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Cellulite Exercises

Jogging or even walking is one of the best forms of cellulite-busting exercise. Start small, aim high-even walking works wonders.

Newsflash! You don't have to be sporty to fall in love with running. Just take it slowly and keep your goals realistic. Bear in mind that running aids weight loss, and is fantastic at toning legs.

It's also a wonderful mood booster, releasing 'feel good' endorphins that impart a lovely natural high. So if your cellulite gets you down, all the more reason to get running. In fact, research found that exercise may be more effective than anti-depressants at treating mild to moderate depression. Little wonder it's so addictive.

Running's also great for your good for heart and overall cardiovascular health. It's good for your bones, too; 30-40 minutes of weight bearing exercise three times a week can help prevent osteoporosis. Plus thirty minutes of physical activity three or more times a week can reduce your risk of breast cancer by 30%.

Because running targets your lower body, boosts circulation and helps burn fat and build muscle cellulite doesn't stand a chance. Running burns a whopping 340 calories in 30 minutes. Plus exercising at a higher intensity, as you do when you run, kicks up your metabolism up a gear even after you've finished your workout.

Running's a great way to shape up all over, really. One study showed that women who run more than 10 miles a week have smaller waists and narrower hips than women who don't exercise as intensely. Plus they also have lower blood pressure and higher levels of good cholesterol.

How to start:

Start small - keep your goals specific and realistic at first. But invest in great workout kit, a diary or notebook and water bottle. You're aiming to do about four workouts a week - but you'll be starting really gently. Always start with five minutes of brisk walking and some stretches to warm up and prepare your body.

Begin by walking regularly, for a couple of weeks or so if you haven't exercised for some time, then start to add short bouts of running to your workout.
You're aiming to warm up for five minutes by walking, then run for say 30-60 seconds, then walk for three minutes, and alternate the pattern.
If you start feeling breathless, switch back to walking again. Over a few weeks of workouts, gradually increase your running time and decrease your walking time.

Example:

Week one:

Warm up and stretch first.
Then run for 60 seconds, walk for 3 minutes.
Repeat three more times; your total workout time is 16 minutes.
Wind down and stretch.
Aim to do this three times a week with rest days in between, plus one additional session of brisk walking (20-30 minutes)

Week 2:

run for 60 seconds, walk for 2 minutes
repeat 5 more times, for a total workout of 18 minutes
aim to do this three times a week with rest days in between each, and an additional session of brisk walking as above.

How can I stay motivated?

Write down all your reasons for wanting to get fit, lose weight, beat cellulite. Keep a diary of your progress, taking note of your weight and measurements before you begin your new running plan, how you feel after each session - and celebrating each tiny victory.
Sign up for a race; set yourself a goal. Give yourself about 8 or 10 weeks to give yourself time to get fit for it.
Find a partner; research shows if you work out with someone else you're more likely to stick to it.
Change your jogging routine - find a new route in the park or in the area. And alternate your running days with a yoga session or aerobics/dance workout.
Get outdoors. One Australian study showed that the natural endorphin high is greater for those exercising outdoors than indoors. Plus it means you get a good boost of vitamin D from sunlight, which is good for bones, teeth and cell growth. (Just be sure to wear sunscreen).


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