Sports Bras.

[IceDragon]

Now, I know that it's a rather neglected piece of kit for a woman but after reading this article, I've changed my mind about it...

When boobs are uncomfortably bouncy
I'm thinking about ditching what my mum refers to as my "Gosh, you're going to knock someone out with those if you're not careful!" bras.

Why? Because in light of research I came across yesterday, I'm pretty sure that they aren't very good at what bras are really supposed to do, which is support breasts.

Breast mechanic researcher Joanna Scurr watches boobs bounce for a living, and she's uncovered some interesting facts about their movement. Perhaps my mum's warning wasn't that far off, for Scurr claims that some boobs can bounce as high as 20cm. They also bounce forwards and back, and side to side ??? and in a figure of eight.

There is a serious aspect to Scurr's research, as an estimated 50% of women experience some kind of breast pain. This could be reduced if breasts are supported in the right way.

Speaking at the annual conference of the American College of Sports Medicine, Scurr said it's the speed at which breasts move during exercise that's the key to understanding breast pain.

For 3 years, Scurr has studied the bouncing breasts of 100 women doing various forms of exercise. She discovered that subjects experienced greatest pain and discomfort during the point at which the breast was in the process of accelerating or decelerating most.

Her findings could have important implications for women who suffer from breast pain, as now bras can now be designed to support the breast in the most effective way.

Scurr recommends wearing an "encapsulation bra". This has a separate moulded cup for each boob. She says that these bras provide greater support for boobs as they move across the three planes than so-called compression (monoboob) bras, which just flatten the breast against the chest wall and only stop vertical movement.

She says that in A-cup women, wearing the correct sports bra can reduce breast movement by 53% - and in G cup women, by 55%.

In this video you can see for yourself which type of sports bra is most effective. Even if you don't suffer from breast pain, it's still worth wearing a supportive bra during sport as exercise can cause irreversible sagging by damaging breast tissue. To hear an interview with Scurr talking about her findings click here [link is direct to QuickTime clip, so just click on the video link above, then click "Podcast"].

Scurr says there are hi-tech bras on the horizon. There's one, for example, with "adaptive polymers" that can reversibly change density from a flexible fabric to something that is reasonably solid. Scurr is investigating the possibility of developing a bra that incorporates this technology to make a "custom sports bra" which varies support depending on the wearer.

New Scientist has reported on bras that measure your heart rate and could even save your life, and bras that keep you warm.

But my question is this: why are boobs so rubbish at supporting themselves? Why haven't us ladies evolved a better support structure for our very precious bosom?

Lucy Middleton, New Scientist researcher

I've also found this is an excellent site for sports bras. They're pricey, but I think it's worth it when lack of support during serious exercise can irretrevably damage breast tissue and the surrounding muscle.

[sdb]

that's all that i wear to the gym and on weekends.

i would NEVER wear my standard everyday bra to the gym. One, you're sweating in it and it'll "go bad" quicker. and Two, it has no where near the support you need for any type of exercising.

[IceDragon]

Unfortunately for me, a sports bra was always a "I'll get round to getting one later on", but after reading that, I'll definitely be getting one for certain.

I'm only a 34C but it can still get kind of painful at times, especially on the treadmill.

[wala]

Soon, I may need to get one of these too! hehe

[IceDragon]

Originally Posted by wala

Soon, I may need to get one of these too! hehe

LOL I want pics, wala!

[Sam]

Originally Posted by wala

Soon, I may need to get one of these too! hehe

LOL!!

Funny as fuck - the thought of that has burned a mental image onto the inside of my mind!!

I've never worn a normal bra to the gym. My normal bras are sorta 'pushy out and up' type ones so there's certain to ba an accidental spillage wearing something like that when you're jumping around!

Ice- have you ever bought any proper training tops with built-in support?? I've got about 7 of those and you don't need a bra at all, they're genious. Pricey, but when you spend £20 on a sports bra, the extra £5-£10 for a good gym top which doesn't need a bra actually works out quite well.

[Sam]

Here's another thought ...

... if Wala went and got fitted for a bra, what size would he be??

I'd say 48A ....

[IceDragon]

Originally Posted by Sam

Here's another thought ...

... if Wala went and got fitted for a bra, what size would he be??

I'd say 48A ....

Nah, knowing wala he'd have the audacity to be a J cup...

[IceDragon]

Originally Posted by Sam

LOL!!

Funny as fuck - the thought of that has burned a mental image onto the inside of my mind!!

I've never worn a normal bra to the gym. My normal bras are sorta 'pushy out and up' type ones so there's certain to ba an accidental spillage wearing something like that when you're jumping around!

Ice- have you ever bought any proper training tops with built-in support?? I've got about 7 of those and you don't need a bra at all, they're genious. Pricey, but when you spend £20 on a sports bra, the extra £5-£10 for a good gym top which doesn't need a bra actually works out quite well.

I don't actually know where to get them, to be quite honest. I usually just go in old clothes since I'll be getting all hot and sweaty, so I never usually bother wearing stuff like that.

Got any links, or companies you'd recommend? I'm willing to give anything a try right now.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by IceDragon

I don't actually know where to get them, to be quite honest. I usually just go in old clothes since I'll be getting all hot and sweaty, so I never usually bother wearing stuff like that.

Got any links, or companies you'd recommend? I'm willing to give anything a try right now.

To be honest Ice you can get them pretty much anywhere. Over the years i've had a few from H&M which are pretty cheap. Now i only buy really good ones because the fabric is stronger and lasts longer, as well as washing really well (i know, thats such a girly thing to say).

I get mine from adidas, nike, usa pro, things like that. What i would say though, is make sure you try them on first. There's nothing worse than a top that's too big so your boobies feel like they're going to hit the deck when doing decline bench, or a top that's too tight so you cant actually lift your arms above your head

Like i say, they are expensive (about £35) but when you consider how much a good sports bra costs, it's worth it just to have the top itself.

[Sam]

Originally Posted by IceDragon

Nah, knowing wala he'd have the audacity to be a J cup...

Do you know what .. i just had a gawp at Wala's avi and i reckon he's probably more like a B.

Embarrassing really, im only a C :rolleyes: