You’re probably familiar with the stepper — a wonderfully practical fitness machine that takes up very little space and can be used right at home. And that’s great news, because this piece of equipment is excellent for fighting cellulite and toning the lower body!
The stepper: its benefits against cellulite
The stepper is a great exercise for targeting cellulite: it’s a cardio activity that helps burn fat, drain the tissues and therefore act on cellulite. In practice, to sustain the effort, your body draws on its stored fat reserves — the very ones responsible for those stubborn bumps and dimples.
What does the stepper involve? It’s simple: this exercise has you climbing stairs endlessly, without ever leaving your living room! This endurance activity lets you train at varying levels of intensity over sessions of different lengths.
The stepper is a sport that primarily works the posterior chain: you’ll engage your legs, thighs and glutes — the areas where cellulite most commonly builds up! Your legs will be toned and your glutes sculpted. You can also engage your core: tighten your abs throughout the exercise for better posture, and keep up regular sessions to see results build week by week.
Who can use the stepper?
Almost anyone can get started with the stepper! You set your own pace, duration and intensity. That said, if you are significantly overweight or have back or joint issues — particularly in the hips, knees or ankles — always check with your doctor before starting.
How to use the stepper properly?
Some models let you adjust the resistance level, but don’t push too hard at first — you don’t want to burn out before you’ve even begun! The key is to gradually challenge yourself a little more with each session.
To use your stepper correctly, remember that your legs are doing the work — don’t shift your body weight from side to side, that’s cheating! Let your arms follow the movement naturally and pay attention to your back. Good posture is essential: stand tall, keep your movements fluid with each step, look straight ahead and avoid dropping your head forward. And don’t forget to stay hydrated!
For a beautifully balanced, toned silhouette, mix up your cardio activities: pair the stepper with swimming, tennis or a combat sport to also work the upper body and target cellulite wherever it hides!
What does a good stepper session look like?
The length of a training session depends on your goals, but also on your age and current fitness level.
As a general rule, beginners are advised to start with stepper sessions 3 times a week, lasting 20 minutes, then gradually increase the duration week by week until reaching 45 minutes, then a full hour.
If you want to shed a few extra pounds and seriously tackle cellulite, your stepper session should last at least 45 minutes at a sustained pace. Put on some music or catch up on your favourite series to keep yourself going!
You can also try interval training, which helps accelerate fat and cellulite loss. To do this, grab a stopwatch and alternate 5 minutes of fast-paced movement with 4 minutes at a normal rhythm, then repeat.
To reduce cellulite, keep in mind that movement, a balanced diet and regular massage techniques all work together. But to help you slim down effortlessly — almost without thinking about it — try the Expert Slimming Shorty! Thanks to the combination of caffeine and shea butter encapsulated in the fabric, this shorty helps your body burn fat while nourishing your skin. The result? Fewer centimetres around the hips and thighs, and beautifully hydrated skin!