Today, let’s take a closer look at cellulite and the sports to prioritise to tackle its appearance. Whether it’s water-retention or fat-based cellulite, exercise deserves a place in your routine. Find out which sports to prioritise, which to avoid and how often to train.
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 accompanied by swelling and feelings of 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… With fat-based cellulite, the idea is to keep a balance between your intake of fats and sugars and the energy you burn. And staying active is part of that too!
To find out your type of cellulite, answer a few questions!
Which sports are best for water-retention cellulite?
To tackle the appearance of water-retention cellulite, which is often linked to water retention, exercise definitely has its place. Moving regularly is one of the good habits often recommended if you’re prone to water retention.
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 the ones to favour if you have water-retention cellulite. This is especially true of water-based activities such as swimming, aquabike and aqua aerobics, gentle activities practised in the water. Plus, the coolness of the water feels lovely when your legs feel heavy!
Other low-impact activities are also a good option if you have water-retention cellulite: brisk walking, stationary cycling, yoga, Pilates…
As for frequency, ideally aim for 2 to 3 one-hour sessions per week.
Which sports are best for fat-based cellulite?
Practised regularly, exercise helps strengthen your muscles and increases the amount of energy you use: your body then draws on its reserves to produce the energy needed for the effort.
With fat-based cellulite, the main aim is to increase the energy you use. The focus is therefore on so-called “cardio” sports, those that demand a lot of energy.
Among the best cardio options, rowing stands out as an activity that works 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.
Other sports are particularly worth considering in this case, including the elliptical trainer, running, swimming, skipping and boxing. All of these activities work your whole body and increase the energy you use.
As for frequency, ideally aim for at least 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week. And remember, consistency is key!
Make sure to vary your workouts too. If you follow the same routine every session, your body will get used to it and the effort will feel less intense. Mixing up your activities also helps you stay motivated as you work to tackle the appearance of fat-based cellulite.
In a nutshell: which sport should you choose for your type of cellulite?
The right sport depends above all on your type of cellulite:
- Water-retention cellulite: go for gentle, low-impact activities such as swimming, aquabike, aqua aerobics, brisk walking, stationary cycling, yoga or Pilates. Aim for 2 to 3 one-hour sessions per week and steer clear of high-impact sports.
- Fat-based cellulite: focus on cardio, with rowing, the elliptical trainer, running, swimming, skipping or boxing. Aim for at least 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week, and vary your workouts.
Not sure which type of cellulite you have? Head back to the first part of this article.
Is exercise enough to tackle the appearance of cellulite?
When it comes to water-retention cellulite, exercise won’t be enough on its own. Also focus on a suitable diet, drink enough water, remember to massage regularly and build good daily habits. Some are very easy to fit into your routine: a cold water rinse on your legs after showering, raising your feet at night and wearing loose-fitting clothes.
As for fat-based cellulite, exercise isn’t everything: a balanced diet that isn’t too high in sugar and fat is also one of the good habits to adopt.
Alongside a balanced diet and regular physical activity, consider palper-rouler massage to tackle the appearance of fat-based cellulite, ideally as a daily session. For a quick and easy massage, reach for your Cellublue Cups, to use on all the areas concerned.
Frequently asked questions
Is rowing a good choice for fat-based cellulite?
Yes, rowing is one of the cardio sports worth favouring if you have fat-based cellulite. It works every muscle in the body and was even named the most complete workout by the sports newspaper L’Équipe. Aim for at least 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week, and vary your workouts.
Is swimming a good option if you have cellulite?
Yes, it suits both types of cellulite. As a gentle, low-impact sport, it’s recommended for water-retention cellulite, just like aquabike and aqua aerobics, and the water feels pleasantly cool. It’s also one of the cardio activities recommended for fat-based cellulite.
Can you go running if you have cellulite?
It depends on your type of cellulite. Running is one of the high-impact sports best avoided with water-retention cellulite, so try brisk walking or a stationary bike instead. It is, however, a suitable cardio option for fat-based cellulite.
Which type of bike should you choose for your type of cellulite?
Stationary cycling is one of the low-impact activities recommended for water-retention cellulite. For fat-based cellulite, the elliptical trainer is a worthwhile cardio option, ideally for at least 3 sessions of 45 minutes per week.
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Useful categories: Water Retention, Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
