Is your cellulite getting worse with exercise?

Ugh. Cellulite. Yes, that unsightly, dimply-looking skin that everyone hates, yet so many of us deal with. To make matters worse, it is often on our thighs and buttocks. You work out hard, real hard. But is your cellulite getting worse with exercise? Many think so. In this article, I will share what causes cellulite and ways to reduce it with leading experts.

people, woman, Is your cellulite getting worse with exercise

Let’s get started.

From the Mayo Clinic, “Cellulite is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. The condition is most prevalent in women.

Many people try, with variable success, to improve the appearance of their skin through weight loss, exercise, massage, and creams marketed as a solution to cellulite.”[1]

From Healthline.com, “Cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat underneath the skin. Some women are more predisposed to it than others. The amount of cellulite you have and how noticeable it is can be based on your genes, body fat percentage, and age. The thickness of your skin also affects the appearance of cellulite.”[2]

Cellulite is just normal fat. It looks lumpy because it presses against connective tissue, resulting in the skin above it to pucker.

Whether you’re heavy or thin, you can get cellulite. Muscle tone can affect it, and very fit people sometimes have it. Hormonal factors and genetics both play a role. It might also be related to the thickness of your skin. Women are more likely to get it than men. It tends to form more as you get older.

Lifestyle factors may play a role. For example, cellulite may be related to:

  • Unhealthy diet
  • Fad dieting
  • Slow metabolism
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Dehydration
  • Total body fat (But at least one study showed that losing weight doesn’t change cellulite.)[3]

So, why is your cellulite getting worse with exercise?

As we talked about before, several factors impact why some people have cellulite and others don’t.

Genetics certainly plays a role. However, there is not much you can do about this so let’s focus our energy on the causes of cellulite which you can do something about.

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Poor Diet. You’ve probably heard the expression, “you can’t out-exercise a bad diet.” Yes, great bodies are made in the kitchen. This is especially true if you are no longer a teenager with a raging metabolism.

Regardless of how intense you work out, it is extremely easy to overeat and thus, eat more calories than you burn. Even marathon runners, who you would think could eat anything they wanted due to the nature of their activity, still have to carefully monitor what they eat to avoid excess weight gain.

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Exercise fires up your metabolism, as well as your post-workout appetite. Not only do athletic people still have to watch how much they eat, but also the quality of the food they consume.

Too much sugar. From Lipotherapeia, …“sugar is the number one cause of cellulite today and the increase of the appearance of cellulite in women in the mid-twentieth century has coincided with the increase in the consumption of various types of sugars, including sucrose (plain sugar), fructose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), etc.”[4]

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Doing the wrong type of exercise. There’s no way to prevent cellulite, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and it’s a very common condition. The risk increases with age and certain lifestyle factors.

While you can’t control your age, you can make some changes to your lifestyle that may help reduce the amount of cellulite on your thighs and buttocks, as well as other parts of your body. These changes can include things like starting a regular exercise program and a nutritious diet.

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When it comes to exercise, the most efficient or quickest way to reduce the appearance of cellulite is through strength training.

The use of free weights is a great way to build muscle strength and tighten the skin up around the thigh and buttocks areas. Free weights are easy to use and quite inexpensive for those who like to work out at home.

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Other products that can reduce the appearance of cellulite

Self-tanning lotions. Tanning gives you a darker hue, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. The reason for this phenomenon is darker skin conceals the skin’s texture more than lighter complexions.

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Here are some of our favorite self-tanning lotions:

