The appearance of cellulite is a problem for many women regardless of shape and size. Fight the fat with our top anti-cellulite creams that deliver proven skin-firming results. We talk with actress Kerry Washington’s personal trainer David Kirsch, who shares his top body-boosting exercises that help tone and tighten the legs, thighs, tummy and tush.
By Qianna Smith
We’ve all heard the expression “cottage cheese thighs” when referring to the appearance of cellulite on the body. Contrary to popular belief, it’s your genes and not your weight that determine whether or not your body will show signs of cellulite, which is lumps of accumulated fat under the skin.
“At this point, there is no outstanding treatment for cellulite,” says Dr. Molly Wanner, an instructor in dermatology at Harvard Medical School. A lasting cellulite remedy would require changing the structure of skin, which is presently not possible.
“There are a number of products out there utilizing sophisticated ingredients including my own Slim-Sculpting Scrub, which can improve your skin tone and texture. This is complementary to a workout and nutrition regime but not in place of it,” says Kerry Washington’s celeb trainer David Kirsch.
“Strong arms, abs or a round derriere can all be marred by dimpled skin,” says Mikki Taylor, ESSENCE magazine Beauty and Cover Director, who suggests using Clarins High Definition Body Lift, $65, clarins.com, to tighten and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Slim down fat cells and prevent them from growing back with NIVEA My Silhouette! Gel-Cream, $15.99, drugstores. This effective gel-cream helps reshape your body for you to discover your own feel-good silhouette. See visible results in four weeks by using one to two times daily on the thighs, hips, waist and belly.
Whether you opt to experiment with anti-cellulite creams, laser therapy, tissue massages or liposuction, the most overlooked treatment is exercises targeted to cellulite-prone areas.
“To firm, sculpt, and shrink the hips thighs and buttocks, I have clients like Kerry Washington do a variety of cardio-sculpting (cardio + weights) moves utilizing only a medicine ball and stability ball several times per week,” shares Kirsch.
“A combination of cardio exercises on the rowing machine, treadmill, elliptical or The Gauntlet, will help blast fat in the lower half of the body,” says Kirsch.
One of the exercises Kerry Washington’s training plan is the Platypus Walk.
How to do it: Start in a plié squat position with your hands behind your head and thighs parallel to the ground. Waddle forward. Waddle with your right foot in front of your left, staying engaged in the plié squat. Then reverse. You can hold a medicine ball overhead to make this even more challenging.
Looking for a powerful anti-cellulite potion that won’t break the bank? Check out AVON Solutions a.m./p.m. Body Lipo 24, $14.99, avon.com. In the morning apply the a.m. Daily to your problem areas, which boosts the cellular metabolism to reduce the look of cellulite. Before you go to bed rub on the p.m. Nightly to increase micro-circulation and defend against the buildup of cellulite.
Morph cellulite away and restore your skin’s softness and shapeliness with LIERAC Paris Morpho-Slim Anti-Cellulite Concentrate, $55, beauty.com. Refine your figure using this super-concentrated formula that helps restore the loss of skin firmness. See results within 15 days of use!
“In addition to intense workouts, you need to be mindful of what you are feeding your body in order to keep it looking trim and tight,” says Kirsch.
“Clients like Kerry Washington stay energized by substituting high carb, high fat foods with a diet rich in lean protein and low-calorie, fiber-rich vegetables. These foods not only keep you trim, but have an amazing impact on the shape of the body, the appearance of skin, hair and nails.”
“No matter what you do to your body on the surface, you can’t create sculpted muscles, glowing skin and the confidence that come from exercise and eating right. Remember that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to get the body you were born to have,” says Kirsch, who is blogging for the MSN.com Summer Fitness Challenge.
This summer, spring your body into shape. Find the motivation you need to getting healthy and fit with the ESSENCE Makeover Magic virtual weight loss tool that allows you to view your shape 10, 15 and 20 pounds smaller! You’re just a click away from seeing how you would look a few dress sizes smaller!
