A cellulite exercise plan gets right to the basic cause of cellulite, beneath the skin level. Creams and cosmetic preparations can only deal with the problem from the skin level. Obviously the results can only be superficial and after a short time the appearance of cellulite returns.

The cellulite exercise plan produces effects under the skin in areas creams cannot reach! To understand what exercise does in relation to cellulite, consider for a few moments the makeup of skin and its underlying layers.

The layers of tissue under the skin are known as the subcutaneous layers. The first of these contains fat cell chambers separated by connective tissue. Connective tissue is one of four main classified types of biological tissue. Women have a different cell structure to men, which explains why women are the ones who mainly suffer with this problem. The connective tissue separating the fat cell chambers in a woman's body is aligned more or less vertically, whereas in a man's body it appears in a criss cross fashion.

Fat cells can protrude from the fat cell chambers into the dermis, which lays just under the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). This creates a dimpled or orange peel effect on the surface of the skin. As men have thicker epidermis and dermis layers, in addition to the different connective tissue structure, cellulite is not noticeable.

In women however, the thighs and buttocks store more body fat. The aging process can contribute to more fat being deposited in the subcutaneous layers as well as a loosening of the connective tissue, both factors contributing to fat cells protruding into the dermis.

With all these changes going on under the skin, it is understandable why creams and cosmetic preparations are limited in what they can accomplish as they can only work from the skin level.

We can see therefore why a cellulite exercise plan is crucial in the battle against cellulite. Exercise can affect the fat cell chambers by reducing fat deposits. It can also tone up muscles. Muscles lie beneath the subcutaneous layers. The uppermost layer remember, contains the fat cell chambers. Soft, weak muscles can accentutate the problem of cellulite, whereas firm, toned muscles give better support to the fat cell chambers in the dermis and minimize the effect of cellulite!

So then, what kind of cellulite exercise program is recommended? According to researchers, a 40 minute program 3 times a week can do much to keep the body toned up and minimize the effect of cellulite.

The 40 minute cellulite plan can be split in half. For 20 minutes, strength training exercises for the upper and lower body should be done. This group of exercises can include push ups, bicep curls, and the flat bench press for the upper body, and for the lower body, hip adduction, leg extensions, and leg curls. This can then be followed by 20 minutes of aerobic execises which can include bicycling, fitness walking, stair climbing, running, and swimming.

Check the link at the end of this article for a free illustrated resource which sets out all these exercises and much more in an easy to follow format.

Along with a cellulite exercise plan, a calorie reducing diet can also contribute to a reduction of cellulite. It should be noted there is no easy 'fix'. Advertising and sensational claims regarding certain types of cellulite preparations should be viewed cautiously. At best they can only provide a temporary solution. A much more realistic approach is to embark on a cellulite exercise program supported by a calorie reducing diet. True, it is much more work and harder to follow, but then, the results are much more pleasing too.

A whole body approach to the problem of cellulite is the answer if you are particularly concerned with this problem as it gets to the underlying cause. Review the exercises recommended for strength training and aerobic activity, select the ones you feel comfortable with, and start firming up those muscles and reducing the fat in those fat cell chambers which lie under the skin. You will certainly be rewarded for your efforts!