Sports Bra Technology: The Evolution of the SPORTS BRA
New gym goers should be divided into two groups: those who come prepared with every supplement, piece of clothing and other gimmicks available, and then those who think showing up is enough. So as a beginner should you invest in any professional clothing, equipment or other workout additions? Many accessories are cool but unnecessary, but what about a sports bra? Is it just a fashion gimmick or something worth investing in? Well let us tell you are thoughts on the age old SPORTS BRA!
Research
While wearing special fitness clothes or footwear may make you feel better and more confident, there is no reason why you can’t work out in a pair of joggers and an old tee. But for ladies, a good sports bra really is an essential when it comes to working out.
Believe it or not but breasts can move up and down as much as a few inches while you work out. Obviously the larger they are the more support you want to have. The skin on your chest and around the breasts is thin and gentle. The breasts have what’s called Coopers Ligaments – connective tissue responsible for keeping them in place – in other words keeping them as high as they can be and not sagging. The problem with Coopers Ligaments is that once stretched or broken down, they will sag and the damage is irreversible.
Support
Apart from preventing breast pain and injury a good sports bra will help take the weight off your back and prevent back pain. The straps are usually thicker and spread the weight of the breasts evenly. Sports bras, contrary to regular bras, are made from breathable fabric which will cool you down and make you feel comfortable.
According to Dr. Joanna Scurr, a biomechanist, a good sports bra can reduce the bounce factor by almost 60 per cent! Dr. LaJean Lawson, a top scientific researcher at Oregon State University explains that the research on sports bras started in the 70s and has evolved greatly ever since. State of art technology is used to monitor women’s movement and bounce rates. This allows for improvements in sports bra models, and ultimately female athlete performance
Comfort
Have you ever worked out in a regular bra? The lace itches, the straps dig into your shoulders or slide down and the under wiring….Ouch. Rather than focus on your workout you are busy pulling, fixing and adjusting.
Most women choose a smaller cup and larger band, when the opposite is correct. Of course you can use bra fitting services, including sports bras but here are a few tips:
1) For larger breasts choose bras with separate cups (encapsulation). Wide shoulder straps are preferable because they distribute the weight more evenly. If you choose a clasp regulated band rather than a pull-on, it will allow you to adjust the level of support even if the fabric stretches out a bit.
2) Smaller busted ladies will benefit from a pull-on, shelf style(compression) bra which will compress the volume or a racer back straps will provide good ventilation and sufficient support.
