Shapewear

Plastic surgery seems to suffer a bit of an image problem. Often called cosmetic surgery, because it is used to improve a patient’s appearance in some way, most people associate it with nose jobs, facelifts and tummy tucks.  But not so many people know the other common name for plastic surgery: reconstructive surgery. Burn patients, those who have had tumours removed and people who suffer severe facial injuries depend on plastic surgery to improve their condition as well as appearance. Regardless of whether the surgery was for an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or to repair scar tissue from a burn or surgical procedure, compression leggings are ideal for post plastic surgery recovery.  3 Benefits of Compression Leggings for Plastic Surgery Recovery Times Compression leggings, like Mass & Slim’s Active Slim Compression Leggings, offer one big benefit for post-op patients. They help speed up recovery times. But that’s just the first of many benefits of compression wear. Before we begin, it's important that patients consult with and follow the advice of their plastic surgeon for all aspects of their post-op care.   Reduces the Risk of Seroma - Seroma is the collection of fluid in a pocket under the skin after surgery. By exerting gentle pressure on the entire area, compression garments reduce the chance of the pockets forming and collecting fluid. Improves Circulation - Your blood and lymph fluids bring oxygen and nutrients to the affected area to help it heal, and they remove toxins and inflammation-causing agents that can make recovery less comfortable. Compression leggings promote blood and lymph flow. Better Body Contouring - While cosmetic surgeons are skilled at proportionally contouring the area, they have no control over what happens after you leave the medical center. Contour issues can emerge and, if everything isn’t held in place by compression wear, the issue might heal that way and be permanent. You can learn more about the benefits of compression wear by reading our article “4 Reasons Why You Should Wear Compression Leggings”.

In your search for answers for reducing the appearance of your cellulite, you’re probably tired of reading headlines like “foods to eat to get rid of cellulite”, or “X exercises to blast away cellulite”. If so, even the headline of this article might make you a little suspicious. For the record, this post is written with the following truths in mind. There is nothing wrong with having cellulite. You can never get rid of cellulite. There are no particular foods or exercises that will zero-in on reducing the appearance of your cellulite.  But all that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about your cellulite.  The Best Things You Can Do to Reduce Cellulite The following guidelines will help you set the stage for cellulite reduction. Get the Right Mindset - Cellulite is a physical thing, but it can cause serious emotional issues. Instead of looking for fast, “get rid of” solutions, prepare yourself mentally for two things. One, your cellulite is not worth the effect it has on your life so stop beating yourself up about it. Two, you can take action. Eat Healthily - Starting with a balanced diet, the more healthy food you eat, the better. Extra weight can make your cellulite more pronounced. Eating a healthy, balanced diet, or, perhaps more importantly, avoiding unhealthy, processed foods, is a great first step to reducing the skin dimpling you hate so much. Not to mention all the other health benefits of healthy, nutritious food. Get Active in Any Way You Can - It would help if you found a personal trainer and went to the gym three or four times a week. But, if that’s just not you (and it isn’t most people) don’t let that stop you from doing something. Try to find a way to get regular activity. If you can’t bring yourself to walk, jog or ride a bike, see if there’s an activity at the local community centre that appeals to you. Try yoga. Park further away from the mall entrance. Anything that involves more movement.Even if the idea of any extra activity triggers your anxiety, there are still things you can do. Anti-cellulite compression shapewear like Active Slim Compression Leggings, is clinically proven to decrease the appearance of cellulite and its comfortable enough to wear all day.  To learn more about compression wear, check out our article “Using Compression Wear for Weight Loss”.

We all want to get the most from every workout because we see the amazing difference they can make to our fitness, health, and even how we look. If that even partially describes your workout goals, then you must ask yourself one thing. Why am I working out in regular shorts when I could be swapping shorts for compression pants?  5 Benefits of Swapping Shorts for Compression Tights During Your Workout  Wearing compression clothing during your workouts, including The Black Purple’s Secret Slim Compression Shorts and Active Slim Compression Leggings, helps you improve your workout in the following ways. Reduces Muscle Fatigue - You know you’ve had a good workout when you just couldn’t do another move. But what if you could? Compression gear helps to increase blood flow and circulation, which helps reduce the lactic acid build up that causes muscle fatigue and soreness. Reduces the Risk of Stress and/or Strain - You know what it feels like when you go a little too far with a move, or for a little too long. Wearing compression garments keeps your muscles and tendons in the right place, which helps reduce strains and other injuries. Faster Recovery - When you can’t help but take some time off due to an injury or sprain, you can’t wait to get back at it. Compression wear also improves lymph flow, which gets rid of the impurities that cause the debilitating soreness that’s keeping you out of action.  More Oxygen in Your Blood - Your muscles run on oxygen. By improving your circulation, compression wear helps increase how much oxygen your blood delivers to your muscles, which helps you work out longer and harder. You Look Great - Yes, we know this isn’t what your workout is about. But it doesn’t hurt! Compared to regular gym shorts and common leggings, compression shorts and leggings give the body parts they support a flattering shape. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about three benefits of compression during pregnancy.

