READY TO GET STARTED?

Loosening the fascia—the thin web of connective tissue that enrobes every muscle and nerve—helps the body release stuck fat so it can be broken down to speed weight loss and erase cellulite. The strategy also enhances muscle function and blood flow to deliver a wide range of perks including reduced pain, fewer wrinkles and increased energy, so you look and feel up to 10 years younger, says Sara Gottfried, M.D., author of Younger. “By releasing stuck fascia, we can clear stress and increase range of motion.”

Once you’ve identified the level of healing your body needs (see quiz on page 29), you can follow the targeted strategies on these pages. And happily, the bodywork doesn’t involve hours-long sweat sessions. “I actually recommend giving up your regular workout routine for at least three weeks,” says celebrity trainer Lauren Roxburgh, author of Taller, Slimmer, Younger. “You want to eliminate any forms of exercise that may be causing imbalances in your posture so you can decompress the joints and change the fascia.” Instead, Dr. Gottfried suggests carving out 15 to 45 minutes to practice gentle fascia-healing therapies

3 to 5 times per week.

For best results, Dr. Gottfried also advises following a clean diet that neutralizes fascia-damaging inflammation and supports healing. The easy how-to: Fill your plate with nonstarchy vegetables (which provide anti-inf lammatory nutrients), healthy fats like avocado and olives (which keep fascia cells lubricated and support fat burning) and lean protein like fish and poultry (which build lean muscle mass).

Also smart: Drink 64 oz. of water each day (that’s about 8 glasses) to keep fascia hydrated. And avoid fascia-weakening dairy and processed foods, plus cut back your intake of inflammatory grains to three 1⁄2 cup servings a week.

Once you start incorporating these strategies, Dr. Gottfried says you’ll quickly feel less achy and more energetic. And by the end of 6 weeks, you can be free of cellulite and joint pain—as well as up to 16 inches slimmer in your waist, hips and thighs!