It's almost as important as your pair of shoes when you're working out. It's the sports bra! There are infinite styles and types of bras on the market, from expensive Victoria Secret push ups to machine pressed cotton athletic wear. Whatever the bra is named or called, it is paramount that the bra fits your body shape correctly and supports your bosom in all the right places.
The first step in identifying what kind of sport's bra to buy is to know your own body and think about what activities you'll be doing in it. Running and high endurance jumping for example require extra support on the straps and bottom of the bra. Weight training and climbing activities require more back support. Lighter activities such as walking also require similar support since standing upright opposes gravity. (The dreaded force of nature most women despise when it comes to their breasts!) The purpose of the bra is to minimize or at least contain the bouncing that happens when the whole body moves during these activities.
Sport's bras should also be comfortable and good support should never come at the expense of comfort. Chaffage is a concern when it comes to wearing bras since it is the first layer of clothing directly on the skin. In order to prevent this, get a professional to fit the right bra to your chest if you're unsure or can't decide between several sizes. Many women believe they are wearing the proper fitting bra when in reality, up to 80% are not.
Another way to avoid chaffage is to choose fabrics that breath. Cotton does NOT breath since during high intensity work outs the body's sweat soaks and doesn't evaporate immediately. Also, inspect the seam of the bra before you purchase it. Make sure they are streamlined and not overextended beyond the inside. Seams and tags usually cause itchiness or make you feel uncomfortable during a work out but these discomforts can be prevented by buying the right kind of seams from the beginning of the purchasing process.
How do you know when to buy a new bra? The experts say it's every six to twelve months or seventy two cycle washings. Personally, when the elastic wears, straps break, or fabric tears this could also be an indication that a new workout bra is in store. It makes an excellent mile stone weight loss gift to yourself for a job well done and it truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
Interestingly enough, there is evidence that losing weight, especially while yo-yo dieting, has a negative effect on the breast tissue and muscles of the chest wall. Over time the adipose tissue sinks in the chest wall and the curvature changes similar to that effect of normal aging. The best way to help prevent sagging is to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and wear a supportive bra!
With these tips and explanations, your next work out should be comfortable, supportive, and one step closer to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals!
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