What is cellulite?
Oh, that dreaded cottage cheese skin! It makes shopping for a bathing suit torture and keeps your shorts in the back of the bottom drawer all summer. But what, exactly, is this phenomena lurking beneath our skin? What causes it, and is there any hope for those that suffer from it?
First of all, let’s establish that as embarrassing as it is, you’re not alone. Scientists estimate that up to 90% of women suffer from cellulite at some point in their lives. And women aren’t the only ones to suffer. Cellulite can be found in men, too, although it’s more common in women, since they have certain types of fat and connective tissue that make them prone to it.
So...what is cellulite?
It’s a layer of subcutaneous fat, or fat that’s right beneath the epidermis, or your outermost layer of skin. The dermis, which is just below the epidermis, consists of a network of connective tissue that looks kind of like honeycomb. As your fat cells increase in size, the connective tissue weakens, and fat bulges through wherever it can, causing the mattress-like appearance.
Although there’s no clear reason why cellulite forms, there is one myth we can debunk, here and now. Cellulite does not just happen to overweight or older people. It can happen to a perfectly healthy teenager or a 20-year-old athlete. But there are a few factors that could contribute to that orange peel texture on your legs.
Hormones
This is the number one theory about what causes cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, prolactin, and your thyroid could be contributing to your production of cellulite.
Genes
Sometimes, you can just blame your parents! Your genetic makeup may predispose you to developing cellulite. Factors include a slow metabolism, the way your body distributes fat underneath your skin, or poor circulation.
Food
Aaaand sometimes, you can blame yourself. If you eat a diet that’s too high in carbs, salt, and fat, and too low in fiber, you might be prone to cellulite development.
Lifestyle
If you sit or stand for long periods of time in one position, if you don’t exercise, or if you’re a smoker, you might see your skin start to pucker.
Clothes
Limited blood flow may increase your chances of developing cellulite, so next time you’re tempted to buy Spanx or wear pantyhose, think twice.
Right now, there’s no known solution for cellulite, other than changing your diet and exercising more. There is an injection in clinical trials right now that could potentially break down subcutaneous fat, but for now, most of what you hear or read has no scientific proof.
So forget the body wraps, the creams, and the brushes. Stick to a healthy diet and regular exercise, and if you still don’t see results, well, you can blame your parents, then skimp on their birthday presents this year in revenge.
~J. Rebecca Sanders
WARNING: This post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. The above information should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. iFit assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article.
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Dash to the Finish Challenge: End the Year Strong with iFIT
We’ve reached the final stretch in iFIT’s Finish Strong journey, a three-month commitment to staying active, motivated, and focused through the end of the year. You’ve built your consistency, and now it’s time for the grand finale: the Dash to the Finish Challenge.This month is all about pushing to the finish line while celebrating how far you’ve come. Embrace the season, whether you’re walking through the holiday markets in Germany or feeling the Jingle Bell Burn in the iFIT Studio.It’s time to finish strong!Complete the workouts from your selected Challenge level by December 31, 2025 and you’ll earn this digital reward for your Trophy Case. Here are this month’s Challenges:Treadmill and elliptical workoutsWalking and Running: Finish strong this month with walks and runs! You’ll explore the famous holiday markets in Germany with Casey Gilbert, complete holiday-themed walks and runs in the iFIT Studio with Ashley Paulson, John Peel, Richard Biglia, Jesse Corbin, Pearl Fu, and Jonnie Gale, walk across a glacier in Argentina with John Peel, and wrap things up in Nepal with Ang Tshering Lama.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: Walk & RunCycling WorkoutsCycling: Cycle to the finish line this month! iFIT Trainer John Wessling will lead you through an interval ride and an endurance ride alongside a dog sled team in Alaska. Then, you’ll head to Colorado with iFIT Trainer Keith Gabel to explore the Devil’s Thumb Resort. Finally, iFIT Trainer Ashley McIvor will join you in Norway for a HIIT ride and strength ride that is sure to get you in the holiday spirit.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: CyclingRower WorkoutsRowing: iFIT Trainers Alex Gregory and Susan Francia will take you on an epic adventure this month! Join Alex in Wales for endurance and speed rowing workouts, then head to Canada for quick but effective training with Susan, focused on HIIT, power, and endurance.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: RowingStrength workoutsStrength: Build strength in the iFIT Studio and in Iceland this month! Catch the incredible dynamic duos of Hannah Eden and Paulo Barreto, John Peel and Ashley Paulson, and Hannah and Ashley, and a solo workout with Shannon Cooper for fun, holiday-themed workouts. iFIT Trainer Jonnie Gale will round things out with two strength-focused workouts in the stunning backdrop of Iceland.Join the Dash to the Finish Challenge: StrengthDisclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. iFIT assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
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