How to Battle Cellulite and a Flabby Butt

The foods you eat and the exercise you do (or don't do, as the case may be) play an integral part in the formation of cellulite. But exercise is also important in keeping a fit and toned body. Here are a few poses you can do on your own time that may help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Blanket for your knees
• Yoga Matt
• Motivation
• Commitment

1. Use a body glove or a lufa on those areas most prone to cellulite.
2. Go for massages. Massages stimulate the blood for excellent circulation, preventing cellulite and diminishing appearances if practiced regularly.
3. A detoxify diet is a great way to start fighting cellulite. This means lots of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods. Sugar, starch, salt, animal fats are harder for the body to eliminate.
4. Drink plenty of water -- up to two liters a day -- to assist your body in getting rid of unwanted toxins and waste.
5. Knee to chest pose. Take a blanket and place on the floor or on a yoga matt, place it beneath your knees. Get into table top pose (on all fours) spread fingers out, arms straight. Make sure knees and thighs are hip with apart. Slowly begin knee to chest pose. Gently extend leg back, make sure it's bent. Bring your knee into your chest. Repeat this 3 times. switch and work your other leg. This works your gluteus, also helps cellulite on the sides of your butt and thighs.
6. Full forward bend pose. Standing with your feet a few inches apart. Relax shoulders. Slowly round your back. Allow gravity to gently pull your body down towards the floor. As you do this allow your arms to dangle, so that you are hanging there like a rag doll. relax. backs of legs are straight. feel the muscles in your butt stretch and pull with every breath.
7. Pigeon pose. Come onto all fours. Slide your right knee forward, rest on your right buttock, right side. Bend the left leg so that your foot leans towards the left side of your buttocks. Hold onto that foot with a strap or if you can reach, your hand. Feel the stretch. Relax shoulders and hold head straight.
8. Bow pose. Lie on your belly with your hands beside you, palms up. Bend your knees and bring your heels toward your buttocks. Reach back with your hands and take hold of your ankles. Knees should be hip width. Inhale and lift your heels away from your buttocks while simultaneously lifting your thighs from the floor. Push your tail bone down toward the floor, and relax your back. The weight of your body is on your abdomen. As you continue lifting your heels and thighs higher, squeeze your shoulder blades together. Make space between your shoulders and ears and look forward.
9. Locust Pose. Lie faced own with your head turned to the floor. Your arms should be alongside you with palms up. Rotate your hips inward and tighten your butt while keeping your legs together. Breath in....and than as you exhale, lift your head, chest, arms, and legs from the floor. Raise your arms so that they are now parallel to the floor as you squeeze your shoulder blades together.
10. Half moon pose. This pose is a bit difficult so be patient. It is a balancing pose. Standing with your legs apart as far as they can go. Turn your right foot out, left foot turns in a bit. Soften your right leg and place your left hand on the hip. Bend your right knee, and slide your left foot forward. Simultaneously, reach your right hand forward about a foot in front of the right foot. Begin to straighten your right leg while lifting your left leg parallel to the floor. Stack your hips, left on top of the right. Bear weight on your right leg and lift your ankle of the standing foot upward, flexing your foot. Reach your left arm toward the ceiling and open your chest. Your arms should form a straight line.

Tips & Warnings

• When it comes to cellulite, don't expect miracles. Combining good eating and exercise habits helps along with stress reduction and occasional spa treatments, smoother body skin can result.
• An increase in circulation through massage definitely provides an assist. Increased circulation also gives you a natural energy boost!