stomach
A few tips on the diet side
Finally, to look after your stomach, it’s also worth taking a closer look at what’s on your plate. Good eating habits complement your exercises and your Cellublue anti-cellulite routine. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- cut back on salt, as it encourages water retention, which is often linked to aqueous cellulite;
- also limit sugar, which is often blamed for dimples (yes, too much sugar can be turned into fat stores!);
- eat lean proteins, which support muscle development and keep you feeling full;
- round things out with complex carbohydrates and plenty of fruit and vegetables;
- stay well hydrated, mainly with water, drinks such as our day and night duo, tea and herbal teas.
Frequently asked questions
How should I start these stomach exercises if I’m getting back into exercise?
Take it step by step. For the plank, aim to hold for at least 30 seconds before gradually increasing the time. For the side plank, you can rest your knee on the floor. During crunches, lift your torso without straining your neck, and remember to breathe steadily throughout each move.
Do I have to choose between exercise and massage to look after my stomach?
No, the two go hand in hand. The exercises work the abs and obliques, while massage is part of your body care routine. You can do both alongside each other. The massage steps are explained in the section on the stomach routine.
What should I do if my stomach hurts during the exercises or if I’m pregnant?
In these situations, it’s best not to improvise. Ask your doctor or another medical professional for advice before doing these strength-training exercises or massaging your stomach.
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- What exercises burn belly fat?
- 6 exercises with a ball to lose belly fat
- 8 exercises to slim your waistline
Useful categories: Belly cellulite, Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
