Look after those puppies!
ππΎπ½ ππΈπΎπ» π breast π π―πΈπΈπ½ π―πΈπ»ππͺπ»π π²π· 2023! With many of us setting fitness goals for the New Year ahead, I thought itβs time to talk boobs. Boobs have no muscle, being made of fat and tissue. Their only weak connection to our body are skin and ligaments which, if overstretched, never regain their original shape. With average UK boobs weighing in at 1kg a pair, a well fitting bra is critical to breast, shoulder and spinal health. Ill-fitting or unsupportive bras can mean altered posture, reduced lung volume and runners develop poor-injury inducing running styles with reduced stride length too. So look after those puppies if you want to feel good, stand tall, breathe deep and stride long.
Tips for a well fitting bra
- A sports bra should fit tighter than a regular bra but shouldnβt restrict breathing; you should be able to fit two fingers between the straps and your shoulders.
- The fabric of the cup should be smooth. Wrinkles in the fabric are usually an indication that the cup is too big. Conversely, if youβre spilling out of the cup, itβs too small.
- Any underwire should lay flat against the rib case, below your breast tissue, and should not pinch or dig in.
- Raise your hands up over your head. If the band rides up itβs usually a sign itβs too big, though it is possible that the straps or the back closure may need adjusting.
- Before buying your bra, jump around and swing your arms. If you experience pain or discomfort, then try a different type of bra.
Remember…sports bras will last around 30-40 washes, but the technical fabric will loosen with each wash, making it less effective. To increase the lifespan of your bras, wash in cold water, avoiding fabric softener and bleach, and do not tumble dry as heat will accelerate the elastic degradation.