If you love the comfort and versatility of wearing leggings, it's time to turn it up a notch. When you wear compression leggings, you don't just get the look and feel you want, you’ll get a lot more things you’ll love.  Why You Should Wear Compression Leggings Leggings are great. Compression leggings are better. Here’s why.  They Were Developed for the Medical Benefits of Compression - Among other applications, compression clothing is used in the medical field to help those with low blood pressure and/or poor blood circulation following surgical procedures. They Can Help You Be More Active - Compression leggings apply pressure to your legs that support muscles to reduce muscle soreness and fatigue. When you add the fact that some compression leggings, including Mass & Slim’s Active Slim Compression Leggings, are comfortable enough to wear all day, it means you can be more active throughout the day.Compression wear has been shown to boost your post-exercise or post-workout muscle recovery so you can get back at it sooner. Many athletes wear compression garments for improved athletic performance. An Instant Slimming Effect - If there’s one downside to regular leggings, it’s that they are not always flattering. But compression wear helps to add shape and dimension from the moment you put them on. Cellulite Reduction - In addition to the support you get from compression wear, the Active Slim Compression Leggings also exert a massaging action on your skin. That helps further improve lymph and blood flow, which, in turn, can bring strengthening nutrients to your skin that can reduce the appearance of cellulite. They have also been shown in independent clinical trials to reduce the circumference of target body parts, including hips and thighs. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article “3 Benefits of Compression During Pregnancy”.

To get a really quick idea about what happens to your skin when you don’t drink enough water, think about a prune sitting beside a plum. When you see them together, it’s difficult to believe that the prune used to be a plum.  In a way, a prune is a plum that didn’t get enough water! Plums are about 87% water. While the human body is at only 60%, it’s still mostly water. So if you don't maintain those levels, it can affect your body in many ways. And its effects on your skin can be seen by everyone. This is Your Skin When It’s Dehydrated At 64%, your skin has a higher percentage of water than your overall body, so it benefits from proper hydration that much more. And it shows the symptoms of dehydration that much more too. Makes Your Cellulite More Visible - Without enough water, your skin can show more cellulite for two reasons. First, lack of water makes your skin weaker and less elastic, which means it will dimple easier. Second, less water means less support for your skin from below, which also increases the appearance of cellulite. More Wrinkles Appear - There are no wrinkles on a plum! IN addition to the extra elasticity that water gives your skin, it also helps plump, or “fill up” your skin’s cells to reduce wrinkling. Increased Complexion Complications - Water helps reduce conditions like acne, eczema and psoriasis not just due to its effects on the skin, but also by maintaining your skin’s pH balance and by flushing toxins from your body. You’ll Be More Itchy - Water moisturizes dry skin to reduce flakiness and the itching it can cause, including dry scalp and dandruff. Even if you drink more water and reduce the appearance of your cellulite, you still may not be happy with it. That’s when you need to instant benefits of shapewear like Mass & Slim’s anti-cellulite leggings, which add flattering shape and support the moment you put them on.   If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article “Is Bone Broth a Cellulite Fighter?”.

