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Innocent Choga Fitness
Just what is this thing called cellulite that millions of people worldwide want to get rid of, but the majority have shrugged off, resigned and accepted it as part of life. Who has and who can get cellulite? Exercise and diet wars have been waged against cellulite, but, can cellulite be conquered without surgery? Cellulite cannot be called a problem because according to many experts it has no negative bearing on health. It is just that some people find it unsightly and many would like to get rid of it for cosmetic fitness purposes, particularly those whose jobs rely on their appearances. A good example would be models and actresses/actors, but they are not the only ones.
Before one can set out to eliminate cellulite, it is important to understand what it is and what causes it. I have heard and read so many theories about cellulite, some of them conflicting.
After talking to some fitness trainers I found out most young trainers, unlike the older trainers, were not fully aware of what I was talking about and they were not ready to give practical and experienced views.
Cellulite is said to come with age though even some young people have it. Usually it starts from middle age and it gets worse as we get older because of the softening of the tissues of the skin. Men are said to have thicker skin that is why they are less affected. Oestrogen is also said to inhibit maximum oxidisation of fat.
Some people view cellulite as a female thing, but according to experts 85 to 98 percent of women get cellulite and around 10 percent of men get it as well. Some experts attribute its presence to genetics, hormones, poor blood circulation, and bad diets, foods that are too rich, excessive alcohol intake and poor disposal of waste within the body’s system.
One of the theories is that cellulite comes about as a result of body fat that shoots through from underneath through fissures in the normal or usual layers of the skin (dermis and epidermis) thereby altering the skin structure. This newly formed structure renders the new fat layer inaccessible by the blood vessel receptors, thus making it difficult to eliminate.
I once had a conversation on this issue with Hellen Costa Sinclair and she indicated that it is possible to deal with cellulite.
She said once an individual developed these fat cells they are stuck with them, and the best they can do is to flatten or deplete the cells through a perfect diet and exercise. But once they get back to bad eating habits and inactive lifestyle the cellulite will creep back again as the fat cell fill up again.
Lifting weights can improve blood circulation. As the muscles build up, the affected area tightens up leaving a smoother appearance. Squats, leg presses and lunges are recommended as they effectively work the thighs and gluteus maxims, the areas that are mostly affected by cellulite.
Our guest this week is Mac Mukadam (54). Mukadam is a fitness enthusiast and he has been involved as an official in the body-building and fitness association for many years. He has sponsored many fitness events and he is well known as a health and fitness consultant.
Mac was born in Gweru and he grew up in Harare. His parents were born in Zimbabwe but he has roots in Yemen were his grandparents originated from. He says he once lived at a farm and Shona is his first language.
Mukadam is married to his very supportive wife Sadiyya. They have two daughters Lamese and Intisaar. He is a grandfather to three. Mukadam says he has been exercising all his life.
He says at school he took part in athletics and cross country marathons and he even donned the Mashonaland colours. At the University of Zimbabawe he started fitness and weight training. He studied for a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. He also has a degree in Herbal medicine which he attained through the India Institute of Medicine. He owns a health shop in Harare. The fourth of June this year marked the twenty second anniversary of opening the shop.
Mukadam says he could easily move to exclusive areas but he remains in town because his passion is in helping the ordinary individual and he gets satisfaction out of serving people in that area.
I first met him at Hercules gym about thirty four years ago. Mukadam’s physique has not change since I have known him. He says weighs 70 kilograms at a height of 5 feet and 6 inches. His weight does not change even now when he is fasting in the Holy Month of Ramadan.
He says he watches his diet carefully, since he has a mesomorph type of physique he is inclined to gain weight if he lets go. He still has a passion for running but also trains with weights. Mukadam also likes to use the sauna after workouts. Although he has never competed in fitness events he says he is just happy to be involved.
Makadam says cellulite is a lose type of fat that is made up of from fluids which are not filtered and passed out by major organs mainly the renal system. In other words it is waste in liquid form. It is very visible as bumps and dimples below the skin. Its most common locations are the gluteus maxims and the thighs.
According to Mac Mukadam cellulite can be found on individuals of different sizes. One can be big and firm without cellulite, but it is also common to find thin individuals with cellulite. But the extremely obese individuals usually have cellulite.
Being thin is not a license to eat anything because it does not automatically imply being lean. Such individuals can have unexpected body composition with high cholesterol levels despite the fact that they are thin. Thin individuals also need to eat well and exercise as well, since they can also be affected by diseases that are caused by cholesterol.
Mukadam also said some of the causes of cellulite can be incorrect diet, sugary and refined foods and inefficient bowel movement. For women it is mostly due to genetics as their DNA is more prone to cellulite accumulation particularly after child birth.
He says because of its watery or fluid nature cellulite is easy to lose through participation in any sport or physical activity that makes one sweat a lot.
Usually aerobic activities make us sweat profusely. He also encourages the moderate use of sauna and careful use of sweat suits. He says these can be dangerous but one has to be knowledgeable about rehydration and maintenance of electrolyte balance.
He also encourages the use of diuretic supplements such as green tea and buchu. He believes that because cellulite lies below the skin it is easy to lose. Its initial loss results in rapid weight loss in the first six to twelve weeks after embarking on a training and diet program depending on how much work one is putting into it. This is followed by a plateau after which weight loss is slower and gradual because one will now be dealing with body fat.
He does not believe that anti cellulite creams meant for topical applications are effective. He does not see the logic behind the process, how it can succeed without a sensible and effective diet and training program. He prescribes the principles of hard work and intelligent supplementation not short cuts.
Email: [email protected] Innocent Choga is a six time National Bodybuilding Champion with international experience. He is studying for a science degree in Physical Education and Sport.
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