Discover How This Ancient Holistic Exercise Can Banish the Dimples
What is the real cause of cellulite? More importantly, what can one do to get rid of it for good? The answers to those questions vary and are even contradicting at times. While it is generally accepted that the dimply look is caused by swollen, overstuffed fat pockets (due to an unhealthy lifestyle), other experts assert that factors like toxic wastes trapped under the skin, poor lymphatic circulation and hormonal changes play a part.
The best and most realistic solution to combat cellulite is to attack the problem with different approaches, taking into account various aspects that might have caused it. Therefore, a cellulite reduction workout plan should focus on reducing overall body fat percentage, increasing muscle mass and detoxify the body.
Recent studies by the Mind-Body Medical Institute at Harvard University, US reported that yoga is an excellent exercise for improving lymphatic flow, boosting the body’s efficiency in eliminating toxins and excess retained fluids. Practitioners of this ancient workout also reap the benefits of less stress, greater flexibility, improved skin elasticity, strength and muscular definition. All these are factors that can contribute to cellulite reduction.
Furthermore, pop culture observers noted that celebrities known for their lean physiques and cellulite-free thighs like Madonna and Jennifer Aniston are long-time practitioners of yoga.
Styles of Yoga
One of the myths about yoga is that it only helps improve flexibility and does not burn fat. In actual fact, it all depends on the style of yoga one practices. Dynamic styles that emphasize deep rhythmic breathing will oxygenate the body for extra fat torching and balance hormones. Conversely, more static styles are good for gaining better strength and muscular endurance.
According to Malaysia-based certified yoga and Pilates instructor, Sophia Oh, “One should look for a yoga style that emphasizes on ‘flow’ if weight loss is the main concern. Yoga style such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa yoga is based on movements that synchronize with breathing (one breath one movement).
When done correctly one’s heart rate will be raised and kept elevated for a period of time, which fulfills the cardio part of the workout. For a muscles defining workout, one should be looking at yoga style which requires the body to stay in poses for a longer period of time such as Iyengar yoga.”
Inverted Poses
These poses, listed with their Sanskrit names, improve overall circulation by encourage the flow of lymph fluids. They should be incorporated into one’s regular yoga practice for optimum results.
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvagasana)
- Plough (Halasana)
- Forearm Stand (Pincha Mayurasana)
- Head Stand (Sirasana)
- Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Standing Poses
To improve muscle definition on the lower body, which is the area where cellulite normally forms, practice the following standing posses regularly:
- Crescent Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
- Triangle (Trikonasana)
- Warrior (Virabhadrasana)
- Eagle (Garudasana)
- Chair (Utkatasana)
- Standing Forward Bent (Uttanasana)
Conclusion
Each poses should be held for five to 10 breath counts before returning to starting position. As a precautionary measure, if you are a beginner to yoga, always seek professional assistance when trying out advance poses.
Check out our article on the best cellulite yoga pants