In the midst of all the hype, magic cures, lotions that melt away cellulite and whatever other empty promises are being made, we promise that the methods listed below to help reduce the appearance of cellulite will be customized for each person who reads this post. Bet you’ve never read another “reduce cellulite” post with that claim before! So let’s get to the tips.  Use These Tips for Your Very Own Personalized Approach to Cellulite Reduction Like anything else, the effort you make will be reflected in the results you get. Increase Your Physical Activity - Wait. What? How is that personalized to you?! But hear us out. First, don’t follow any specific exercise program, especially those that make claims like “blast your belly fat”. Of course, increased activity burns more calories, which can reduce the fat deposits under your skin that form your cellulite. But few of us like sticking to most exercise programs because, sure enough, one or more of the exercises or activities will be difficult for us to do - or we might just not like doing them. Instead, create your own exercise program. Find exercises that you’re comfortable with. Put a few of them into your personal program, and you’ll be more likely to stick to a routine. Eat a Healthier Diet - You’re catching on to what we’re doing here, right?! It's always tough to give up all the delicious foods that are bad for us. So don’t. Start with just one, and find a healthy substitute that you love almost as much. Have you ever tried carrots and hummus? Bet you can’t eat just one! If you substituted your TV-time snack of 200 grams of potato chips for 200 grams of carrots and hummus, you will reduce your calorie intake by 800 calories! (200 grams of chips = 1,072 calories) (200 grams of hummus and carrots = 207 calories - and not to mention all the great vitamins and minerals!). Find something healthy that you like to eat and start eating better from there.  Be Good to Yourself - Yes, do it. You deserve it. Just start being kinder to yourself in some small way. Treat yourself to anti-cellulite shapewear, like Mass & Slim Shapewear Leggings, that give you flattering shape every time you put them on. Celebrate every single win. Lost a pound today? Fabulous!Or try this, if you hear the negative talk starting up in your head, especially about your body, become more mindful of it and ask yourself, “would I talk to anyone else that way?”. Let the answer be your guide to how you talk to yourself. More self-respect will help you focus and have a more realistic attitude about your cellulite, and how to reduce it. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how to make coffee scrub for cellulite.

How would you feel if someone posted a photo of you, one that shows your cellulite, on all the most popular websites around the web? Even your Mom can’t miss it.  To say you, or anyone, would be mortified is an understatement. But the times are changing and the body positivity movement is pushing us to embrace the bodies that we’re born with. Today, if you posted a photo of yourself baring your cellulite for all the world to see, that would be #celluLIT!  What is #celluLIT? We’ve written more than once about Ashley Graham and her efforts to support the body positive movement by posting unfiltered images of herself, cellulite and all. While some other celebrities took up the torch, it’s not like images of anyone sporting their cellulite started trending on social media, or anywhere else for that matter. But Demi Lovato may have found a way to change all that. As anyone who uses it knows, social media posts go nowhere unless they are tagged with a generous number of hashtags, which can represent the content of the post and/or a trending topic or meme.  In a recent Instagram post to her 74.2 million followers, Lovato stood backing the camera in a leopard print bikini. She wrote “this is my biggest fear. A photo of me in a bikini unedited. And guess what, it’s CELLULIT!!!!” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) on Sep 5, 2019 at 5:30pm PDT   Lovato ended the post with a recently trending hashtag: #celluLIT.  Media coverage of the post credited Lovato with being an inspiration to her fans. And that isn’t fake news. As of this writing, the post has been “liked” 9.3 million times (keeping in mind that each IG account can only “like” a post once), and its drawn 317,000 overwhelmingly positive comments. But perhaps best of all, there have been over 25,000 posts to Instagram using the #celluLIT hashtag. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Carrie Dayton (@daytoncarrie) on Sep 26, 2019 at 6:30pm PDT   Whether or not you’ll ever join the #celluLIT trend, celebrating your cellulite doesn’t mean you can’t wear shape-flattering clothing when you want to. Our Secret Slim Compression Shorts not only add instant shape the moment you slip them on, but they are clinically-proven to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and reduce inches in targeted areas of your body. The gentle compression helps with blood and lymph fluid flow to help the body get rid of excess fluid and toxins. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article “Is Bone Broth a Cellulite Fighter?”.

Symptoms of lymphedema can range from mild to severe. Any prolonged swelling in affected areas, usually the arms or legs may be signs of lymphedema. Other symptoms can include a heavy and/or tight feeling, reduced range of motion, pain or discomfort, chronic infections and, perhaps most seriously, lymphangiosarcoma, which is a rare form of cancer that can result from severe, untreated lymphedema. The areas affected by lymphedema can add to the symptoms you suffer. For example, lymphedema in one of both of your legs can make it difficult to walk or even get out of a chair. How Compression Leggings Treat Lymphedema Symptoms  Compression leggings, including Mass & Slim’s Active Slim Sports Leggings, are a recognized way to treat many symptoms of lymphedema. Reduce Swelling - Damage to your lymph nodes or lymph vessels, often a result of cancer surgery or radiation, is a primary cause of lymphedema. The damage restricts or blocks the flow of lymph fluids. They build up in the affected area(s) and produce the swelling. Compression leggings can help stop additional fluids from contributing to the swelling and contribute to conditions that can reduce existing swelling. Provide Extended Treatment - Many medical-grade compression garments exert levels of compression that can reduce physical activity. They are often not able to be worn all day. But compression leggings, with milder levels of compression, can offer relief throughout the day, including whenever medical-grade garments are too restrictive or uncomfortable. Offer Support - Many of Lymphedema’s symptoms, including the heavy feeling, aching and discomfort, are exacerbated by the weight of the fluid. In addition to lowering the build-up, compression leggings support the leg to better manage the added weight. If you found this article helpful, check out our recent post about using compression wear for weight loss.

