Does Your Sports Bra Fit...Your Sport?
If you approach sports bra shopping by blindly going into a big box store and grabbing the first one that looks like it fits, think again. Take a little special care to make sure you're wearing the right sports bra for different needs and you'll likely save yourself a lot of aches and pains after your workout.
Different Sports, Different Support
Think back to the last time you went to the gym or exercised. If you're easing into exercise and are doing some light activity like walking or beginning yoga, you probably don't need heavy duty support. More strenuous activities like spinning, skiing or a round of golf call for a medium support sports bra while hard core exercise buffs who run, play basketball or participate in high-impact aerobics need the highest level of support that's available.
Before you go shopping, determine what impact level you need. If you participate in running one day and then yoga the next, it's not a bad idea to have a couple different types of sports bras in your workout bag -- and this might mean you can avoid laundry for one more day.
Participating in activities without the right sports bra is more than just uncomfortable. The ligaments that hold your breasts up and give them their size and shape can stretch out with constant, high impact movement. Once these ligaments are stretched, they're done and will never pop back into place. This means your breasts will never look the same again (without a little surgical help, of course). Over time, even petite breasts can sag due to the stress placed on the ligaments so don't think you're immune if you're on the smaller side.
Finding The Right Style For Your Body And Your Sport
There are four different types of sports bras and the right one for you depends on the level of support you need and your comfort level. No matter which style you choose, pick a bra with thicker shoulder straps because this will be more supportive than one with thin, spaghetti straps.
Women who participate in high impact sports or who have larger breasts (Ds and above) typically find that an encapsulation style bra is the most comfortable and supportive when working out. An encapsulation bra uses two different cups so that each breast is supported individually instead of constricted by a tight fitting band of fabric. Women who work out strenuously or have larger breasts can also benefit from the added assistance that an underwire can provide.
If your breasts are more petite and you're participating in low impact sports like yoga or weight training, you're in luck when sports bra shopping. The most commonly available type of sports bra is the compression style. This type of bra takes a firm piece of fabric and compresses the breasts close to the body, which reduces the breasts' range of movement. A racer back style is more supportive than a scoop back so keep this in mind when bra shopping.
If you're an average American woman, you're likely comfortable with a combination of the two styles. A combination sports bra provides more support than a compression style, but isn't the heavy duty support of a encapsulation style. This combination makes these bras the most comfortable and supportive option for women with B and C sized breasts or women who like doing activities like tennis, golf or inline skating.
Your bra is the most important piece of workout gear that you have. If you're wearing the wrong one, you could be damaging your breasts beyond repair. Don't take chances -- make sure you're wearing the right type for your sport and your body.
More Bra Resources:
- Five Specialty Bras to Fit Your Healthy Lifestyle
- Six Shapewear Tips For Getting A Slim Look While Staying Healthy
- The Ultimate Bra Fit Checklist for Looking Good and Feeling GREAT
About the Author:
Cindy Prosser is a former underwear model turned freelance writer and mommy. She'll happily commit to wearing Champion Sports Bras so long as she's not obligated to do any exercise ;) She does occassionally get out for a run with the jog stroller when she's not busy writing for Bare Necessities.
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