How to choose a sports bra and improve your running!
Breasts come in all shapes & sizes - but one thing that all breasts have in common is that if they are not properly supported during exercise they can move around. This movement can sometimes be embarrassing and can also be painful. But it is not all bad news. A well fitted, supportive sports bra can solve both these problems and help you exercise pain-free and with confidence.
Sports bras - there are lots available and some may be more supportive than others. They provide support to the breasts by pushing them against the chest, others provide support by holding each breast in place in a separate cup, just like a regular bra. Some bras may do both of these things. However, not every bra suits every person, and wearing the wrong size, or style can reduce the level of support the bra gives you. Especially if it is the wrong size! When you are shopping for a sports bra, always try it on so that you can check the fit. You won’t always be the same size in every bra and your breasts may change shape and size as you grow and develop.
WATCH VIDEO HERE - https://vimeo.com/156839758
TOP TIP: Your sports bra is as important as your trainers – replace them both at the same time. Elite runners find the confidence a well-fitting sports bra offers can increase their stride length by over 2cms – that’s 1.5 kilometres over a marathon!
Below are some tips on how to check the support of your bra and most importantly, make sure that it fits correctly.
• The underband of the bra should be level all the way around your body and be firm enough that it doesn’t move when you exercise. Be careful that it is not so tight that it restricts your breathing or digs into you!
• Your breasts should fit within the cups of the bra without your breast tissue bulging out of the top. If your breasts don’t quite fill the cups then try a smaller cup size.
• Make sure the shoulder straps are tight enough that they support your breasts and don’t slip off your shoulders. But be careful not to make them so tight that they dig into your shoulders!
• Jump up and down or run on the spot in the changing room so you can check how much support the bra gives you.
WATCH: University of Plymouth, Breast Health Research Unit video - Girl's Sport and bras.
Why not join in? Follow them on Twitter: @UoPSportScience
Need advice on sports bras? - Look here - SportsBRA
Promote your WomensSports video on #WSNetTV - send a link to jo.c@wsnet.co.uk with some info about your exercise programme.
Have you seen MoJoManuals? FOOTBALLMoJo, LACROSSEMoJo, ROWMoJo, NETBALLMoJo – www.WSNet.co.uk/MoJoManuals
MoJoManuals addressing the wide range of issues which teenage girls face as they engage in competitive sport. Predicated on 'Physical Literacy' but also cover a range of other emotive issues such as: body image, diet, fit or thin, social media, training with menstruation, coaching style etc. – which impact how girls engage/drop out of sport – and potentially go on to be elite athletes and confident, mature young women outside of sport.
