Cellulite…argh! Thanks Mom or Dad or Aunt Gladys or whoever. I got this lovely predisposition to form fatty protrusions that look somewhat like the skin of an orange or lumpy cottage cheese, but much worse! Especially on me!! While it’s true that cellulite is hereditary it’s also true that there are some definite measures we can take to reduce it.

First, the Bad News:
Cellulite is formed in the subcutaneous fat that’s just beneath the skin called the areolar layer where fat chambers/fat lobules are arranged in a vertical pattern in females. Yes females, NOT males. So the first of the bad news is that it’s totally sexist except in a few lucky males that have somewhat of a different hormone arrangement. Anyway, let’s just get all of the bad news out at once: Cellulite likes to take up residence on the thighs and buttocks of women, as well as the backs of arms, with a high preference for pear-shaped body types. However cellulite has no real bias for weight as it shows up on slender women as well as those who are heavy.

The Good News:
Research has shown you can reduce the size and appearance of cellulite with resistance training, combined with a lean diet and cardiovascular exercise. Subcutaneous fat is layered on top of muscle so if you allow the muscles under the cellulite (in your hips, thighs, buttocks and arms) to become weak then the skin will look flaccid and cottage cheesy. On the flip side, if you build up these muscles, skin will look more toned and tightened. Umm…hello Hilliard Studio Method! We push the envelope on the thighs and glutes as well as triceps (back of the arms) in every class. Not to mention the rest of the body!

And In Obvious News:
There is very little evidence to support the use of creams, injectables, skin kneading and manipulation. The latest research has found that thermotherapy, a heat application technique, is not just ineffective but can even aggravate the appearance of cellulite. While there are some new innovative cellulite treatments using noninvasive treatments like laser therapy and low energy shock therapy on the horizon, it might be a good use of our time and money to heed the advice of experts…. and do the work… as in HSM workout!