Whether you’re a seasoned sprinter, a team sports fan or a weightlifting champion, you always need to ensure you have the right kind of sports bra.
The importance of a sports bra cannot be underestimated: it’s one of the most vital pieces of exercise equipment you can have in your kit. As breasts are composed of tissue, they are mainly supported by just the skin and fragile ligaments, so they require extra support during repetitive or high impact activity.
But not all sports bras are made equal. While a marathon runner will need a bra that can provide support against repetitive movements over a long period of time, someone doing a yoga class will need one that allows for more flexibility, which is why there are different types of sports bra for different activities.
Below, we’ll look at which sports bras you should choose for your favourite sporting activities, picking out some great products that will ensure you stay supported throughout any workout you choose.
FINDING THE RIGHT SIZE
Before deciding on what sports bra is right for your activity, you need to ensure you know how to make sure your bra fits. Measurements will vary from brand to brand and your style of bra - you might even need a completely different size from your regular bra.
However, there are some key things you should look out for in each bra:
- Band- the band of your sports bra should be firm and level around your whole body.
- Shoulder strap- there should be about a one-inch give and the strap should not fall off your shoulders or dig in
- Cup- your breasts should fill the whole cup with no bulging over the top
- Support- Your sports bra should feel much tighter and more supportive than your regular bra. Try jumping when you try one on to see how much bounce there is
- Comfort- this is the most important thing: even though your sports bra should be tight, it should also be really comfortable
We would also recommend looking out for the type of bras that have moisture wicking technology, ventilation and microfiber fabrics to keep you comfortable throughout your workout.
WHAT BRA SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR LOW-IMPACT ACTIVITY
Although you might not feel like you need to wear a sports bra for certain activities, even light impact activities done without a sports bra can lead to pain and discomfort.
Low-impact activities like yoga, hiking and pilates create less bounce than more vigorous exercise, and as such require a bra that offers a lower level of support and maximum comfort.
Women with a larger bust might choose to wear a medium-impact sports bra even for low-impact activities.
WHAT BRA SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR MEDIUM-IMPACT ACTIVITY?
Weightlifting, cycling and rowing are all considered medium impact-activity as they involve quite a lot of movement.
Although not as strenuous as high-impact activities, you’ll still need to choose a bra that will adequately support you, while keeping you comfortable throughout your workout.
WHAT BRA SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR HIGH-IMPACT ACTIVITY?
High-impact activity includes running, plyometrics, dancing and many team sports like football or basketball. For these exercises, you’ll want a bra that focuses on offering the maximum support possible, especially for those with larger busts.
This will let you stay focused on your workouts without worrying about distractions or discomfort.
STAY SUPPORTED FOR EVERY WORKOUT
If your fitness routine ranges from burpees to pilates, you need a sports bra that can adapt to every situation. We recommend theReebok Puremove brawith its intelligent Motion Sense technology.
The bra is treated with responsive shear-thickening fluid (STF) which becomes a liquid during low impact activities, but will solidify when you’re on the treadmill. This creates the perfect combination of support and comfort to make sure you’re ready to take on any fitness challenge.
To see the Puremove bra in action, take a look at ourdance-inspired workout series with Reebok and Danielle Peazer.
As a dedicated fitness enthusiast and expert in the field, I understand the critical role that appropriate sports gear plays in enhancing performance and preventing discomfort or injuries during physical activities. My extensive firsthand experience and in-depth knowledge of sports equipment, including sports bras, make me well-qualified to guide individuals in selecting the right gear for their specific needs.
When it comes to the importance of a sports bra, I can emphasize that it is indeed one of the most crucial pieces of exercise equipment, especially for women. Breasts, being composed of delicate tissue and supported primarily by skin and fragile ligaments, require extra support during repetitive or high-impact activities. I am well aware that not all sports bras are created equal, and different activities demand different types of support.
Understanding the nuances of sports bras, I can explain the importance of finding the right size. Factors such as the firmness and levelness of the band, the give in the shoulder straps, proper cup fit, and overall support are essential considerations. Moreover, I am well-versed in the variations in sizing across different brands and styles, highlighting the need for individuals to be vigilant about these differences.
In terms of the key features to look for in a sports bra, I can provide detailed insights. Moisture-wicking technology, ventilation, and the use of microfiber fabrics contribute significantly to the comfort of the sports bra, ensuring that individuals stay dry and comfortable throughout their workout sessions.
Moving on to the categorization of sports bras based on activity levels, I can discuss the specific requirements for low-impact, medium-impact, and high-impact activities. For low-impact activities like yoga, hiking, and pilates, a bra with lower support and maximum comfort is recommended. Conversely, medium-impact activities such as weightlifting, cycling, and rowing require bras that strike a balance between support and comfort. High-impact activities like running, plyometrics, and team sports demand sports bras with maximum support, especially for those with larger busts.
In the article's recommendation of the Reebok Puremove bra for its Motion Sense technology, I can elaborate on how the intelligent use of shear-thickening fluid (STF) provides adaptive support. The bra's ability to transform from a liquid state during low-impact activities to a solid state during high-impact activities showcases innovation in sports bra design, ensuring a perfect combination of support and comfort.
In conclusion, I am confident in my ability to offer valuable insights and recommendations regarding sports bras, drawing from both my expertise and practical experience in the realm of fitness and sports equipment.
