Top tips to blitz cellulite this summer
As soon as the holiday season comes around again, many women turn their thoughts to toning up and getting fit, ready for the beach.
However, even after religiously hitting the gym for weeks beforehand, lots of people struggle to get rid of one particularly common annoyance - their cellulite.
This dimpled skin - which often occurs on the thighs or bottom and is caused by connective tissue trapping fat underneath - is the bane of many women's lives and affects most people, no matter how slender they may be.
In fact, a survey carried out by GMTV found that as many as 97 per cent of women may be affected by the dreaded orange peel look.
Even celebrities aren't immune, with the gossip columns regularly featuring illicit snaps of unsuspecting film stars displaying hints of cellulite under their sarongs.
So, are women who have cellulite stuck with it, or is there anything that can be done to lessen the effects?
Women's health and fitness website Ahlanlive.com suggests there are some methods that can be employed to battle the bumps.
It said a good way to really reduce the appearance of cellulite is by participating in some targeted exercises.
On top of the 30 minutes of movement a day recommended by the government's health advisers, some medium to high-impact cardio such as salsacise or aerobics two to three times a week could make a big difference to your thighs and bottom, as well as other areas which may be affected like the stomach or upper arms.
Squats and lunges - which you could fit into your day while waiting for the kettle to boil or cleaning your teeth - will also help to further tone up your leg and bottom muscles, making the fat cells which make cellulite more obvious shrink down.
Finally, using light weights - you could even use tins of beans or bottles of water - should help to tone those arms and prevent dimples when you're wearing clingy summer fabrics.
Moving around more may not be able to eliminate cellulite completely - as other factors like genetics and the lymphatic system are involved in its creation too - but it could help you to minimise it and feel more body confident this year.
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