Get the support you need with… SPORTS BRAS

By Leah Seacrest

Photos by Kate Treick Photography

GET THIS!! Did you know that women rank breasts as the fourth largest barrier to participating in physical activity? Cue your sports bra to the rescue!

Perhaps your sports bra is a simple fashion statement, or it just might be your most coveted piece of equipment needed to support your active lifestyle. No matter your activity level – avid gym goer or athleisure fan – it’s important that you have the right kind of bra for your activity.

It’s important to add some context as to why the sports bra you buy matters. Breasts are composed of tissue mainly supported by just the skin and fragile ligaments called Cooper’s ligaments, which naturally stretch as we get older. Your breasts require extra support during repetitive or high impact activity and can stretch up to two centimeters during highimpact workouts, possibly causing pain and discomfort.

The largest predictor of breast pain with exercise is breast size, with a larger cup being at higher risk for pain. After cup size, the next most influential factor in pain is breast movement. Studies have shown similar degrees of movement of the breast tissue with different running paces, from jogging to sprinting. It doesn’t matter how fast or slow you go, proper support is a must!

Not only are improperly supported breasts painful, it can also cause you to alter your biomechanics while running. Women will subconsciously alter their arm swing in order to prevent breast movement. This can cause other areas to become painful such as the shoulders, neck, and upper back.

Not all sports bras serve every function. While an avid runner may need a bra with proper support for the repetitive movements of running, someone doing Pilates or yoga will need one allowing for more flexibility. Depending on your activity level and body shape, there are different styles and types to choose from.

Sports bras can range in quality and price, so before deciding on what sports bra is right for your activity, make sure you do your research as their function and fit can vary from brand to brand. A trip to a retailer that offers a few different brands, as well as personal sizing, is worth the trip.

Luckily, over time the need for more research and development in the sports bra industry has been realized. There are many styles to choose from.

We would also recommend looking out for the type of bras that have moisture wicking technology, ventilation and microfiber fabrics to keep you comfortable throughout your workout.

Next time you are on the market for a new sports bra, make sure you take the time to consider the support you require. Your choice could make a huge difference in your daily activity.

Leah Seacrest is a seasoned fitness industry veteran with 26 years of experience teaching individual and group fitness. Leah is passionate about inspiring people to move and she contributes as a writer for Bella Magazine, co-owns REGYMEN Fitness Pensacola and is corporate vice president of REGYMEN Fitness.

Here are some key things you should consider when investing in your next one:

• Support - Your sports bra should feel much tighter and more supportive than your regular bra. Proper sizing is key. Try jumping around or mimicking the activity you will perform when you try one on to see how much bounce there may be. Other features include hook and zippers for added security.

• Band - The band of your sports bra should be snug and fit level around your torso. Bands come in different widths adding comfort and support. If desired, some brands carry sports bras with underwire for reinforcement.

• Straps - There should be about a one-inch give and the strap should not fall off your shoulders or dig in. Several brands have constructed strap design such as crisscross-style so straps stay more securely in place without falling. Other styles use the straps for a fashion statement, giving little value to overall support however they may be great for lighter impact activities for those with a smaller bust.

• Cup - Your breasts should fill the entire cup with no bulging over the top. Sizing can come in cup sizes which adds support for medium to high impact activity or lightly lined for lighter activity.

• Comfort - This is the most important thing: even though your sports bra should be tight, it should also be really comfortable.

• Fabric - Dependent upon it’s use, look for bras made of moisture wicking material.