Saddlebags are a real nuisance – they weigh on our silhouette and our confidence alike! While they can sometimes be linked to a lack of physical activity or an unbalanced diet, they depend above all on hormones, which act on fat cells. If it’s any comfort, know that they affect the vast majority of women. First, you’ll find out what saddlebags are, where they settle and how they form. Then we’ll share 7 approaches to combine in your daily routine to take care of yourself: massage, water sports, lipomassage, a more balanced diet, targeted exercises, body care treatments and herbal supplements.
What are saddlebags and how do they form?
What we call “saddlebags” is a subcutaneous fat deposit that typically settles on the hips and pelvis (outer thighs and buttocks). These fatty tissues tend to build up and can come with dimples visible on the skin’s surface. The fat in this area sits deep and is well established, which is why this zone is often seen as particularly stubborn.
Their appearance can be linked to an overly sedentary lifestyle and a diet too high in fat, sugar or salt. That said, we also know that fat storage in this area is strongly linked to hormones. Female hormones encourage fat to accumulate around the hips, buttocks and thighs in preparation for a potential pregnancy. Puberty and hormonal shifts can also trigger saddlebags — even in women who exercise regularly and eat well! Unfair, isn’t it?
1- Massage for saddlebags
Try the renowned pinch-and-roll massage technique to care for the areas where fat deposits are stored, alongside your other good habits. These massages can help you:
- Work on the areas where fat tends to settle,
- Enjoy a moment of comfort and wellbeing,
- Care for the skin where fat and dimples build up,
- And, ultimately, care for skin prone to cellulite and its orange-peel look.
However, the pinch-and-roll technique is difficult to replicate correctly by hand – especially on yourself. That’s why, at Cellublue, we developed a cupping method inspired by the pinch-and-roll. It lets you perform the massage at home, simply and quickly. More affordable than a professional salon treatment, the pure silicone cup is easy to use to massage the areas concerned.
2- Intense water sports
Water sports such as swimming or aqua cycling are great for keeping active while working the lower body. Plan interval-style sessions with changes of pace throughout, to keep them varied and dynamic. Ideally, alternate a fast-paced length – with fins, for example – with a slower recovery length. Swimming also engages the glutes. Regular physical activity is key.
If water sports aren’t your thing, you can also try:
- running,
- rollerblading,
- the stepper,
- cycling
- or even skipping rope.
3- Lipomassage
Lipomassage is a deep massage of targeted areas, including those where the fat deposits associated with saddlebags settle. To understand lipolysis (a natural process involving fatty tissue), read our dedicated article.
Thanks to the effect of high-frequency vibrations and rotations, our Slimming Massager is inspired by lipomassage and gives a deep massage to the areas where fat deposits build up. Super easy to use at home to care for the curves in the saddlebag area!
The cordless massager: 2 900 rotations per minute to stimulate your skin
- A deep mechanical massage: rotations and vibrations, up to 2 900 turns per minute, knead the skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bottom
- 2 complementary heads: the ball head kneads deep down, then the wave head smooths and tones the surface
- 5 intensity levels on a touchscreen, a blue light, cordless and quiet
4- A more balanced diet
A balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle. One simple habit is to cut back on foods that are too high in fat, sugar or salt.
Foods to limit
- products containing saturated and trans fats,
- products with added sugar,
- overly salty foods and alcohol.
When it comes to your plate, the idea is to favour a varied, balanced diet every day – without depriving yourself of pleasure!
Good habits to adopt
- Cut back on omega-6, found notably in sunflower or corn oil, in favour of omega-3, which are present in walnuts and rapeseed oil.
- Prioritise fibre, which has its place in a balanced diet.
- Also include proteins and healthy fats, spread across your meals.
5- Targeted exercises for the saddlebag area
To work this area, focus on specific muscles – namely the glutes and abductors (the outer thigh muscles). For this, nothing beats a few targeted exercises. Aim for 2 to 3 home workout sessions per week. Comfortable clothes, a yoga mat, a great playlist – and you’re ready to go!
1- Lateral leg raises
- Lie on your side on the floor, back straight, one leg resting on top of the other.
- Engage your core and lift the top leg, keeping it straight and aligned with your body.
- On the exhale, slowly lower your leg back down.
- Keep a steady pace for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
2- Squats
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and bend your knees until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
- Keep your back straight and your hands clasped together.
- Hold the squat position for 10 seconds.
- Slowly rise back up and repeat the movement.
- Start with sets of 10 and gradually increase.
3- Grand battements
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and shift your weight onto one leg while keeping your balance.
- Lift the other leg out to the side, keeping it straight. Hold it in the air for a few seconds.
- Slowly lower it back down.
- Keep a steady pace for 30 seconds, then switch sides.
There are plenty of other exercises targeting the saddlebag area out there. Don’t hesitate to watch videos to help you build the fitness routine that works best for you. Mix things up to keep it interesting — your thighs and glutes will thank you!
6- Body care treatments for the saddlebag area
Applying anti-cellulite or smoothing creams is a pleasant everyday way to care for your skin. They contain active ingredients chosen for this purpose. Discover our Cryo Slimming Thigh Gel which, thanks to its formula combining caffeine and Sacred Lotus, is designed to care for the skin on your thighs.
The cooling gel that leaves thigh skin firmer
- Immediate cooling effect: menthol kicks in as soon as it is applied, then skin is firmer under your fingers (keep the gel in the fridge for even more intensity)
- Caffeine & Lipothetic®, a patented active ingredient, at the heart of a formula designed for thighs and buttocks
- Sorbet texture: it absorbs faster and makes the feeling of freshness last longer
7- A herbal course to complement your routine
Some people like to add a course of herbal supplements to their routine, alongside massage, exercise and a balanced diet, without replacing any of these habits. For more tips on this area, see our article on hip measurements.
- Red Vine and Horse Chestnut are often mentioned in this kind of course.
- Cherry Stalks and Elderberry are also among them.
- Rosemary and Meadowsweet are sometimes included too.
- Finally, Green Tea is another natural ingredient found in some herbal blends.
Plants aren’t necessarily suitable for everyone: before starting a course, ask your GP or another medical professional for advice, particularly if you are pregnant or taking any medication.
Our Drainer is a herbal food supplement, designed to be taken as a one-month course, that you can discover if you’d like to enrich your routine. It fits easily into your daily life, alongside a varied diet and the other tips in this article.
Four plant extracts, one dose a day
- Instructions for use
- Friendly advice
If you stay consistent and follow these tips diligently, good habits will soon fall into place. So – are you starting today?
Frequently asked questions
Where are saddlebags located?
They sit on the lower half of the body, on the hips, outer thighs and buttocks.
Why do saddlebags mainly affect women?
Fat storage on the hips, buttocks and thighs is closely linked to female hormones, which is why saddlebags are so common in women.
What can you do about saddlebags?
There’s no single answer: the idea is to combine several approaches. Exercise regularly, plan 2 to 3 sessions of targeted exercises at home each week, adopt a more balanced diet and round things off with massage and suitable skincare. Consistency remains your best ally.
What’s the difference between saddlebags and cellulite?
Saddlebags are a build-up of fat on the outer thighs, hips and buttocks: they relate to the shape of your figure. Cellulite refers to the dimples visible on the surface of the skin, with that ‘orange-peel’ look. The two often go hand in hand, which is why it makes sense to combine exercise, massage and skincare.
Related articles
- Slimming: how to slim down thighs and buttocks?
- Saddlebag exercises: 6 moves explained step by step
- 6 stretching exercises to slim your thighs
Useful categories: Lose Saddlebags.
