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Winning the Battle Against Cellulite

How Can You Get Rid of Cellulite for Good?

By Amy Carey

Once you've started burning fat, now you're ready to hit the weights. According to Ricciardi, you should work out with weights three to four times a week, performing strength-training exercises after your aerobic workout.

What exercises should you do to start building muscle and firming up areas now plagued with cellulite? Try some of these:

• Leg Curls: With a weight between your feet, lie facedown on the floor. Bring your feet up behind you in a semicircular arc as far as possible. Keep your torso pressed against the mat or bench without lifting your hips. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Firms up thighs.
• Hack Squats: Place your feet shoulder width apart. Hold two dumbbells behind your bottom. Bend your knees to 90 degrees, and then stand up. Repeat 10 to 15 times. Tightens rear.
• Inner Thigh Toning: Attach an exercise band around both feet, keeping legs straight. Lie on your side and extend your left leg. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Change legs and repeat 10 to 15 times. Tightens inner thighs.
• Lunges: Place your right leg in front. Stretch out your left leg, place your hands on your hips, and bend both legs at the knees until you are an inch from the ground. Change legs and repeat 10 to 15 times. Firms thighs and bottom.
• Step Exercises: Use a step and hold a weight in each hand. Start with both feet on the step, and then step off the back with your right foot. Don't allow your right foot to touch the floor before you use the muscles of your left leg to bring your right one back up to the step. Change legs and repeat 10 to 15 times. Firms bottom.

Ricciardi adds the following tips for women getting started with strength training:

• Train with a partner. The ability to motivate and the sense of security each provides, increases the likelihood of her fitness longevity and reduces the chances of injury.
• Don't dress to find a mate. Wear comfortable clothing in the gym that will absorb perspiration.
• Remember the basics of strength training: consistency, determination and motivation.
• Don't waste your time. Hire a Certified Fitness Trainer if your knowledge is limited of the weight room.
• Plan workouts ahead of time. Always know what you're going to do in the gym before you go.
• Write everything down. Sets, reps, weight, how you're feeling, what you ate and when. You can use these notes as a guide as you continue working out.

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