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Fact or Myth: Can Using a Foam Roller for Cellulite Work?
If you have cellulite–you know, that lumpy, bumpy flesh typically found on the your upper legs, tummy, and booty–then you know the struggle is real with getting it to go away. It can seem like no amount of dieting, sweat-a-thons, or praying to the heavenly figure of your choice can make the annoying cottage cheese-like look disappear. Still, that doesn’t stop “magic potions” from marketing amazing results. Cellulite creams, body wraps, supplements–you name it, it’s out there. And if you’ve been desperate enough, you may have even tried them. While products and gimmicks that seem too good to be true typically are, we were intrigued by whether or not using a foam roller for cellulite could actually work.
Why? Well, first, foam rollers are something that while not very expensive are a good investment in general. The long and cylinder-shaped foam apparatus is great for rolling out muscles before and after workouts, speeding up recovery time of sore muscles and helping to increase flexibility, mobility, and strength. Since it would be good for everyone to have a foam roller (even just access to one at your gym), we figured you’re not throwing your money away on something that might just end up in the trash.
One of the main benefits of foam rolling is to increase circulation to muscles, which allows in beneficial nutrients and pushes out waste, leading to better cellular function. So if circulation is part of the cellulite problem, then it seems obvious that a foam roller could be the solution.
Will Using a Foam Roller for Cellulite Reduction Actually Work?
Can a foam roller work on cellulite when you’re not loving the orange-peel look on your legs?
Instead the Mayo Clinic says the most effective ways shown to reduce or eliminate those darn dimples is through liposuction or laser and radio-frequency systems, which combine tissue massage, radio-frequency technology and infrared light. For a topical treatment, a 0.3 percent retinol cream was noted to have improved the appearance of cellulite after six months of twice daily applications.
Bottom line: Can you foam roll your way to saying “so long” to cellulite forever? Not likely. However, since there are many health and exercise benefits to rolling out the areas that take on the classic “orange peel” texture, it doesn’t seem as though it can really hurt either. Either way, keep on rolling and your body will be better for it.
What’s your favorite foam roller move to do? Share with others in the comments!