Cellulite is a kind of fat tissue just below the surface of the skin. This layer of skin contains bands of connecting tissue that have many fat cells and is surrounded by a liquid that nourishes it and provides an effective waste system. The waste products should be removed, however, because when toxins are trapped in the skin, this connective tissue thickens and gives the dimpling effect of cellulite. This layer also thickens as we age, which can produce the rippling effect of cellulite too.

There is a difference between cellulite and fat, though, in that fat insulates the body and cushions the organs, nerves, and muscles. Cellulite, on the other hand, provides no padding and only occurs in certain areas on the body, such as the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts.

Cellulite is not necessarily a factor of bodyweight. You don't have to be overweight to have cellulite. Though diet and lifestyle affect cellulite formation, a large part of cellulite is comprised of toxins and fat that build up in the body and can affect women of any size, weight, and body structure.

Usually, cellulite can be attributed to a combination of factors and isn't usually caused by just one. Below are the most common:

Genetics: does your mother or grandmother suffer from this condition?

Lack of exercise: by following a strength training and cardiovascular program, you'll be able to lower your bodyf at as well as increase muscle tone, both of which can reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Diet: poor eating habits (including the excess consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods) can contribute to the formation of cellulite because the toxins they produce get trapped in the fatty tissue.

Insufficient water intake: water helps flush excess toxins from the body. Aim for at least 12 cups of water per day.

Birth control pill: this is because the body's waste system can't get rid of the enormous flow of estrogen in the body.

Smoking: you don't need me to tell you the evils of smoking, but perhaps you didn't know it can also contribute to cellulite formation. Smoking can weaken the skin due to the constriction of capillaries and damage the connective tissue that causes the dimpling effect of cellulite.

Stress: stress can cause muscles to seize up with tension while also causing the connective tissue that covers that muscle to seize up. Tension also blocks the tissue, preventing proper waste elimination and purification.

Now you know how cellulite is caused and what cellulite is - Can you get rid of cellulite?
The only surefire way of reducing the appearance of cellulite is through consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of water to flush out the toxins.

Don't just rely on long, "slow-and-go" types of cardiovascular exercise alone to get rid of the cellulite. You'll have to incorporate some strength training into your workouts too to increase the muscle tone and also decrease body fat. Many women want to reduce body fat but also firm up their problem areas - becoming leaner and firmer - weight-training will help to re-shape your body by adding nice, lean, toned muscle tissue to the places you want to firm up.

A program that targets the lower body may be ideal for you. For instance, you could do lower body strength training twice per week but incorporate different exercises on both days.