Reader Q&A: What Can I Do to Reduce Cellulite?

Please tell me the truth once and for all: Is there any exercise that will help reduce cellulite? -- Rachel G.

For the answer to this week's reader question, we turned to Ashley Borden, a celebrity fitness and lifestyle consultant. Here's her take on reducing cellulite...

"I would say there are things you can do to improve it," says Borden. "Myofascia release -- or as i call it 'rolling out' -- helps eliminate the appearance of it because it breaks up the tissue."

What exactly is myofascia release? On his website, Dr. Ben Kim explains: "The goal with myofascia release is to promote healthy superficial fascia, which is a layer of connective tissue that lies between your skin and your muscles. Over time, sub-optimal food choices, lack of optimal rest and activity, and emotional stress can contribute to a buildup of metabolic waste throughout your body's superficial fascia. When this happens, your superficial fascia can develop restrictions that impede proper flow of nutrients and waste products between your skin, fascia and muscles."

Myofascia release can be achieved via massage but when Borden refers to "rolling" she's talking about a technique where you use your own body weight to roll on a foam cylinder. The pressure -- a sort of self-massage -- helps to restore the "flow" that Dr. Kim referred to.

If that sounds too 'hippy dippy,' Borden says, "old school strength and cardio work is still great -- any time you build muscle it keeps your metabolic rate higher and burns fat."

She explains: "When you do cardio for longer than 20 minutes in your target heart rate zone your body burns body fat efficiently. Invest in a heart rate monitor ASAP, it will change your life. Most people don't know where they are working when it comes to their effort threshold."

And, if you're looking for a quick-fix solution in a jar, take a look at this list of creams that actually work or save yourself a bundle and apply a self-tanner. Often times when it comes to cellulite dimples, camouflage is the best plan of attack.

Psst...before you apply that self-tanner, get your skin as smooth as possible by following these expert skin care tips.