January means New Years' Resolutions, and for some that can mean hitting the gym and getting back to exercise, so the question on lots of lips at this time of year is... why wear a Sports Bra?
Lots of women, especially with a flatter chest, assume a sports bra isn't necessary for exercise, but that is simply not the case.
It is estimated that 8/10 women are wearing the incorrect bra size, and 44% don't wear a sports bra when exercising (boobydoo.co.uk, 2019) , so we think your New Years Resolution should be to get measured for the correct fitting bra and invest in a great Sports Bra!
3 Reasons to Wear a Sports Bra
1. Prevent Damage to Coopers Ligaments
Breasts are mainly made of of soft tissue and mammary glands, with support from structures named Coopers Ligaments. If these ligaments are unsupported, especially during high-impact exercise, these will stretch and will not maintain their shape. Damaging these ligaments can also cause pain and discomfort to the soft tissue. It is so important to limit movement and bounce during exercise, for all breast sizes, so you can maintain that vital support and structure.
"As the breast has no muscles and is not connected to any muscles in the body, the breast moves independently of the rest of a women’s body."
- Run & Become, 2019
2. Combat Long-Term Damage & Sagging
As we mentioned with Coopers Ligaments, wearing a sports bra is vital to prevent long-term damage and sagging, as these structures cannot maintain their shape without the correct support. All exercise, from yoga to running, requires support for breasts of all sizes! Lack of support can also cause pain and discomfort for your back and shoulders, as well as strech-marks and sagging of the breasts.
'If the breast moves 60% or more during exercise or otherwise, then irreversible damage can occur meaning that the Cooper’s ligaments and skin will not return to their original shape once stretched.'
- Run & Become, 2019
3. Avoid Discomfort While Exercising
Research shows that the correct clothing and equipment, including a proper fitting, supportive sports bra, can help you enjoy your workout more. New styles have been created with more comfortable straps and bands, and with advancements in fabrics you can avoid that 'wet bra' feeling and avoid rubbing or chafing. All of these factors are very important to ensure you are as comfortable as possible during your workout!
A good sports bra can prevent the breasts moving up to 83%which means less pain & more gain from your gym session!
- Boobydoo.co.uk, 2019
Sports Bras are specifically designed to minimise movement, handle motion and hold your breasts firmly in place during low to high impact exercising sessions. Regular bras are not designed for this, and can cause discomfort, tension on the back and shoulders, and cause rubbing/chafing.
Our Sports Bras available in store and online cater to all sizes from A to J, and come in a variety of shapes, styles and support levels depending on the exercise you are undertaking.
Be sure to call in to our Lingerie Department to get measured for the correct size, and start your New Years Resolutions with all the correct support.
Check out our lingerie and sports bras collection online here.
- Niamh x
