Get rid of cellulite

A Creams, electric shocks, hydrotherapy and the power of positive thought have all at one time or another been hailed as the miracle cure for those dreaded orange peel thighs... cellulite.

A new book based on extensive medical research has recently disproved many of the old wives' tales that surround cellulite cures claiming they are nothing more than tall stories.

Common cellulite myths

Toxins. Contrary to popular belief, cellulite does not contain toxins. Therefore, using body brushes to sweep out the toxins from your skin has no effect.

Coffee. Caffeine has no adverse effect on the appearance of cellulite either; in fact, it stimulates circulation by increasing your metabolic rate and, therefore, helps to combat cellulite.

Water. Drinking two litres of water a day does not improve the appearance of your thighs. It is important, however, for improving your overall health and keeping your body sufficiently hydrated.

21st century problem. There is a common misconception that cellulite is a new problem. However, it has been around for centuries and is even visible in some Renaissance period paintings. Nowadays, however, women are far more conscious of its negative aesthetic effect.

There ways to reduce the appearance of cellulite through diet and exercise to achieve truly smooth legs you can be proud of.

Two of the simplest, yet most effective, methods to improve the appearance of your thighs are a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Diet

A healthy balanced diet is essential in modern life, and making some simple changes can have a positive impact on your legs.

Regulate your eating pattern. Make sure you don't leave out breakfast because you can end up missing out on your essential daily calorie intake.

Eat eight portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.

Eat plenty of starchy food including brown rice, wholemeal pasta, beans, pulses, potatoes and bread.

Apart from a well balanced diet, there are a number of foodstuffs that, eaten in moderation, have been scientifically proved to have a positive effect on cellulite. These include caffeine, garlic, rosemary, ginger, juniper, orange, fennel, cinnamon, pepper, onion and apple cider.

Exercise

The gluteus maximus, which covers the bottom, is the largest muscle in the body. Step classes or "tums and bums" classes are ideal to target this particular muscle and within a few weeks there should be a noticeable improvement in the muscle tone of your thighs and bottom.

Walking, cycling and swimming, especially breaststroke, also work your bottom muscles and tone up your thighs. A brisk ten-minute walk in your local park three times a week will help you attain smoother legs.

There are also a number of specific exercises that can help. Squats, lunges and step-ups can either be done in the gym or at home to target the bottom area.

Weight training can also help tone up your body, because by strengthening your muscles it will help speed up your metabolism and burn fat when you are resting.

Regular exercise and a healthy diet will not only improve the appearance of cellulite and give you the smoother thighs you have always wanted but will also have the added bonus of increasing your overall fitness, health and body condition.

Andy Wiggins works at Fitness First, Clifton Moor, York, (01904) 693322

Exercise of the week: Press up

Men's position

Lie face down on the floor, feet resting on your toes, keeping your body straight, your hands beside your chest, with fingers pointing forward and head looking forward

Women's position

Modified so as to rest on your knees rather than your toes

Action

Push with your arms to raise your body, keeping your back and legs straight, then return to the starting position

Repeat this exercise ten times building up to three sets of ten

Updated: 09:16 Monday, April 07, 2003