There have been many amazing advances in surgical procedures. In many cases, surgery can be completed without major incisions. Still, almost every surgical procedure brings with it the risk of postoperative pain, swelling and bruising.  It’s a lot to deal with in addition to all the other circumstances and symptoms of your surgery. But there’s some good news. If you can reduce post-surgery swelling, it can help you reduce inflammation, pain, bruising and even speed-up wound healing and the recovery process too.   Use RICE to Reduce Post-Surgery Swelling Before you ask someone to visit the bulk grocery store, R.I.C.E stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Your post-surgical care may include doctor-prescribed pain medication, dietary guidelines and physiotherapy. But RICE is also often prescribed by doctors to reduce swelling and it's something you can do to help your own recovery. Always check with your doctor before doing any post-op treatment. Here’s how RICE can work to reduce swelling due to almost all types of abdominal, arm and leg surgery. Rest - Your doctor will give you instructions about how to limit your activity to reduce the chance of complications after your surgery. It is crucial that you follow them even if they seem minor or you feel better. If you don’t, you risk suffering prolonged issues, such as infection, tearing or excessive bleeding. Ice - Applying an ice pack on the affected areas can reduce swelling, pain and inflammation by narrowing blood vessels and reducing the leakage of the fluids that cause swelling. Compression - Wearing compression garments, including Mass & Slim’s Active Slim Sports Leggings, helps reduce swelling by keeping fluids from building up in the affected area and promotes healing lymph and blood flow. Elevate - Elevating your leg or arm above the level of your heart while you’re lying down reduces swelling (sometimes known as lymphedema) by helping fluids drain from the area. If you found this post helpful, check out our recent article about how to treat lymphedema at home.  

You’re carrying a lot of added weight. You’re going through something you’ve never experienced before and you’re “eating for two”. You need all the support you can get. And getting the physical support you need throughout the day is the main benefit of compression during pregnancy. The Benefits of Compression Wear During Pregnancy Compression wear can provide “emotional” support too. Expectant women can get down simply because of the added difficulty of doing just about anything, and the pain that can result. Here’s how compression wear, including graduated compression socks, sleeves and shapewear, can help you get through the day and feel better about it. Help for Your Legs - Considering they are carrying all that extra weight, your legs are under increased pressure. That can affect blood circulation, cause blood clots, and trigger venous conditions like spider veins and varicose veins during pregnancy. Not to mention the leg pain that can go with them. But by wearing compression stockings and/or compression socks, you can increase blood volume to affected areas, improve blood flow and prevent blood clots and issues with your venous system. Reduce Pelvic and Back Pain - Your legs aren't the only thing under pressure. Your back must stabilize the extra weight whether you are sitting or standing. And your pelvis has to support it all. But shapewear, including Mass & Slim Secret Shapewear Shorts, can take some of the workload from your back and pelvis and reduce the pain. Supportive Compression - Shapewear also helps keep everything in place. It supports your baby bump throughout the day to minimize the discomfort you feel from movement and physical activity.  If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how to manage restless legs when pregnant. 

