How to reduce cellulite: a holistic approach

With holidays around the corner, some women may start to feel a little conscious about their bodies, and one issue that often comes up in conversation is: how do I get rid of my cellulite?

First, relax; cellulite is very common, and sometimes it is noticeable only with certain lighting. As a health & wellness coach, I am all for creating beauty from within, so you can get that “glow” thanks to being healthy & happy.

Here are 6 common reasons for cellulite and what to do about it.

1. Poor dietary choices

Too much coffee, alcohol, added salt, and lack of fresh fruits and vegetables may contribute to this unsightly problem. A healthier and balanced diet, with less alcohol and more anti-inflammatory foods, is a good place to start.

Try to include lots of fresh salads with some lean proteins and reduce alcohol and caffeine. In particular, vegetables like cucumber and watermelon are rich in water and electrolytes and can support your body’s natural detoxification system.

Reduce. Sugar, processed foods, alcohol, excess coffee or carbs, seed oils.

Focus on. Lean proteins ( including non-farmed white fish and seafood). Electrolytes, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory-rich foods: fresh salads, like arugula, berries, tomatoes, cucumber, fennel, radish, watermelon, pineapple, ginger, lime, lemon.

Check one of my favourite anti-inflammatory drinks here.

2. Poor blood circulation.

Standing or sitting for many hours at work or sitting for long hours does have a negative effect on our blood circulation. If you tend to have slightly swollen legs or ankles, broken capillaries, or a familiar tendency towards varicose veins, improving your circulation can be beneficial.

A restorative exercise like the yoga “legs up the wall” done at the end of the day can help, but I personally very much prefer Pilates and floor barre exercises, especially those performed with a resistance band and/or ankle weights.

Blood circulation can be improved or complemented by massage, dry brushing or other complementary natural methods. Get in touch to book a consultation with me.

A special mention goes to shoes and tight-fitting clothes. Be careful not to wear anything and restrict your blood flow, especially for long periods of time.

3. A sluggish lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is part of your detoxification system, and it is designed to take away the toxins that are the by-products of cellular activity. It doesn’t have any valves to help with its fluidity, but it relies heavily on muscles and movement to do its job.

It works similarly to the circulatory system, so it benefits from movement, muscle tone, massage, stretching, yoga, exercise, and detox-friendly nutrition.

5. Muscle tone

A lack of muscle tone in critical areas like glutes, hips, upper thighs, and above the knees, can greatly contribute to the problem. An exercise routine that can target those specific areas, is obviously beneficial.

Pilates for example, can really help tone up the area around the hips and inner thighs without bulking up. It can also help with improving blood & lymph circulation if you follow a specific routine.

I have created a 10- min Pilates routine that is very beneficial in tightening and toning the hips, glutes, and inner thighs. If you would like to work with me, please contact me here.

4. Hormonal imbalances

Women’s hormonal balance is very complex and easily disrupted. Chronic stress, for example, can lead to oestrogen dominance, which can result in more bloating or weight gain. Contraception, pregnancies, and general hormonal imbalances can all contribute. A fatigued liver or an unhealthy gut may also contribute to hormonal imbalances.

6. Chronic stress

Stress and chronic lack of good quality sleep are disruptive to good overall body functioning. They can also be hormone-disruptive and contribute to inflammation and non-optimal muscle recovery.

A world-renowned legs SPA

If you really would like to take your wellbeing and leg treatments to another level, you can combine this with taking a short holiday in a dreamy Italian location. The Jumeirah Capri Palace Hotel has a world-renowned “Legs Spa” where you can enjoy top treatments in total relaxation.

In a nutshell..

1. A balanced diet, rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory foods, and electrolytes
2. Pilates for hips, glutes, and inner thighs, done with ankle weights and resistance bands
3. Yoga and stretching for specific areas.
4. Massage, dry brushing and other self-massage techniques
5. Stress and sleep management.

Work with me

Want a more personalised approach and strategy? Get in touch for a non-binding 30-minute call for a brief assessment and chat.

Join the waiting list

Want to receive a 10-min sequence to tone your hips, glutes and inner thighs that you can do at home? Subscribe to the blog and be the first to know when it’s ready.

get in touch

Complete the form below and we will get back to you within two business days. Looking forward to chatting with you!

Claudia Armani

health coach

Claudia is a Pilates teacher and health coach helping clients let go of yo-yo dieting and emotional eating and move towards a more balanced and mindful relationship with food and self.care. As a Postnatal Pilates specialist she has helped many women feel confident in their own body after a baby.