By for Completely You
What’s your biggest body gripe?
A. Cellulite — it’s everywhere!
B. I wish my belly were flatter
C. My butt is flat and saggy
Your Diagnosis:
Fitness and wellness expert David Kirsch, whose clients include Heidi Klum, Kerry Washington and Kate Upton, shows you how to banish bothersome trouble spots — or at least make them look better.
A. Cellulite — it’s everywhere!
When fat beneath the skin pushes through crisscrossing bands of connective tissue, the result is not-so-cute dimples. Toning your muscles tightens the area and reduces fat so cellulite is less visible. Target dimpled skin with strength training exercises for those spots at least three times a week along with aerobic activity to shed fat. (Eating a healthy diet helps, too.) Antioxidant-rich green tea helps speed up your metabolism, helping your body process and remove toxins faster which makes cellulite less visible in the long- and short-term. Lastly, whether you do it yourself or make an appointment, giving cellulite-covered areas a vigorous, daily massage, in addition to working out, will help you see smoother skin.
B. I wish my belly were flatter
Avoid alcohol, bread or processed carbs, and drink plenty of water to flush out your body. Eat water-based foods like cucumbers or asparagus, which can act as natural diuretics, and lean protein — like fish, chicken, egg whites — to keep you full. Some people also swear that eliminating dairy prevents bloating. Along with a healthy diet, two exercises can help flatten your stomach by engaging and strengthening it.
Planks:
Double Crunches (15-20 reps):
C. My butt is flat and saggy
These exercises work quickly to give your butt a lift.
Plie Squats (15-20 reps):
These get your inner thighs working and are a full-scale assault on your lower butt.
Platypus Walk (15-20 reps):
You’re not going to look pretty, but the result is hot stuff!