Fifty+ Beauty and Fitness: The Facts About Cellulite

Cellulite gives skin a dimply orange-peel texture generally appearing on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen and many of us are obsessed with losing it. We invest in procedures, cosmetic creams and massage therapies trying to melt away the lumps and bumps that seem to increase with age. Many of us have wasted time, energy and money believing the lofty claims of advertisers promising results that usually do not happen.

On my quest for the facts, I’ve uncovered myths as well as sensible methods for dealing with the dreaded cellulite.

First a Few Myths about Cellulite

• Thin women don’t have cellulite, definitely a myth. Cellulite is related to skin structure; women of all shapes and sizes are likely to have some amount of cellulite.
• Dieting will get rid of cellulite, also a myth. Through lifestyle changes including exercise you can reduce cellulite.
• Be leery of products that promise to get rid of cellulite; claims could be more accurately stated, ‘can help reduce the appearance of cellulite’ while using them.

Facts about Cellulite

• Cellulite is hereditary and runs in the family, you will likely have it to some degree if you mother has it.
• Major factors that we cannot control about cellulite are hormonal changes in the body, and aging.
• Cellulite is a cosmetic issue, not a medical condition and although it commonly appears on the thighs, it may also appear on the abdominal area, upper arms and the breasts.
• Cellulite is fatty deposits located side-by-side, anchored by tough collagen fibers to the muscle tissue underneath giving the skin’s surface a dimply appearance.
• Excessive carbs in the diet can contribute to cellulite.
• Inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to cellulite.
• Yo-yo dieting can also contribute to cellulite.

Dealing with Cellulite

A healthy lifestyle including diet and exercise won’t completely get rid of cellulite but muscle tone will help reduce it and improve the appearance of the skin and overall health.

Sensible Diet with lots of Water

• A healthy diet includes lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains plus lean meats.
• Limit your alcohol intake; it’s mainly empty calories.
• Junk food also contains empty calories and may be replaced with healthy alternatives and don’t forget about water; all of our body systems depend on it.
• Water flushes toxins from vital organs and transports nutrients throughout the body including to the cells. Too little water may cause you to become dehydrated which in turn will drain your energy. Water needs vary per individual with 6 – 8 cups per day being average.

Exercises to Help Reduce Cellulite

• Cardio exercises, weight training and working the core muscles will benefit the most for both dealing with cellulite and a healthy lifestyle.
• Work the large muscle groups 3 – 5 days per week for 20 – 60 minutes per session to help you burn calories and extra fat. Weight training will help burn fat plus increase dense muscle tissue and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Many senior homes offer physical exercises classes as part of their activities program.

Include one of more of these cardio and core exercises in your healthy lifestyle:

• Walking
• Running
• Elliptical
• Rollerblading
• Swimming

Core exercises:

• Planks
• Abdominal crunches
• Lunges
• Squats

Finding the time!

If you are in the fifty plus age group and exercise has been on the back burner while you’ve juggled family and work responsibilities for more years than you care to count, this is the best time of your life to turn the focus on you. Allow yourself to get plenty of rest to rejuvenate the body and lead a low-stress life to the best of your ability.

It’s not too late to add positive lifestyle changes in fact they will contribute greatly to reducing stress while you begin toning your body. Looking good is great and feeling good is even better; join the gym, take a swimming class or search the community pages for workout groups, they’re skyrocketing in popularity as baby boomers across the country approach retirement. You’ll definitely thank yourself for the changes you’re making today when you reach senior status!