Knockers. Boobies. Hooters. Fun Bags. No matter which way you look at them, boobs are boobs. As my dad used to say, “You’ve seen one, You’ve seen ‘em both.” And they both need to be protected while working out.
Not to be crass or offensive here, but mine are of the larger variety (more grapefruit than tangerine). I’ve always had them and I probably always will. Even at my fittest and thinnest, I’ve never been less than a C-cup since puberty set in somewhere around the age of 12, so I’ve had more than my share of experience in the lingerie section of the local department stores; However, it wasn’t until tonight that I realized I’ve been wearing the wrong bras.
TMI you may say. I say nay. All women have breasts and need to know how to properly restrain them in the correct bra especially during high impact exercise (like my marathon training). The subject matter is long overdue for discussion and is a source of constant confusion and discomfort for myself and my girlfriends. So if you are interested in lifting the girls up and keeping them in place during exercise (which has all sorts of positive effects on us), read on my dears…
Tonight I went to a “sports bra clinic” at Austin’s beloved Betty Sport, which helped to unravel the mystery of the sports bra. How many of you have ever worn a bra: where the straps constantly fall down? where it rides up in the back? where your boobs still bounce like they’re on a trampoline even when wearing a “sports bra”?
Ladies, we are truly wearing the wrong bras. The wrong sizes. The wrong materials. Did you know that, sadly, the majority of women (90%) wear the wrong size bra?!– all the time. Typically women believe that they are fatter and flatter than they really are. I am no different. Tonight I went in a 40 D and came out two inches slimmer and a full cup size bigger than previously thought. Hallelujah! Insta-skinny.
The correct bra can make you look 5-10lbs slimmer and will work with you, not against you! It will protect the breast tissue and keep your girls up high instead of sagging down to your knees, or causing black eyes when you run. Don’t be a victim of the bad bra pandemic. Save your girls now with these tips:
1. Just like in a regular bra, if your sports bra is riding up in the back, it is too big. The majority of the support your breasts receive will be from the band. It should be snug and fit in a straight line around the body… no peaks and valleys in the band!
2. If the cups bag or wrinkle, try going down a cup size. If your breasts are pushing out from your bra, try going up a cup size. Note: sports bras differ from regular bras’ cups, in that all breast tissue should be completely covered. Unfortunately, those hot lacy little demi cups don’t work well with exercise. Full coverage is key!
3. If you are in need of a sports bra for high impact cardio activity, like my recent training has entailed, make sure to buy a “high impact” sports bra that is made from a microfiber, moisture wicking material. This is a must. Anyone who has ever experienced chaffing would agree wholeheartedly (a blog for a different time). There are also medium impact bras for sports like cycling and low impact bras for activities like yoga and pilates.
4. When trying on your new sports bra, make sure to jump around, bend, stretch, run in place… if your bra is the right one, the twins (and your bra) will mind their manners and stay in place!
5.If you are shorter from shoulder to chest, like me, and your straps tend to fall, look for sports bras with adjustable straps.
6. Treat your sports bra as an investment in yourself. It won’t be as cheap as the $10 cotton Target brand bra you clean the house in, but it will save you from having granny boobs at too young an age. Mine cost $44 dollars, is called the “Fiona” bra and is by Moving Comfort.
Remember that a sports bra will last through about 75 wash cycles in cold water or about 6 months. Thats it! No more. The elastic will start to wear out after this period of time. Always line dry your bras or the elastic will break down even faster with the heat from the dryer. And never use fabric softener with microfiber materials. Your Snuggle softener may feel cozy but will actually clog the moisture wicking material and actually cause more sweat to stay between yourself and your workout clothing which can cause chaffing (again, a blog for another time)–not a good thing!
I hope these tips help your boobies, as much as they will mine. A big thanks to Betty Sport for such an eye opening clinic with the TnT ladies!
No comments:
Post a Comment