Bestseller No. 1
Tanning Lotion Self Tanner - USA Made with Natural and Organic Ingredients Non Toxic Sunless Browning Lotion, Best Gradual Tanner for Men and Women, Streak-Free Fake Tan, Fair to Medium
  • A NATURAL, SUN-KISSED GLOW: Goodbye to orange hues and hello to a natural-looking tan. Our bronzing tanning lotion comes in fair to medium & medium to dark shades for all skin types.
  • CLEAN BEAUTY: Trust Beauty by Earth for a natural self tanner organic made with organic aloe vera, shea butter, and botanical extracts without any harmful additives or dyes.
  • SUITABLE FOR FACE & BODY: Our organic tanning lotion can be used on both face and body for a seamless, all-over tan. For acne-prone skin, use our tanner lotion for glowing skin.
SaleBestseller No. 2
Jergens Natural Glow +Firming Self Tanner Body Lotion, Fair to Medium Skin Tone, Sunless Tanning Moisturizer with Collagen and Elastin. Helps to Visibly Reduce Cellulite, 7.5 Fl Oz
  • SELF TANNER BODY LOTION - Create a flawless light bronze tan with gradual, natural-looking color while nourishing and hydrating dry and extra dry skin.
  • GRADUAL SUNLESS TANNING - Our Jergens Natural Glow & FIRMING moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color. Cruelty free
  • CELLULITE REMOVER - Infused with collagen, elastin, and green tea infusions, our fast-acting, anti cellulite formula will help reduce cellulite appearance within 7 days.
Bestseller No. 3
Jergens Natural Glow Self Tanner Body Lotion, Sunless Tanning, Medium to Deep Skin Tone, Daily Moisturizer with Coconut Oil, Vitamin E and Antioxidants 10 Oz
  • FLAWLESS SELF TANNER - Create a flawless tan for gradual, natural-looking color before, or after, the beach
  • SUNLESS LOTION TANNER - Our Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer will gradually enhance and deepen your natural skin tone to provide hassle-free, streak-free color
  • ACHIEVE HEALTHY-LOOKING SKIN - With antioxidants and Vitamin E, Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer features a blend of nutrients to boost moisturization for tan, healthier-looking skin

Cellulite creams. There are many anti-cellulite creams on the market, which reduce the appearance of cellulite by firming the skin as well as moisturizing it.

Here are some of our favorite anti-cellulite creams:

SaleBestseller No. 1
Advanced Clinicals Green Coffee Bean Thermo - Firming Body Lotion | Caffeine Infused Collagen Cream Moisturizer & Body Cream For Women, Stomach, Legs, & To Improve Look Of Textured Crepey Skin, 16 Oz
  • GREEN COFFEE BEAN OIL CREAM VISIBLY HYDRATES FOR FIRMER, SMOOTHER LOOKING SKIN – This Thermo-Firming moisturizing body lotion enhances skin’s hydration, helping to give a more plump looking and firmed appearance. Added hydration helps promote a smoother, lifted look, leaving skin visibly renewed. Ideal for women and men looking to enhance their body care skincare routine.
  • GREEN COFFEE BEAN BODY LOTION W/ COLLAGEN. CAFFEINE, & VITAMIN E TO REPLENISH SKIN MOISTURE FOR A MORE SCULPTED LOOKING APPEARANCE – Moisturizes and replenishes dry skin, contributing to visibly firmer, tighter, and smoother looking skin. This nourishing caffeine + collagen body moisturizer complex delivers rich hydration while supporting the skin for a refreshed appearance. Skin stays hydrated, looking smooth, and visibly firm.
  • HYDRATION FOR SOFT, SUPPLE SKIN – This velvety lotion cream formula delivers moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft. Rich like a body butter, but without a greasy finish. This Thermo-Firming moisturizing body lotion enhances skin’s hydration, helping to give a more plump looking & firmed appearance. This Collagen body cream is suitable for your everyday skincare beauty routine. Can be used all over body highlighting areas of concern like thighs, glutes, hips, arms, & tummy.
Bestseller No. 2
Caffeine Anti Cellulite Hot Cream, Body Sculpting Cellulite Workout Cream for Women & Men , Anti-Cellulite Remover Creams, Natural Sweat Workout Enhancer, Thighs Belly Butt Firming Legs Slimming Cream
  • GET HEALTHY SLIM - Enjoy perfectly smooth skin and vital shapes with VIOFAIRY Naturals Anti-Cellulite cream! Made with unique slimming formula, this product works like skin tightening cream quickly firming body in problem areas. Get the shape of your dream with ease and restore your confidence!
  • BEAUTIFUL FORMS WITH LESS EFFORTS -Supports and promotes motivation and sweat. Make every visit to gym worth it! VIOFAIRY Naturals ultimate formula eliminates cellulite completely by breaking down fat cells in hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Kick early and stubborn cellulite.
  • Caffeine Cellulite Cream - VIOFAIRY hot cream is developed to firm and improve the overall quality of problem skin areas, contributing to the disappearance of visible signs of cellulite. Our skin tightening cream with caffeine stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, smoothing skin.
SaleBestseller No. 3
EVELINE COSMETICS Slim Extreme 4D Body Modelling & Lifting Serums & Creams
  • Stimulates faster burning of subcutaneous fat tissue
  • Eliminates cellulite swelling and heavy legs feeling. Gradual release mechanism through the night, ensures spectacular firming and smoothing skin surface effect
  • NIGHT LIPO SHOCK THERAPY is an advanced product for intensive slimming and firming therapy. It's recommended for use during dieting, increased physical activity, and as supplementation of daily anti-cellulite treatment

Anti-cellulite massagers. These massagers work by naturally drawing the toxins from your deep tissue using utility and eliminating the fluid retention and creating the sculpting, contouring effect. 

