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.
