Cellulite Cures: The Truths
Cellulite Cures: The Truths
By Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACE
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro
Updated: April 21, 2006
Accomplish your weight-loss goals with the help of Oprah's personal trainer, Bob Greene. Try his Total Body Makeover, along with eDiet's support system, shopping lists and recipes, by clicking here.
Cottage cheese should be something you choose to add to your nutritional program, not something that takes up residence on your legs and butt.
As a trainer with over 14 years of experience, I've heard the term cellulite described many different ways: cottage cheese, dimples, orange peel, gunk and blobby stuff. However, no matter how it's described, women all view cellulite as a never ending, constant annoyance.
Let's calmly and analytically try to understand what this cottage cheese-looking stuff is, and then let's discuss a realistic solution to diminish it. From a medical standpoint, cellulite does not exist. Before you begin a cursing onslaught, allow me to explain.
Cellulite is nothing more than fat. Len Kravitz, Ph.D., who published an excellent article titled "Cellulite: Everything You Want To Know and More," states that "the name (cellulite) originated from the French medical literature over 150 years ago." He goes on to describe the physiological reasons why cellulite is nothing more than plain-old body fat.
For the sake of familiarity and due to the fact that it does have an unusual dimpled appearance, I will continue to use the name cellulite throughout the article. I'm sure you'd like a bit more proof that cellulite is nothing more than body fat, an explanation why it has such an unusual appearance, and why it�s so prominent in women.
Stay with me on this one. If we examine the fat cells of males and females, we find that both sexes have connective tissue that segments or separates fat cells into compartments. However, men have more of a crisscross/horizontal pattern within the compartments. The fat chambers of men appear as small diagonal units, which store smaller quantities of fat.
On the other hand, women have a honeycomb appearance to their fat compartments. In women, fat is organized into large vertical chambers where an abundance of fat can be stored. The vertical/honeycomb shape of the fat compartments is what makes cellulite stand out like month-old cottage cheese on females. This honeycomb appearance gives fat a greater chance to bulge from the skin.
Another problem is the location of cellulite in relation to the skin. To better understand this, we need to understand skin anatomy. I'll keep this simple.
Human skin anatomy is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous fat.
The epidermis is the top (protective) layer of skin, and is somewhat translucent. The epidermis is attached to the next layer, the dermis.
The dermis is the second, deeper layer of your skin. The dermis is where hair roots, nerve endings, blood vessels and sweat glands reside.
Subcutaneous (which means just beneath the skin) fat is at the bottom or lowest layer of your skin. This is where your larger blood vessels and nerves are. Subcutaneous fat is attached to your bones and muscles by connective tissue, which is somewhat loose and flexible. If there is an abundance of fat at this level, it becomes extremely visible to the eye. So what is this abundance of fat? The nemesis we refer to as cellulite. The actual amount and appearance will depend on your individual genetics and body fat level.
So now, you've got this honeycomb shaped fat perched as close to the surface of the skin as Mother Nature will allow. Uggggh! You're waiting patiently aren't you? You're screaming, "Enough already, Raphael, how do I get rid of this stuff?"
The answer isn't glamorous or exciting, but it's all we've got as a natural solution.
Consider the following from ACE (The American Council On Exercise) concerning research/reduction of cellulite:
So what can you do to diminish the appearance of cellulite? Experts recommend daily cardio exercise combined with two to three strength-training sessions a week and a healthy diet.
The good news is that there's actual proof that this approach works. Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Mass., and author of No More Cellulite (Perigee, 2003), designed a cellulite-reduction program that includes 20 minutes of strength training with five exercises for the upper body and five for the lower body, and 20 minutes of treadmill walking or jogging, staying at about 70 percent to 80 percent of maximal heart rate. This program is followed three days per week, although participants can always do more cardio.
Participants in an eight-week study of Westcott's program lost about 1 pound per week or about 10 pounds after two months. When participants combined the exercise program with good eating habits (a food pyramid based diet consisting of 1,600, 2,220 or 2,800 calories), they doubled the fat loss, losing 9.1 pounds of fat (compared to 4.5 pounds without the nutritional component).
In another study led by Westcott, 72 men and women did three 30-minute workouts for eight weeks. The group that did only aerobic exercise, cycling for 30 minutes at a time, lost 4 pounds of fat but gained no muscle, which only slightly improved body composition. Yet when subjects did aerobic exercise (15 minutes of cycling) and strength training, they dropped 10 pounds of fat and added 2 pounds of muscle, which resulted in a greater improvement in body composition.
Remember, cellulite is body fat. We reduce body fat through the formula of diet, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and consistency. Precisely what was used by Dr. Westcott.