Bestseller No. 1
Anti Cellulite Bluile Massager - Handheld Electric Anti-Cellulite Cavitation Contouring Body Sculpting Machine - Rechargeable Cordless Fat Vacuum Suction Remover Shaping Massage Toner Device
  • All-in-One Anti Cellulite Wellness: Equipped with natural Bian stones, eight steel balls, and a soothing heat mode, the InsurMedic Handheld Bluile Cellulite Massager provides relief from muscle pain and soreness. It relaxes muscles, improves blood circulation, and features a gentle, pain-free suction function for comfortable and soothing relief.
  • 12 Suction and Heat Levels for Ultimate Comfort: Elevate your self-care routine with 12 adjustable suction and heat settings tailored to your needs! The InsurMedic Handheld Anti Cellulite Bluile Cellulite Massager helps you find the perfect combination for body relaxation every time. Whether you prefer a gentle unwind or an intense treatment, this versatile massager adapts to deliver a personalized experience that relaxes your body and soothes your mind.
  • Instant Relief with One Touch: With a single press, activate soothing relief tailored just for you. Effortlessly switch it on, select your intensity, and enjoy a customized massage experience wherever you are. This convenient one-touch design brings relaxation right to your fingertips, making it easy to unwind anytime, anywhere.
Bestseller No. 2
Yuonry Lymphatic Drainage Massager & Anti Cellulite Massage Tool, Helps Reduce Stretch Marks & Cellulite, for Legs, Arms & Belly, Body Sculpting Machine with Microcurrent, Light, Heat & Vibration
  • Advanced Lymphatic Drainage & Detox Massage – Reduce Swelling & Water Retention: This lymphatic drainage massager uses multi-needle precision massage and Bioelectric SoothingPulse to deeply boost lymphatic flow, helping reduce swelling, water retention, and bloating. The enhanced detox process promotes better circulation, leaving your body feeling lighter, sculpted, and energized.
  • Anti-Cellulite Technology – Smooth & Tighten Your Skin: This cellulite massager combines light, heat, vibration, and SoothingPulse to target stubborn cellulite & stretch marks. It boosts circulation, enhances collagen production, and improves skin elasticity, leaving you with firmer, more toned, and smoother skin. Ideal for legs, arms, stomach, thighs & waist.
  • Full-Body Use – Target Cellulite & Fascia Release: Designed as a fascia blaster for cellulite, this device provides deep tissue massage for legs, arms, stomach, back, and thighs. If you need a lymphatic drainage tool, it seamlessly integrates into your beauty and wellness routine, enhancing circulation, muscle relaxation, and skin toning.
SaleBestseller No. 3
TESMED Cellulite Manual Massager : Made in Italy, Patented with Converging & Diverging Roller Technology. Anti Cellulite Roller for Thighs and Buttocks
  • 💡 Manual anti-cellulite massager – Non-electric cellulite remover for thighs, glutes, and legs: No batteries or motor — the intensity and pressure are entirely under your control. Use with slow upward and downward strokes to stimulate the skin and help improve its appearance.
  • 🔬 International patented triple-action system: Unlike many look-alike cellulite removers with simple parallel rollers that barely affect the skin, this device features a unique system of converging rollers that lift and firmly squeeze the skin, followed by diverging rollers that stretch and smooth it. If the rollers were parallel, they would have little or no real effect.
  • 🩺 Medical device – Made in Italy: Independently evaluated before market launch. Instrumental tests showed measurable improvements in skin firmness, smoothness, elasticity, and a reduction in thigh circumference after 2–4 weeks of regular use.* Individual results may vary.

References

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cellulite/symptoms-causes/syc-20354945

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/cellulite

[3] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/get-rid-of-cellulite#1

[4] https://www.lipotherapeia.com/the-peach-factor-blog/sugar-and-cellulite

Last update on 2025-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API



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