Fitness and health are a journey, not a destination. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, our diet and exercise regime go to the wayside, put on the back burner as life gets in the way. This is okay! However, once you hop back on track, you notice cellulite has taken up residence on your body.
So, now what? Can you get rid of cellulite? Will yoga help? Unfortunately, once you have cellulite, it’s there to stay. That said, certain things can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, such as exercise (including yoga), proper hydration (lots of water), and a healthy diet. So, while you can’t banish cellulite, you can fight it. Here’s what you should consider about yoga and how it can help with cellulite.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite – the dreaded dimples throughout the body. It’s a layer of fat lurking right beneath the skin, creating a dimpled appearance. These gentle dips in the skin are the result of fat pressing against connective tissue, causing the disruption in the texture of your skin.
Nearly 90 percent of women experience cellulite as they begin to age, and although many folks associate it with being overweight, this isn’t always the case. That said, the more fat you have on the body, the more cellulite you’ll likely accumulate.
Many women experience cellulite in various areas of their body, especially the thighs, belly, and upper arms. This is part of the natural aging process, so even folks who aren’t overweight will likely notice it at some point in their lives.
Although a healthy diet, weight management, and adequate hydration can fight cellulite, it’s here to stay. It’s not a bad thing – it’s simply part of the aging process. Of course, you can do a few things to help minimize the appearance of cellulite, which we’ll discuss in the following sections.
Does Yoga Improve Cellulite?
As mentioned, simply incorporating a better diet, more hydration, and exercise into your diet won’t banish cellulite. However, certain things can help minimize the appearance of cellulite. Exercise can help reduce the looks of cellulite, helping the skin appear smoother and less dimpled as you drop body fat.
Of course, some body fat is essential for survival. Without a healthy body fat percentage, people can begin to experience adverse health effects. So, while body fat contributes to the appearance of cellulite, it’s essential to have enough body fat to maintain proper bodily functions.
Yoga can contribute to the reduction of cellulite as it increases circulation and the flow of lymphatic fluid. On top of that, you can lose weight with regular yoga practice as you build muscle and drop body fat. Each of these factors contributes to the appearance of cellulite, so adding yoga can absolutely minimize cellulite.
Remember, cellulite won’t disappear altogether – once a fat cell forms, it’s there to stay. You can minimize its appearance, but it won’t go away completely.
What Yoga Poses Can Improve Cellulite?
The specific yoga poses that will help you minimize the appearance of cellulite depend on where the problem areas are. For example, many of us begin noticing cellulite on our thighs and tummy, so these are areas to target.
Let’s say you initially noticed cellulite on your thighs. Since this is the case, focus on training your thighs. Various yoga poses initiate a healthy burn in your thighs, especially if you hold the pose for longer. Eagle pose is one of the best poses to target your thighs.
In this pose, you’ll feel the burn in your inner and outer thighs. So, with enough practice in this move, you can slowly minimize the appearance of cellulite on your legs. To do this pose, start standing up. Cross your right thigh over your left, hooking your right foot behind the opposite calf in the pose.
Next, wrap your left arm under your right and bring your palms to face each other. Slowly lower your body into a semi-squat, like you’re sitting down in a chair. Hold the pose for a few breaths, then switch sides.
You can also try the incline plank. This pose helps target the backs of your legs, where your hamstrings reside. This is a common trouble area for cellulite, so this pose might be worthwhile if you experience the same.
To achieve this pose, simply sit upright on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Place your palms on the floor behind your hips, roughly 10 inches behind your body. Now, lift your body off the ground and create a backward plank. Try to keep your body as flat as possible, keeping your neck neutral with your spin.
Hold the pose for a few breaths, then slowly lower your body back to the ground. This pose can be pretty challenging, especially when you’re first starting, so you might only be able to hold the pose for a few seconds. This is okay! As you build your strength, you’ll be able to hold the pose longer and longer.
Another pose you can try is the shoulder stand pose. This pose helps target cellulite throughout your body, and although it looks daunting, it isn’t overly complex. Initially, it might be challenging, but you’ll likely find the pose easier as you hone your strength.
To do this pose, start by lying on your back. Lift your legs straight up toward the sky, keeping your feet flexed and your arms at your side, pressed into the mat. Bring your feet up over your head to touch your toes on the top of the mat. In this pose, bend your elbows and use your hands to support your lower back.
Once you have your arms supporting your lower back, extend your legs straight up in the air. Hold the position for several deep breaths, then slowly return to the floor. This pose can be tricky at first, and we often hold our breath during these types of poses, but don’t do that! Remember to breathe through the hold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Get Rid Of Cellulite With Yoga?
Unfortunately, you can’t get rid of cellulite with yoga. Once you have cellulite, the fat cell is there to stay. Of course, you can minimize the appearance of cellulite with specific lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, proper hydration, and exercise (including yoga), but you can’t banish it altogether.
Will Cellulite Go Away If I Lose Weight?
No, losing weight will not cause your cellulite to disappear. Although losing weight and dropping your body fat percentage can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, it won’t cause the cell to disappear. During the weight loss process, the fat cells causing cellulite can shrink down and collapse, but they remain where they are and can’t be entirely or naturally eliminated from the body.