No one really knows the mental and physical challenges of cancer treatment until they experience it for themselves. As if the fear, pain and disruption to your life are not enough, many people suffer lymphedema, or swelling in the arms and/or legs following cancer treatments. Fortunately, wearing lymphedema compression stockings and other compression wear can help improve your circulation. which in turn helps reduce the swelling.   Compression Wear Helps to Improve Circulation  Lymphedema is most often caused when your lymph nodes are removed or damaged during cancer surgery or radiation treatment. The result is that your lymphatic system becomes blocked and lymph fluid can't drain properly. The buildup of fluid makes your legs and/or arms swell. No known cure for lymphedema exists. But there are steps you can take to reduce the swelling. In addition to treatments like keeping your arm or leg as active as possible and manual lymph drainage massage, wearing compression garments like a compression stocking on your leg, or compression sleeve on your arm, can help reduce lymphedema’s symptoms. Compression wear improves circulation by keeping lymph fluids away from the areas of your body where they build up and cause swelling. But some people who use compression stockings and sleeves have reported that they are uncomfortable and can restrict physical activity. Other compression wear options exist, including Mass and Slim anti-cellulite leggings that are comfortable to wear all day and allow a full range of motion. Even better, Mass and Slim leggings deliver other benefits, including a constant massaging action as you wear them to help improve blood flow and add shape to your thighs and hips. If you liked this post, check out our recent article about using compression wear for lymphedema.

Celebrities are guzzling it. Nutritionists are recommending it. And its list of potential benefits is long and getting longer. But is bone broth a cellulite treatment too? Before we go any further, we want to make it clear that there is no evidence that bone broth gets rid of cellulite. But many advocates have reported that it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. What is Bone Broth & What Are Its Benefits? Bone broth is made by boiling the roasted bones and connective tissue of animals. Chicken bones and beef bones are most popular. The lengthy boiling process draws out gelatin and minerals from the bones and bone marrow into the broth. You can add bone broth to your diet by adding it to beverages or in cooking recipes. The following are among the health benefits of bone broth that proponents claim you can enjoy. High in Nutrition - Including vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Protects Joints - The gelatin in bone broth has been linked to increased collagen production, which helps protect your joints. The broth itself may also contain collagen from the bones. Improves the Appearance of Skin - This is where the benefits for cellulite reduction come in. It's thought that collagen-rich bone broth strengthens the connective tissue under your skin. It’s a lack of connective tissue, or weak connective tissues, which is often blamed for the orange-peel appearance of cellulite. Helps Digestion - Bone broth may help reduce inflammation and promote a healthy gut, which ultimately helps you digest your food better. But is it a Cellulite Buster? The idea that drinking bone broth reduces the appearance of cellulite is based on unscientific evidence from two areas. First, many bone broth users have reported that they’ve seen a visible reduction in their cellulite. Second, the collagen in the bone broth may trigger the production of elastin, which helps improve the strength and appearance of the skin.  To date, unlike for Mass & Slim’s anti-cellulite shapewear, there are no independent clinical studies that show bone broth reduces the appearance of cellulite. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about celebrities with cellulite and stretch marks who embrace their bodies.

We’ve told you before about plus-size fashion model Ashley Graham and the high profile she’s brought to the body-positive movement. But, considering it’s summer, or as some of us call it, “the season of strategically hiding our cellulite”, we thought we’d look once again to Ashley for inspiration. In case you’re not familiar with Ashley Graham, she took the fashion industry and social media by storm a few years ago for unashamedly posting Instagram images of her cellulite, and her support for body positivity. Along the way, she has graced the cover of just about every major fashion magazine and the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue, appeared in advertising campaigns for Levi’s jeans and on TV talk shows including The Tonight Show, The Late Late Show and Entertainment Tonight. The body positivity movement promotes the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, appearance, or that pesky cellulite! Here’s What Ashley Graham Says About Cellulite  These are just a few quotes from Ashley that we think helps underline her healthy attitude towards her cellulite. An attitude that most of us could benefit from. 1. About how she got the Sports Illustrated cover:  Source "I started to claim confidence in my cellulite and my back fat and my cellulite on my arms. That's how you get on the cover of Sports Illustrated. 2. About being unapologetic for her body:  “I have cellulite. I have back fat. I've got a thick stomach. But I work my body like I don't because I don't know any other body. I don't know how to feel thin. I just know how to feel like Ashley.” Source 3. About not letting cellulite affect her outlook: "My mom is the most positive person. She has always had a smile on her face no matter what came her way. After seeing that, I'm not going to let a little cellulite get in the way of my happiness!” Source We hope you get inspiration from Ashley Graham to be more comfortable with who you are. If that includes occasionally sporting a more shapely figure, anti-cellulite shapewear gives it to you from the moment you put it on. If you enjoyed this article, check out our recent post “Why Do I Have Cellulite on My Stomach?.     Featured image source.