Maybe you're thinking, "Is that all there is?" You read all of this only for me to tell you that you need a healthy, calorie reduced nutritional program, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and consistency?
Yes. That is the harsh reality.
If you're thinking of trying the various cellulite wraps, compressors, etc., save your money. Based on the fact that cellulite resides so close to the surface of the skin, it can temporarily be compressed. If you try a cellulite reduction compressor, and you see it working for a day, all it means is that you compressed the fat temporarily -- it will be back to its old self very soon. This is a marketing ploy, which I hold in complete disgust.
The amount of cellulite you lose will depend on individual genetics and body fat level reached. Some women can completely eliminate all signs of cellulite, and some women will still show some degree of it. However, no matter what, it can be greatly reduced through the formula of diet, resistance training, cardio and consistency.
The solution may not be glamorous, but at least it's the truth. The truth is what you need to hear.
Looking for more information? Join eDiets and visit Raphael's support group (Fitness For You) for interactive support! We all know fitness is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle -- let Raphael and eDiets help you on your way!
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and 2005 winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with ACE and APEX. In addition, he successfully completed the RTS1 program based on biomechanics.
The fitness pros at eDiets can show you how to combine exercise and nutrition to get the best results. This is what you've been looking for. You will need to make the commitment, but isn't it time to finally take care of you?
What will help support these new lifestyle changes in diet and exercsise herbally?
Taken from The Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products published by www.treelite.com
Cellulite is made of fatty deposits trapped by collagen that give the skin a dimpled, orange peel look. It tends to develop on the thighs, hips and buttocks of women.
Herbs that help the body metabolize fats and release toxins will help to burn cellulite. One of these herbs is chickweed, which is incorporated into the formula Cellu-Smooth, an herbal product for burning cellulite. Applying the essential oil blend Cellu-Tone topically will increase the effectiveness of this program.
Other herbal ideas:
All Cell Detox, Cellu-Smooth, Cellu-Tone, Chickweed, Grapefruit (Pink), L-Carnitine, Lemon Oil, Patchouli, SF, Yeast/Fungal Detox
By Raphael Calzadilla, B.A., CPT, ACE
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro
Updated: April 21, 2006
Accomplish your weight-loss goals with the help of Oprah's personal trainer, Bob Greene. Try his Total Body Makeover, along with eDiet's support system, shopping lists and recipes, by clicking here.
Cottage cheese should be something you choose to add to your nutritional program, not something that takes up residence on your legs and butt.
As a trainer with over 14 years of experience, I've heard the term cellulite described many different ways: cottage cheese, dimples, orange peel, gunk and blobby stuff. However, no matter how it's described, women all view cellulite as a never ending, constant annoyance.
Let's calmly and analytically try to understand what this cottage cheese-looking stuff is, and then let's discuss a realistic solution to diminish it. From a medical standpoint, cellulite does not exist. Before you begin a cursing onslaught, allow me to explain.
Cellulite is nothing more than fat. Len Kravitz, Ph.D., who published an excellent article titled "Cellulite: Everything You Want To Know and More," states that "the name (cellulite) originated from the French medical literature over 150 years ago." He goes on to describe the physiological reasons why cellulite is nothing more than plain-old body fat.
For the sake of familiarity and due to the fact that it does have an unusual dimpled appearance, I will continue to use the name cellulite throughout the article. I'm sure you'd like a bit more proof that cellulite is nothing more than body fat, an explanation why it has such an unusual appearance, and why it�s so prominent in women.
Stay with me on this one. If we examine the fat cells of males and females, we find that both sexes have connective tissue that segments or separates fat cells into compartments. However, men have more of a crisscross/horizontal pattern within the compartments. The fat chambers of men appear as small diagonal units, which store smaller quantities of fat.
On the other hand, women have a honeycomb appearance to their fat compartments. In women, fat is organized into large vertical chambers where an abundance of fat can be stored. The vertical/honeycomb shape of the fat compartments is what makes cellulite stand out like month-old cottage cheese on females. This honeycomb appearance gives fat a greater chance to bulge from the skin.
Another problem is the location of cellulite in relation to the skin. To better understand this, we need to understand skin anatomy. I'll keep this simple.
Human skin anatomy is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and subcutaneous fat.
The epidermis is the top (protective) layer of skin, and is somewhat translucent. The epidermis is attached to the next layer, the dermis.
The dermis is the second, deeper layer of your skin. The dermis is where hair roots, nerve endings, blood vessels and sweat glands reside.
