Today, let’s take a closer look at cellulite and the best sports to tackle it. Even though there are several types of cellulite, staying physically active is essential if you want to see it disappear!
Choosing your sport based on your type of cellulite?
For water-retention cellulite
The water-retention cellulite is linked to water retention. It results from an excess of water, fluids, toxins and waste in the tissues, which can no longer be properly drained due to poor blood and lymphatic circulation. This congestion in the tissues causes the cells and the hypodermis to deform, gradually giving rise to the orange-peel effect on the surface.
Water-retention cellulite is typically found on the legs, from the ankles to the upper thighs. It is soft and painless, but often accompanied by swelling and a feeling of heaviness or compression in the legs.
For fat-based cellulite
The fat-based cellulite appears when you consistently consume more fats and sugars than you burn. In these cases, the body stores the excess fat in dedicated cells called adipocytes. When these cells are full, they can transform, expand and multiply to store even more. Fatty deposits then form, creating that orange-peel texture we all dread seeing on our skin… To get rid of fat-based cellulite, you need to reduce your intake of fats and sugars while increasing your energy expenditure. And that means getting active!
To identify your type of cellulite and tackle it effectively, answer a few questions!
What are the best sports for water-retention cellulite?
To say goodbye to water retention and the water-retention cellulite that comes with it, exercise is key. Physical activity helps the body restore better blood and lymphatic circulation, making it easier to flush out the fluids and toxins that have built up in the tissues.
That said, certain sports are not recommended if you suffer from water-retention cellulite. Horse riding, combat sports, tennis, running, dancing and aerobics are best avoided — along with all so-called “high-impact” activities. These put too much pressure on the veins and can further impair already poor circulation… which is exactly what we want to avoid!
On the other hand, gentle, low-impact sports are excellent for tackling water-retention cellulite. This is especially true of aquatic activities such as swimming, aquabike and aqua aerobics. The combination of physical activity and the natural massage effect of the water is the perfect duo for boosting circulation. These activities work like an anti-cellulite and water-retention massage. Plus, the refreshing sensation of water-based exercise is ideal for relieving heavy legs!
Other low-impact activities can also be practised to combat water-retention cellulite: brisk walking, stationary cycling, yoga, Pilates…
To see results, aim for 2 to 3 one-hour sessions per week.
What are the most effective sports for fat-based cellulite?
Regular exercise helps strengthen muscles, burn fat and stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation. This combination of benefits helps the body first stop storing excess fat, then draw on its existing reserves. The result: unwanted pounds fade away and dimples gradually smooth out.
With fat-based cellulite, the primary goal is to burn as much fat as possible to prevent further storage and stop the cellulite from worsening. The focus should therefore be on so-called “cardio” sports — those that demand a high level of energy output.
Among the best cardio options, rowing stands out as an activity that engages every muscle in the body — it was even named the most complete workout by the sports newspaper L’Équipe a few years ago! This sport is a must-have cardio choice for tackling fat-based cellulite.
Other sports are particularly effective against this type of cellulite, including the elliptical trainer, running, swimming, skipping rope and boxing. All of these activities help prevent fat storage and burn what has already been stored.
To see results, aim for at least 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week. And remember — consistency is everything!
Make sure to vary your workouts too. If you follow the same routine every session, your body will adapt and burn less energy over time, meaning less fat burned and a less effective fight against your fat-based cellulite.
Is sport enough to eliminate cellulite?
When it comes to tackling water-retention cellulite, the first step is to reduce water retention. As we’ve seen, sport can help — but it won’t be enough on its own. It’s also essential to focus on a draining diet and detox approach, drink plenty of water, massage effectively and build good daily habits. Some of these habits are surprisingly simple to incorporate into your routine: a cold water rinse on your legs after showering, elevating your feet at night and wearing loose-fitting clothing.
As for fat-based cellulite, sport alone won’t be enough either. If you push yourself through cardio sessions but continue eating a diet high in sugar and fat, your fat-based cellulite won’t go away.
Alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity, it’s also essential to break down fatty deposits deep within the tissue, so the body can drain and eliminate them. For that, nothing beats a daily palpate-roll massage! For a quick, easy and highly effective massage, reach for your Cellublue Cups. They’ll help you target and eliminate fat-based cellulite wherever it appears.