Why are sports bras so important?
WHY ARE SPORTS BRAS IMPORTANT?
Running makes breasts bounce up, down and even in a figure of eight, in fact unless secured they have their own party. Continuous and repetitive movement may result in soreness, pain and even sagging.
Sports bras are made to reduce this movement and help maintain shape. Breasts are mostly composed of fatty tissue and are supported mainly by skin and fragile ligaments called Coopers' ligaments. Because these are not elastic, during repetitive or high impact sport the breasts bounce and pull on the ligaments, forcing them to stretch. Once these ligaments have stretched they stay this way. The result is every woman's nightmare - sagging breasts.
Going without the correct support can also cause breast pain and upper back and shoulder problems.
Running without any bra at all causes the average woman's breasts to move up and down by 8.5cm. Wearing an ordinary bra reduces this by 32 per cent. A sports bra reduces this by at least another 20 per cent.
It's essential that a sports bra fits properly for it to be effective, Sports Bras should be replaced as often as you replace your running shoes, Your protect your feet so why would you not protect your breasts?
FINDING THE CORRECT SPORTS BRA
Underband: the band should fit firmly around the chest. It shouldn't slide around as you move, but it shouldn't be too tight as to be uncomfortable, affect your breathing, or make flesh bulge over the band. The band should be level all the way around the chest.
Cup: the breasts should be enclosed within the cups, with no bulging or gaping at the top or sides. If the cup material is puckering, then the cup size is probably too big.
Shoulder straps: the shoulder straps should be adjusted to comfortably provide breast support without being too tight (digging into the skin). The main support for the breast should come from a firm band, not tight shoulder straps.
Underwire: for sports bras that are underwired, the underwire should follow the natural crease of the breasts and not rest on any breast tissue. If the underwire is resting too far down the ribcage (where the rib cage gets slightly narrower), the band size is probably too small.
Now like shoes getting the right sports bra is a mine field so at let's run we offer a professional bra fitting service by Shelli, She will make sure you choose not only the correct sports bra but the one that fits you perfect. Call us today to make an appointment 01642 711549
