Yes, I have returned! Crawling out of the dark abyss that is essays and reports, uni has eventually finished for another year and I am free (somewhat)! My poor little blog was placed on the back burner, whilst I swapped breasts with occupational therapy and also started a new job. Happy to have that out the road, I thought it was about time I conjured up another wee bra post; this time we're talking sports.
A few weeks ago I toddled along with mummy Macey to the Debenhams bra fitting event in Glasgow. We decided to book in for the Shock Absorber sports bras demonstration since my mum was running the 10k & the half marathon in October and her old sports bra had been washed within an inch of its boob filled life. The event consisted of an extremely knowledgeable lady from Shock Absorber head office enlightening us about the do's and don't's of sports bras & exercise before a complimentary fitting from the shock absorber representative. We even got a yummy glass of Prosecco and there was lots of prizes and raffles. Of course I was the lucky bugger who won £100 of designer at Debenhams vouchers to spend on what I pleased; sports bra for the mum being number 1 on the list. I also came away with a decent amount of beauty goodies which was a nice little extra!
 |
| Some lovely free goodies! |
Anyway, enough about me and onto the subject at hand; sports bras. Specifically appropriate with all these inspirational runs going on over the past few months and those of you working towards your own fitness goals. Marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k, gym, sports & even yoga there is a sports bra suited for you & your sport and if you own a pair of breasts and undertake sports, you should own a sports bra, and a good fitting one at that. This post will focus specifically on Shock Absorbers, as this was the topic at the fitting event and I will try my best to recap what the shock absorber representative so brilliantly taught us.
First off, there are no muscles in the breast tissue whatsoever, so it is particularly important to protect your breasts from bouncing during any kind of sports. This will keep your coopers ligaments (the tissue in your breast) from over stretching. Another thing that most folk get a little bit wrong with sports bras, is that there should be absolutely no cleavage on show if your sports bra fits correctly. Your breasts really should be well covered. I know this won't be pleasing for all, but personally all I care about is that I don't have to worry about my boobs and instead concern myself with the possibility of collapsing/thinking that I might combust if I keep running/cycling/climbing/zoomba-ing any longer.
Here are the top shock absorber bras for just about every sport you can think of:
- Ultimate Gym Bra RRP £35
This nifty number covers a complete range of gym activities and is ideal if your main form of exercise consists of gym based activities or classes. It has a racer back for an extra touch of added support and a cross over design at the front. It also has a lovely soft, seam-free lining famous to shock absorber bras, to prevent chaffing and rubbing on your nipples. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about if you've ever undertaken any kind of exercise in a regular bra! Nippy nippy! It also has a nifty wee wire holder for earphones, so you don't have to worry about the wire constantly tapping against you or pulling your earphones out the socket all the time. Finally, as with all shock absorbers, it is moisture wicking, breathable and has padded straps and fastenings to prevent any uncomfortable digging in.
Here it is at Amazon on sale for £25 or at Debenhams for £28. Sizes this number is available in are: 30-38 back & cups A-H. Nab a wee bargain!
- The Run Bra RRP £38
This is the best bra I have found so far for all those enthusiastic (or less so) runners. If you are running any kind of distance with boobs you want to invest in one of these life savers. I have one myself and convinced the mum into getting the same for her runs and neither of us have looked back. It is a little neater than some other sports bras (for obvious reasons) but really does the trick for minimal movement and rubbing when running. It has amazing 'technology' that counteracts the figure of 8 movement your breasts naturally do when running. The same famous moisture wicking material in all their bras, a double fastening with a clip between the shoulder blades to improve running posture to open up the lungs and a reflective strip along the cups (in case you are confident enough or in a warm enough country to run without a t-shirt-fat chance in Scottish weather!). This really is superb for running and reduces bounce by up to 78%!
They also carry it in some funky colours, changing the colour design each year.
Look at these gorgeous colours! It is also available in black & white.
Sizes available run from a 30-38 & A-F. Get your mits on it here at Debenhams or here at Amazon for a little less than £25.
- Active D+ Classic Sports Bra RRP £30
This is a fabby bra for those with a fuller bust who want a decent support whilst exercising. It is suitable for all types of sports and exercise and really gives a great under band support. It provides a rounder shape than some other sports bras and doesn't separate you in both directions as many sports bras do. The same soft seam free lining as all shock absorbers and lovely padded straps and closure for extra comfort. This one only comes in black and white, they really should add some lovely colours in there I think!
Once again, grab it here at Debenhams for the bargain price of £24 or at Amazon for around £22. The sizes for this run in a 30-40 back and cup sizes D-H. What a wonderful range!
-Active Multi Sports Bra RRP £31
This is a similar bra to the one above and is shock absorbers classic all rounder. It's suitable for all types of sports and recently won an award in Horse & Rider magazine for the best tried and tested sports bra. It boasts extreme support for every type of sports imaginable from yoga to metafit, it literally covers everyone. It has wee mesh breathable panels at the side and moisture wicking material all over. A double clasp for added support Available in black, white and seasonal colours, spring/summer 14 colour is similar in most styles:
So pretty! I am so glad sports bras have taken the move to something a bit less, (for want of a better word), frumpy.
The multi sports bra runs from a 30-40 B-GG. Get it here for £30 at Debenhams and Amazon for £22.50.
Oh and FYI, Debenhams mega week is currently on, so now is the perfect time to grab yourself a discounted Shock Absorber!
There are of course, many other excellent sports bras from various brands on the market, but these four were focussed on at the fitting event and don't break the bank, allowing you to save your pennies for pretty sports outfits, holidays, alcohol...whatever floats your spending boat.
Before I conclude my sporty post, a few little extras everyone who needs a sports bra should know. Firstly, sports bras definitely are firmer than a regular bra, but remember that you want it nice and firm to support you when your exercising. Obviously you still want to be able to breathe, but try the bra on to see which is the best support for you and always do the jump test! It might sound bizarre but have a little jump in the fitting room (no one can see you), it helps to get a better feel to the bras usefulness. Remember there should be no overspill and adjust the straps to what feels comfy. The fastenings should be on the loosest hook and eye as usual. Go for your usual size to start and if it feels way too tight, up the back size and drop the cup & see how that feels.
Go on, treat yourself! After all, a decent fitting sports bra is just as important as a good fitting pair of trainers, both will make such a difference to your exercise and allow you to concentrate on achieving your fitness goals rather than pulling that unsupportive bra into place every time you move.
You are all an inspiration & remember; the secret to achieving your fitness goals is to start!
Happy exercising,