Subcutaneous (which means just beneath the skin) fat is at the bottom or lowest layer of your skin. This is where your larger blood vessels and nerves are. Subcutaneous fat is attached to your bones and muscles by connective tissue, which is somewhat loose and flexible. If there is an abundance of fat at this level, it becomes extremely visible to the eye. So what is this abundance of fat? The nemesis we refer to as cellulite. The actual amount and appearance will depend on your individual genetics and body fat level.
So now, you've got this honeycomb shaped fat perched as close to the surface of the skin as Mother Nature will allow. Uggggh! You're waiting patiently aren't you? You're screaming, "Enough already, Raphael, how do I get rid of this stuff?"
The answer isn't glamorous or exciting, but it's all we've got as a natural solution.
Consider the following from ACE (The American Council On Exercise) concerning research/reduction of cellulite:
So what can you do to diminish the appearance of cellulite? Experts recommend daily cardio exercise combined with two to three strength-training sessions a week and a healthy diet.
The good news is that there's actual proof that this approach works. Wayne Westcott, Ph.D., fitness research director at the South Shore YMCA in Quincy, Mass., and author of No More Cellulite (Perigee, 2003), designed a cellulite-reduction program that includes 20 minutes of strength training with five exercises for the upper body and five for the lower body, and 20 minutes of treadmill walking or jogging, staying at about 70 percent to 80 percent of maximal heart rate. This program is followed three days per week, although participants can always do more cardio.
Participants in an eight-week study of Westcott's program lost about 1 pound per week or about 10 pounds after two months. When participants combined the exercise program with good eating habits (a food pyramid based diet consisting of 1,600, 2,220 or 2,800 calories), they doubled the fat loss, losing 9.1 pounds of fat (compared to 4.5 pounds without the nutritional component).
In another study led by Westcott, 72 men and women did three 30-minute workouts for eight weeks. The group that did only aerobic exercise, cycling for 30 minutes at a time, lost 4 pounds of fat but gained no muscle, which only slightly improved body composition. Yet when subjects did aerobic exercise (15 minutes of cycling) and strength training, they dropped 10 pounds of fat and added 2 pounds of muscle, which resulted in a greater improvement in body composition.
Remember, cellulite is body fat. We reduce body fat through the formula of diet, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and consistency. Precisely what was used by Dr. Westcott.
Maybe you're thinking, "Is that all there is?" You read all of this only for me to tell you that you need a healthy, calorie reduced nutritional program, resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and consistency?
Yes. That is the harsh reality.
If you're thinking of trying the various cellulite wraps, compressors, etc., save your money. Based on the fact that cellulite resides so close to the surface of the skin, it can temporarily be compressed. If you try a cellulite reduction compressor, and you see it working for a day, all it means is that you compressed the fat temporarily -- it will be back to its old self very soon. This is a marketing ploy, which I hold in complete disgust.
The amount of cellulite you lose will depend on individual genetics and body fat level reached. Some women can completely eliminate all signs of cellulite, and some women will still show some degree of it. However, no matter what, it can be greatly reduced through the formula of diet, resistance training, cardio and consistency.
The solution may not be glamorous, but at least it's the truth. The truth is what you need to hear.
Looking for more information? Join eDiets and visit Raphael's support group (Fitness For You) for interactive support! We all know fitness is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle -- let Raphael and eDiets help you on your way!
A drug-free competitive bodybuilder and 2005 winner of the prestigious WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation) Pro Card, Raphael Calzadilla is a veteran of the health-and-fitness industry. He specializes in a holistic approach to body transformation, nutrition programs and personal training. He earned his B.A. in communications from Southern Connecticut State University and is certified as a personal trainer with ACE and APEX. In addition, he successfully completed the RTS1 program based on biomechanics.
The fitness pros at eDiets can show you how to combine exercise and nutrition to get the best results. This is what you've been looking for. You will need to make the commitment, but isn't it time to finally take care of you?
What will help support these new lifestyle changes in diet and exercsise herbally?
Taken from The Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products published by www.treelite.com
Cellulite is made of fatty deposits trapped by collagen that give the skin a dimpled, orange peel look. It tends to develop on the thighs, hips and buttocks of women.
Herbs that help the body metabolize fats and release toxins will help to burn cellulite. One of these herbs is chickweed, which is incorporated into the formula Cellu-Smooth, an herbal product for burning cellulite. Applying the essential oil blend Cellu-Tone topically will increase the effectiveness of this program.
Other herbal ideas:
All Cell Detox, Cellu-Smooth, Cellu-Tone, Chickweed, Grapefruit (Pink), L-Carnitine, Lemon Oil, Patchouli, SF, Yeast/Fungal Detox
posted by Karen Herrmann-DeSantis, Herb Specialist, Natural Health Educator | 1:46 AM
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