Game, set and match! You’re a tennis fanatic — this sport, combining strength, endurance and agility, is your favourite activity. You never miss a chance to get on the court! And naturally, you wonder whether tennis has a positive effect on your cellulite… So, is tennis the ultimate anti-cellulite sport? We separate fact from fiction: what tennis can do for you, the precautions to take when playing without making your dimples worse, and gentler activities to pair it with.
Tennis: a sport to enjoy in moderation
It’s time to shed some light on the supposed anti-cellulite benefits of tennis.
1- Does tennis have anti-cellulite benefits?
Like all sports, tennis gets you moving and expending energy. It demands endurance, as the average tennis match lasts between 1 and 3 hours. At first glance, then, you might think it has everything it takes to earn a place in a fitness routine.
But — and there is a but — tennis is also a high-impact sport. It involves shuffling, wrong-footing and jumping, which jolt the legs with every rally. If you’re prone to feelings of heavy legs, swelling or cramps, these repeated jolts can quickly become uncomfortable.
Veno-lymphatic circulation is often mentioned as a factor in the appearance of cellulite, particularly water cellulite, which is linked to water retention. If your legs often feel heavy or swollen, talk to your doctor before playing very intensively.
2- Tips for playing tennis while taking care of your legs
If you’re a dedicated tennis player but also dealing with cellulite, here’s what we recommend:
- Play in moderation: don’t get drawn into endless matches — limit yourself to one session per week.
- Avoid playing when it’s very hot: opt for the cooler times of day.
- Always finish your tennis session with a cool shower: run cold water over your legs, starting at the ankles and working your way up. After your shower, you can also massage your legs from bottom to top with the Cold Cellulite Cream. This is a way to take care of your legs after exercise.
- Stay well hydrated during your tennis session: remember to drink regularly before, during and after your match.
- Complement your tennis practice with another sport, one that’s gentler on your legs. You’ll find a few ideas below!
Remember to warm up before playing and to stretch gently after your match. When it comes to gear, choose tennis shoes suited to the court surface, and go at your own pace: enjoying the game comes first!
Other sports to add to your anti-cellulite routine
Other sports, gentler on the legs, also have their place in a routine targeting the appearance of cellulite. Here are some worth considering:
Walking
Walking is the simplest sport to practise — and one of the most essential! It engages all the muscles and can be done anywhere, at any time, for hours on end! All types of cellulite are compatible with regular walking: a gentle activity, without the jolts of high-impact sports. Hard to beat!
Water sports
Swimming, aqua aerobics, aquabike — you’re spoilt for choice! Aquatic activities are undoubtedly among the most enjoyable when you have cellulite. Why? Because movements are performed against the gentle resistance of water, which engages the muscles without jolts, and exercising in water is particularly pleasant. To make the moment last, consider a massage after your session (see also lymphatic drainage). Don’t hesitate — grab your swimsuit!
Cycling
What better way to take care of your dimples than long bike rides? Cycling is an endurance sport that engages the muscles, especially during long sessions. You can cycle indoors, on the road, or in the mountains… A versatile sport that combines performance with pleasure.
The elliptical trainer
We highly recommend the elliptical trainer, which sits halfway between cycling and running. It’s an endurance activity that engages every muscle in the body and combines cardio and endurance. Its advantage over running? It replicates the same movement pattern, minus the impact: a gentler option for your legs!
More anti-cellulite sports? There are plenty!
Our final tips for caring for dimpled skin
- Choose a sport you actually enjoy: there’s nothing less effective than exercising out of obligation. Before thinking about cellulite, think about what you love doing!
- If you suffer from venous insufficiency or water cellulite, ask your doctor for advice before taking up a high-impact sport: basketball, handball, fencing, boxing, and certain athletics disciplines (sprinting, hurdles, triple jump).
- Round off your workout with anti-cellulite treatments and massages. Take a look at our Anti-Cellulite Method Pack : everything you need for a complete anti-cellulite routine!
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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises.