In a way, wearing compression tights for poor circulation might not sound like it makes sense. If you have poor blood circulation, how can “compressing” things help you increase blood flow?The answer lies in the causes of poor circulation and the type of compression that you get from compression garments.   The Causes of Poor Circulation Bad circulation in your arms and legs can be triggered by a number of conditions, including. Ageing Being overweight or obese Suffering an injury Diabetes In each case, the causes of poor blood or lymph circulation result in damaged blood vessels. That damage can weaken the blood vessels and make it difficult for them to maintain proper blood and lymph flow. That’s when you experience the symptoms of circulation issues, including cold hands and feet and swollen hands and feet. How Compression Wear Improves Circulation Instead of preventing blood flow, compression wear helps support blood and lymph vessels so they can do their job.  But not all compression wear is the same. Compression offers only one benefit for improved blood and lymph circulation.  The Best Compression Tights: Anti-Cellulite Shapewear Mass & Slim’s shapewear, including anti-cellulite compression leggings, offer a number of benefits above an beyond that of regular compression garments. Even More Circulation Improvement Due to its Massaging Action - All Mass & Slim shapewear is infused with thousands of Tourmaline® ceramic beads that exert a massaging action as you wear them. In addition to the usual improvements to circulation you get from compression wear, the massaging action boost circulation closer to the skin too. It improves the look of your skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite. Help for Chronic Condition like Lymphedema - Lymphedema is swelling in the arms and legs caused by damage to the lymphatic system, which often happens due to cancer surgery. The damage causes a buildup of lymph fluid that in turn causes the swelling. Mass & Slim shapewear helps improve lymph flow to reduce the swelling. Takes Inches Off the Waist and Thighs - Shapewear is independently proven to reduce the circumference of a wearer’s waist and thighs, which has been linked to better circulation. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article on post-partum compression wear.

For breast cancer survivors, lymphedema in the arm is often an unfortunate side effect of surgery, whether or not the lymphatic system was removed. The buildup of fluid that results can cause arm swelling, which can be uncomfortable and unsightly. The idea of exercise for arm lymphedema is that muscle contractions can help trapped lymph to move again and reduce the swelling.   Try These Exercises for Arm Lymphedema Talk to your doctor before you begin any exercise plan or extra physical activity. Also, be sure your drains and sutures are out following surgery before you try any sort of exercise.  It's important to remember that you’re not out to set any world records here. These lymphedema exercises aren't about fitness, but to gradually increase fluid flow through your lymph vessels. Start slowly, do them gently and stop immediately if you feel any pain or discomfort. Get Ready - You should do the following to prepare for your exercise program.  Dress comfortably in loose-fitting clothing You’ll need a set of two 1 lb free weights, a light rubber or ‘stress’ ball that’s larger than your palm and a hard chair     Wear a compression sleeve on the arm you’re exercising Exercise in a space large enough to lie down Warm your arm for 20 minutes in the shower, tub or with a warm compress.  Start With the Ball Squeeze - This exercise helps you gradually get into your routine. Sit or stand in a good posture with a straight neck and back and shoulders relaxed. Hold the ball in your palm with your hand extended in front of you and elevated above your heart. Squeeze the ball as tightly as you can comfortably and hold it for three seconds, then release. Repeat the exercise five to seven times. If your arm feels tired, just stop. You’ll slowly build up strength in the arm over time. Repeat the exercise with your other arm. Elbow Flex - Use a good posture in a seated or standing position, with your elbows by your side and hands extended in front of you or in your lap, with a 1 lb weight in each one. Lift the weights towards your chest. Stop halfway and hold the position for six seconds. Slowly lower your arms back down and take a few breaths. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Elbow Extension - Lie on your back on the floor with your back and neck straight, keep your knees raised and apart for balance. Your feet should be flat on the floor and apart for balance. Hold a weight in each hand by your side with the hand facing into your body. Raise both arms straight up above your body. Bend your elbows slowly so your hands drop towards your chest. When your elbows are at 90 degrees, stop lowering your hands and hold the position for six seconds. Raise your arms up again and rest. Repeat the exercise 10 times. Always remember to wear your compression sleeve(s). Compression wear, including anti-cellulite leggings can be effective in relieving symptoms of lymphedema.   If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about using compression wear for lymphedema.

