Running’s not only a great way to get some fresh air, but some say that it’s the best “cottage cheese” blaster there is, as circulation is increased in the areas that count (your rear and thighs), which helps to keep skin smooth, nourished and toned. It also can reduce the fat layer in those areas and build muscle to provide a firm foundation for the overlaying fat tissue.
Some of you might be fit enough to simply step out of the door and run continuously for half an hour. But for the rest of us, it’s best to gradually build up your strength and endurance.
I got back into running (having not done any running since high school track!) by following a walk/run plan. It was an easy, even pleasant, way to start a running program. And I absolutely saw positive results after only two weeks of following this, and great results after following it for a month– in both the way I looked and the way I felt. So I know from experience that you don’t have to run hard to see results.
If you google “walk/run” you’ll find a lot of different programs to choose from, but my favorite is this walk/run plan from Running Planet:
http://www.runningplanet.com/training/beginning-runner-program.html
With this program you start off the first week by walking for 30 minutes a few times a week. If you already do a lot of walking, you can skip week 1 and start off right away with week two. In week two, you alternate running for only 30 seconds and walking for 5 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes, again, a few times a week. I know I could handle 30 seconds of running with a five minute walking rest, couldn’t you? (I bought an inexpensive stopwatch to keep track of the times).
Gradually you increase running time and decrease walking time, until after the end of several weeks you are finally running for a solid 30 minutes. However be very clear, you WILL see positive changes in your body from the walk/run program as you build up to your 30 minute goal. Many women report highly noticeable reductions in their cellulite from following a running program.
/caption
Routines are powerful. When you repeat a set of actions on a daily basis, before you know it you are flying through those actions without giving them much thought, and reaping the benefits. Summer is fast approaching, and if you want to be ready for those short-shorts and swimsuits, here’s a simple morning routine that will lead you to smoother thighs fast.
After you get out of bed:
1. Drink a cup of green tea
Green tea is chock full of antioxidants that protect your body from free-radical damage. That damage can cause your body’s tissues to break down and turn into lumps and dimples. Green tea has also been shown to increase the rate that fat is burned, and according to new research it might even block the production of fat-absorbing enzymes. Drinking green tea is one of the best-for-you cellulite remedies out there.
2. Do these simple lower body anti-cellulite exercises
Now that you’ve got a little energy from the green tea (it does contain some caffeine) do a quick series of these simple, but extremely effective, lower body exercises to reduce cellulite:
One set of each will be enough for a quick morning tone-up
3. Dry brush your problem areas
Before getting into the shower, dry brush your skin. This only takes a minute but can have a great effect. It’s a fantastic way to exfoliate which will lead not only have visible cellulite reducing effects, but also any stretch marks you might have. In addition to removing dead skin cells, it also increases blood-flow to cellulite-affected areas and helps to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove built-up toxins. A long-handled natural-bristled brush is best. Sweep the brush once or twice over your problem areas, towards the heart. If you dry brush your skin before showering, don’t also exfoliate in the shower because too much can irritate your skin.
4. Apply cellulite lotion or cream
After showering, apply your favorite cellulite reducing lotion. Lotions containing caffeine are a good bet.
5. Eat a cellulite-blasting breakfast
What about breakfast? This can be another powerful weapon in your anti-cellulite arsenal. Your goal should be to include, at the least, foods that are high in antioxidants such as strawberries and blueberries. Ideally your breakfast will also contain some essential fatty acids (the omega 3’s). An example breakfast is one whole wheat muffin topped with 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter and banana slices, plus 1/2 cup berries (fresh or frozen). Oatmeal with fruit is another good choice for an anti cellulite diet breakfast.
By following these steps you will have attacked your cellulite from five different directions before leaving the house in the morning!