Why every woman, big or small, needs a good sports bra
Exercise can be good for your health, but staying in shape without a good sports bra is bad for your chest. Research shows that the up and down movement of the breasts during sports stretches vital ligaments beyond repair. And without proper support, petite and large-breasted women alike will end up with sagging breasts.
During high-impact exercise, such as aerobics, the unsupported chest can bounce up to 8.3 inches and move from side to side. This puts the main support system of the breasts, Cooper’s ligaments, under strain. Once these ligaments are stretched, they never recover, causing the chest to sag.
Even low-impact sports can cause chest bouncing. A study from the University of Portsmouth found that the breasts move both when jogging slowly and when running. Other activities that require a sports bra include aerobics, body attack, and trampoline.
Women with smaller breasts will also be affected by the so-called “Cooper drop”. Medical research has found that whether you measure a 34A or a 36E, the supporting ligaments are under stress.
A sports bra is a girl’s best friend.
An Australian study found that a good sports bra will reduce vertical bounce to half that of a bare torso. But to ensure you get the right support, it’s essential that you buy exactly the right bra size.
Always try on a variety of bras to ensure good support and comfort.
Bra Fit:
- The straps should be wide and comfortable, and should not slip.
- The support of the bra should be around the chest and on the sides.
- The bigger the bust, the more engineering there will be. Some larger sizes will have underwires and shoulder pads built into the straps for added support and comfort.
Bra Comfort:
- Make sure the cups are seamless and molded to prevent chafing.
- Side clips are better than back clips if you are doing exercises like sit-ups.
- Ideally, sports bras should be made of a sweat-wicking material so wearers don’t feel damp or develop a rash.
- There are different bras to suit various sports, including high-impact ones for vigorous exercise and low-impact ones for sessions like yoga.
It is also recommended to change the sports bra every 30 to 50 washes. Keep an eye on the material to check for wear and stretch. There’s not much point in a bra that digs in or doesn’t hold you in the right places.
Where to buy your sports bra:
* Most good sports stores stock a wide range of bras. Be sure to try on a number to ensure you get the correct fit.
* Supermarkets and department stores now also sell sports bras.
* Bra-specific online stores will have the widest range of many different sizes and styles. A good online store will offer a custom fitting service and allow you to return ill-fitting bras.