It just doesn’t seem fair. Just when you think you’ve gotten used to all the physical and emotional issues that pregnancy can bring, suddenly your legs don’t seem to want to go to sleep when you do. First, don’t worry, having restless legs when pregnant is not a cause for concern. Anywhere from 15% to 30% of expecting moms will get restless leg syndrome (RLS); most often in the third trimester. The Signs & Causes of Restless Leg Syndrome Doctors and scientists aren't sure about what causes RLS symptoms in pregnant women. One theory is that it’s due to an imbalance of the brain chemical dopamine, which helps to control your muscles. It is also linked to a lack of folic acid or an iron deficiency in your system.Different women with RLS during pregnancy will have somewhat different symptoms. The basic symptom is an uncontrollable urge to move your legs. You may also experience cramps, aches or twitches in your legs and have difficulty falling asleep. Symptoms tend to get worse as your due date approaches. 4 Ways of Treating RLS If you suspect you have RLS, you should consult your doctor first. Definitely, do not take any medication or supplements without your doctor’s advice. Get Some Exercise - RLS symptoms are less noticeable when you are active. Low impact exercise, including stretching, yoga and walking can help. Have a Warm Bath - It may be the solution to many of life’s issues, but for RLS, it can help your leg muscles relax. Massage Your Legs - Gently massaging your legs can also help relax your muscles, and improve circulation. Use Compression Wear - Considering you can’t take medicine unless it's prescribed by a doctor, options like compression shapewear, including Mass & Slim’s compression leggings, can offer relief when you can’t find it anywhere else. Compression wear exerts a gentle massaging action on your legs as you wear it. It can also help improve your circulation even when you’re sitting or standing. And it helps increase skin temperature to give you yet another muscle relaxation technique. If you liked this post, check out our recent article “Postpartum Compression Wear - Get In Shape After Baby Arrives”.

If you’ve struggled with your cellulite, you’ve probably tried more than once to improve the way it looks. And that means you’ve probably come across more than your fair share of unlikely solutions, including creams and even injections. Coffee scrubs for cellulite reduction can sound a little odd. Really? Rub your cellulite with coffee grounds to make it look better? But, as strange as may sound, there’s some evidence to suggest that coffee scrubs can improve the look of your cellulite. How Coffee Scrubs May Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite The benefits of cellulite reduction from coffee scrubs come from the following factors. And remember, no matter how hard you scrub, there’s no getting rid of cellulite. The Effects of Caffeine - Caffeine in coffee has been shown to dilate blood vessels, which brings more healthy oxygen to the skin and tightens it for a smoother appearance. Exfoliation - The coffee grounds work like an exfoliant on your skin, which can also improve its appearance. Increased Circulation & Collagen Production - Any massaging action also increases blood circulation and the production of collagen. In addition to bringing more oxygen to the skin, better circulation helps remove impurities that can contribute to cellulite. Collagen gives your skin its strength and elasticity. When you boost collagen production, your skin will be stronger and less susceptible to cellulite dimpling.Interestingly, you can get the same circulation and collagen boosts from anti-cellulite shapewear, like the slimming waist shaper, without the effort. Mass & Slim shapewear is infused with thousands of tiny beads that massage your skin for as long as you’re wearing the garment. 3 Steps to Make a Coffee Scrub for Cellulite Reduction You’ll need the following before you begin: 1 cup of coffee grounds 6 tbsp of coconut oil 3 tbsp of sea salt or raw sugar An empty jar with a lid Mix the coffee grounds and salt or sugar in a mixing bowl Add the coconut oil, which helps moisturize your skin, to the mixture and mix well. Put the finished scrub into the jar and keep the lid closed. Every time you shower, use a circular motion to massage some of the coffee scrub into areas of your body with cellulite. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about how compression garments can help plastic surgery results.

If you’re wondering how to treat lymphedema at home, you’re probably at least familiar with some of its causes. But, to understand how many of the home treatments for lymphedema are beneficial, it helps to get more familiar with lymphedema's causes and symptoms. Lymphedema is the name given to excessive swelling in affected areas, mostly your arms and legs. The swelling is caused by a blockage in your lymph system that stops the draining of lymph fluid. The blockages are often caused by the removal of, or damage to, your lymph vessels or nodes as a result of cancer treatment. There is no known cure for lymphedema. Ultimately, the main way to manage lymphedema is to take steps to reduce the swelling. 3 Ways to Treat Lymphedema at Home There are many ways to treat your own lymphedema, including the following. Massage Therapy - It’s best to see a registered massage therapist who can offer the light soft-tissue massage that helps move lymph fluids from the affected limbs. But you can also learn self-massage techniques that can maintain lymphatic flow. Use Compression Wear - Compression wear, including Mass & Slim’s anti-cellulite leggings, exert a light massaging action that can help initiate the flow of fluid, as you wear them. Compression devices also help to keep fluids away from affected areas. Get Active - Always talk to your doctor before starting any regular program of physical activity or exercise. Simple aerobic exercises like walking or swimming can stimulate the flow of fluid away from problem areas. To make it more formal, talk to a lymphedema therapist and start with an easy-to-do, comfortable level of exercise, then progress over time. If you found this article helpful, check out our recent post about using compression wear for lymphedema.  

