Exercise might be good for your health — but staying fit without a good sports bra is bad for your chest. Research shows that the up and down movement of the breasts during exercise stretches vital ligaments beyond repair. And without the right support, both short and tall ladies will end up with sagging breasts.
During intensive exercises such as B. Aerobics, the unsupported chest can jump up to 21 cm and move from side to side. This puts stress on the breasts’ main support system, the Cooper’s ligaments. Once these ligaments are stretched, they never recover and this causes the chest to sag.
Even lower impact sports can cause breast cracking. A University of Portsmouth study found that slow jogging causes breasts to move just as much as sprinting. Other activities that require a sports bra include aerobics, body attack, and trampolining.
Women with smaller breasts will also be affected by the so-called “Cooper’s droop”. Medical research has found that whether you measure a 34A or a 36E, there is strain on the braces.
A sports bra is a girl’s best friend
An Australian study found that a good sports bra reduced vertical bounce by half compared to a bare chest. But to ensure you get the right support, it’s important that you buy exactly the right size bra.
Always try on different bras to ensure good support and comfort.
Bra Fit:
- The straps should be wide and comfortable – and not slip.
- The bra should provide support all around the breast and on the sides.
- The larger the bust, the more technique there will be. Some larger sizes have underwires and shoulder pads built into the straps for extra support and comfort.
Bra Comfort:
- Make sure the cups are seamless and shaped to prevent rubbing.
- Side clips are better than back clips when doing exercises like sit-ups.
- Ideally, sports bras should be made of a material that wicks sweat so the wearer doesn’t feel clammy or develop a rash.
- There are different bras for different sports, including high impact for vigorous exercise and lower impact for sessions like yoga.
It is also recommended that you change your sports bra every 30 to 50 washes. Keep an eye on the material to check for wear and stretch. There’s little point in bra sagging or not supporting you in the right places.
Where to buy your sports bra:
* Most good sporting goods stores carry a wide range of bras. Make sure you try on a number to ensure you get the right fit.
* Supermarkets and department stores now also sell sports bras.
* Bra specific online stores have the widest range of many different sizes and styles. A good online store will offer a personalized measurement service – and allow you to return bras that don’t fit perfectly.
Thanks to Fiona Russell