Women’s body types come in all shapes and sizes from thin, overweight, flat, curvy, top heavy through to pear shaped.  The majority of women have at least one, but probably several, “trouble spots” on their body with which they feel frustrated.  Often, those trouble areas are found on the lower half of a woman’s body, primarily the legs, butt, hip and thigh areas.

So Why Do Women Get Discouraged And Then Give Up?

Along with some facts, there’s a whole lot of hype out there too with many women believing that because their body shapes are inherited they can’t really be changed.  The other bit of untruth out there is that unless you pay through the nose for an exclusive celebrity trainer, use the most state-of-the-art gym equipment or the attend the most expensive gym your lower body area will always be the most difficult and challenging to sculpt, tone, lift, reduce – or whatever your lower body goal is.

It’s no wonder that so many women resign themselves to having the body they were “given” and leave it at that, thinking no matter how unhappy they are with how they look, fit into their clothes and how they feel physically – they’re convinced nothing will work. This line of thinking is defeating and can ultimately affect every other area of their lives.

The way a woman sees herself in the mirror will affect how she feels about getting dressed, spending time with friends and family, forging new relationships, caring for her own family, being intimate with her spouse, and even deciding whether or not she will try something new just for fun.  Women for years, from celebrities, super models,  mothers, daughters, grandmothers, wives, teenagers have been burdening themselves with a thought process that says, “I’m unhappy, depressed or frustrated with my body”.

What Changes Do You Want to Make to Your Lower Body?

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do you have a great pair of jeans you want to wear, but can’t?
2. Would you like to look really sexy in a pair of jeans or dress?
3. Are the saddlebags on the sides of your hips ruining your self-image?
4. Do you want to be slimmer, healthier and stronger?
5. Do you have inner thighs that jiggle when you walk?
6. Can you feel your butt “following” you when you walk?
7. Do you hate the warm weather because that means swimsuit season has arrived?
8. Have you reached the point where you refuse to even put a swimsuit on and go out in public?
9. How long has it been since you’ve worn shorts and felt great about how your legs look?
10. Do you have a pear shaped body that is out of shape?
11. Would you like to diminish that ugly cellulite and those rolls of fat?
12. Do you have a flat butt, but want a curvy, shapely one?
13. Do you have pencil legs?  Do you want firm and shapely instead?
14. Do you have only a few items in your wardrobe that fit because you’re overweight?
15. Are you already thin and desire to be stronger?

Women everywhere just answered a resounding “yes!” to at least one of these questions!  Now, what do you do about it?

Let’s first lay some groundwork on a few things.

Thigh Cellulite – What Is It and Who Has It?

First of all, cellulite is not something that develops.  The term cellulite is used to describe the appearance of skin that is bumpy or dimpled.  Is it possible to be overweight and not have cellulite?  Or is it possible to be thin and have cellulite?  Absolutely.  The differences between women who have the appearance of cellulite and those who don’t are structural.  Lifestyle habits also affect whether or not you have cellulite.  Allow me to explain.

A woman who has cellulite on her hips, butt, and thighs has fat deposits in those areas that are unevenly distributed and therefore appear bumpy.  The muscles beneath the fat are not developed, so they are soft and droopy.  The tissue that connects the deepest layers of skin and the layers of fat toward the skin’s surface are loose, when they should be taut (tight).

Now, on the flip side, a woman without cellulite on her lower body has muscles that are developed and more toned.  The fat deposits under the skin are distributed more evenly, so the “cottage cheese” look isn’t present.  The connective tissue in this woman is tighter and therefore smoother, giving her skin an overall better appearance.

The habits of women who do NOT have cellulite usually include:

·         Consistent exercise
·         Healthy eating habits, including quality food choices
·         Proper hydration habits
·         Lower sodium intake
·         Proper levels of mineral intake
·         Non-smoker, less alcohol consumption

The habits of women who DO have cellulite seem to include:

·         No exercise or just improper exercise
·         Poor caloric intake
·         Lack of quality food choices
·         High sodium intake
·         Excessive alcohol intake
·         Smoker
·         Poor hydration habits overall

The good news is this:  Ladies, you have the ability to control these factors!  If you have cellulite already, it is possible to change those areas by adopting healthier habits.  If you don’t have cellulite, it’s entirely possible to avoid ever having it if you continue on the path of healthy eating and proper exercise.

Yours in fun, health and fitness
Mandy Gibbons
Virtual Fitness Trainer

© Mandy Gibbons, Virtual Fitness Trainer
Persons who are of good health, suspect of their health or are aware of any conditions, physical deficiencies or diseases should always consult a physician before undertaking any eating or exercise program. Mandy Gibbons, Virtual Fitness Trainer, www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com and www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com.au disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the above program or advice given in this article.