Summer’s almost here! It's good news for most of us, except those who go through some fear and/or anxiety about going out in public in lighter, more revealing summer outfits. But there is some encouraging news for the over 90 percent of women who have cellulite. In the wake of the ever-growing body positivity movement, and in the face of body shamers, celebrities everywhere are proudly showing their lumps, bumps and cellulite, all over social media. While you might say “it’s about time”, we should all recognize the risk they take. Just because they are taking steps to love the skin they’re in and live with so-called flaws, it doesn't mean everyone else in their profession feels the same. And members of the public are no better. Many celebrities are body shamed mercilessly every time they try to break new ground and say “Ladies, let’s be proud of our bodies!”   These celebrities with cellulite and stretch marks embrace their bodies The following women have made deliberate attempts to embrace their bodies the way they are and hopefully encourage and support others to do the same. 1. Rihanna - Imagine if it was all over the entertainment news every time you put on weight. After one recent bout of weight gain garnered media speculation, RiRi calmly shut them down when she commented that she “has had the pleasure of a fluctuating body type.” Enough said! View this post on Instagram A post shared by chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) on Apr 12, 2015 at 9:09pm PDT  2. Chrissy Teigen - The co-star of TV’s “Lip Sync Battle”, Teigen recently posted an image to her 23.4 million followers on Instagram. Sporting non-photoshopped blotchy skin (bruises from bumping kitchen drawers she said) and cellulite on her legs, the image still managed 157,962 likes and 11,892 comments that were predominantly supportive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Aug 4, 2017 at 11:45am PDT  3. Hillary Duff - Here’s an excerpt from Hil’s Instagram post where she’s pictured in a swimsuit and not even trying to hide cellulite on her legs: “I am posting this on behalf of young girls, women, and mothers of all ages...Since websites and magazines love to share 'celeb flaws' - well I have them! My body has given me the greatest gift of my life: Luca, 5 years ago. I'm turning 30 in September and my body is healthy.”  Just like we all (including all the celebs listed above) enjoy putting on a bit of makeup to look our best, sometimes we just want to go out and feel confident about what we wear. Anti-cellulite shapewear can help you do just that from the moment you put it on. If you enjoyed this post, check out our recent article about six healthy food alternatives for weight loss.

It's difficult to imagine a better scenario than using compression wear for weight loss. Just wearing compression garments can shape your body and make it look like you’ve lost weight. But don’t let the apparent results fool you. Like with any worthwhile weight management solution, compression clothing is not necessarily an easy ticket to actually losing weight.     How Compression Gear Can Help You Lose Weight There are many benefits to wearing compression clothing for people who are overweight, but it's important to understand how you actually get the benefits. Improved Athletic Performance - This is one of the main benefits of compression wear in general. But it's not one that many overweight people consider. While you may not be running any marathons, compression tights can still help you get more out of any exercise or activity you do. The extra weight you carry can move and shift as you move and shift. That can increase fatigue and your risk of injury. The athletic support offered by compression gear helps to keep everything in place so you get more out of every activity and you can stay more active. Better Circulation - Some compression clothing is used for treatment of medical issues, like lymphedema and restless leg syndrome, largely due to its ability to improve circulation. In addition to helping the body rid itself of impurities, better circulation and muscle support can help reduce fluid accumulation in certain areas, thereby lowering “water weight”. Anti-Cellulite Shapewear Massaging Action - If there is one form of compression wear that is clinically-proven to reduce inches in the areas it affects, it’s anti-cellulite Mass & Slim shapewear, including the slimming waist shaper. Infused with thousands of tiny ceramic beads, shapewear exerts a constant massaging action as you move. In addition to reducing inches, it is also proven to improve the appearance of cellulite. If you enjoyed this article, check out our recent post on healthy food alternatives for weight loss.