After a winter spent indoors or a less active period, your cellulite may have made its grand comeback on your thighs and bottom. How can you get your thighs and bottom looking great again? Ready to wear that pretty floral dress without a second thought? Running is an accessible method that can fit easily into your routine. Why it’s worth considering for orange-peel skin, how to get started, what pace to run at and how to make it part of your overall lifestyle: here’s everything you need to know!
The big advantage of running against cellulite ☝️
That orange-peel skin has taken up residence on your hips, thighs, buttocks and maybe even your arms. You’ve noticed a puffy, slightly soft appearance in certain areas after a winter spent indoors or a less active period.
When we adopt a more sedentary lifestyle, cellulite can settle in more easily. Don’t panic! There’s a simple activity you can slip into your routine: running.
Why take it up? Because it gets your body moving and belongs to the category of endurance sports, which is what makes it so appealing.
With regular training at a low to moderate pace, you build a running habit that lasts. You don’t need to be a marathon runner: consistency and session length are all that matter.
How to actually get started? 🚀
If the thought of lacing up your trainers puts you off, know that running for cellulite requires no particular fitness level. You can run outdoors or use a treadmill at the gym or at home. Both options can easily be combined depending on your mood and the weather.
Don’t forget to choose your running shoes carefully. They should be good quality for comfort and to go easy on your joints. Then all you need to do is ease into it gently. Don’t set the bar too high.
Two running sessions per week make a good starting point. To stay consistent and keep your motivation up, you can start with 15 to 20-minute sessions, gradually building up to 30, 45 or even 50 minutes.
And why not bring a good friend along to keep each other motivated?
Running and cellulite: what about “before and after” photos?
Lots of people look online for “before and after” photos of running for cellulite. But every body changes at its own pace, and comparing yourself to others doesn’t really make sense. It’s better to focus on enjoying your runs and on sticking with them. To track your progress without any pressure, simply jot down your sessions and how long they lasted: you’ll see just how far you’ve come.
Whether you call it jogging, running or going for a run, the principle is the same: run at a moderate pace, for a sustained period, without chasing performance.
Run smart, not just hard 🏃♀️
For endurance running, aim for a steady “cruising” pace between 50% and 70% of your maximum heart rate (MHR). To calculate your MHR, use the following formula: 220 minus your age, then apply the percentage range.
For example, if you’re 30 years old: 220 – 30 = 190 beats per minute. 50 to 70% of your MHR = 95 to 133 beats per minute.
To make sure you’re in the right endurance zone, you can use a heart rate monitor. Failing that, here’s a handy tip: if you can run and hold a conversation at the same time without getting out of breath, you’re running at a comfortable, conversational endurance pace. That’s the “cruising” pace mentioned above for your approach to cellulite.
So this endurance pace is within reach, even for beginners.
To wrap things up 🤓
To take things further, it’s worth integrating your running routine into a broader, holistic approach.
This endurance-based approach should be backed up by other tools: a balanced diet, particularly one low in sugar, quality sleep, managing stress and emotions, and targeted anti-cellulite massages, made easy with our cellulite care range, which brings together the products for a complete massage routine!
Embracing healthy habits, ideally as a long-term lifestyle, remains your best ally. Now lace up those trainers!
Frequently asked questions
What exercise can I do for cellulite?
Among endurance sports, running is an accessible option that doesn’t require any particular fitness level. Its advantages and the right pace to aim for are covered in the sections “The big advantage of running against cellulite” and “Run smart, not just hard”.
What exercise for cellulite suits beginners?
Running suits beginners too: you can start gently, outdoors or on a treadmill, without setting the bar too high. Tips for getting started (shoes, how often and how long to run) are in the section “How to actually get started?”.
How do I know if I’m running at the right pace?
The main benchmark is a steady “cruising” pace, worked out from your maximum heart rate. The calculation, plus a simple tip for checking your pace without any kit, are explained in the section “Run smart, not just hard”.
Is running enough on its own for cellulite?
The article suggests fitting it into a broader approach, alongside other everyday habits. These habits can be combined with one another: you’ll find them in the section “To wrap things up”.
What should I do if my joints hurt when I run?
Choose good-quality running shoes carefully, for comfort and to go easy on your joints. If you feel pain, ask your GP or a healthcare professional for advice before carrying on.
Related articles
- 5 Alternatives To Running
- How to get back to your ideal weight?
- Healthy snacks: 7 easy and tasty recipes
Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
