Running Gear: The Sports Bra

I have always stressed on the importance of the right running gear. This is for numerous reasons – to prevent injuries, to support performance, comfort and off course the good old reason of looking forward to dressing up – be it a funky new style or simply a bright and catchy new color. In case of us women, the sports bra is probably as important a part of the gear as the right shoe.

A good sports bra is like a good boyfriend – comforting, supportive and off course, attractive, all of which I believe are ingredients for a good workout. There are actually quite a few reasons that women should invest in a good, well-fitting sports bra:

– The Coopers Ligament which holds up the bust, stretches with high impact excessive movement.  This stretch is permanent and irreversible. So, it is imperative that we arm our bodies with the required arsenal in order to fight the effects of gravity.

– They also help avoid breast pain at the time of exercise while reducing bounce and saving you the embarrassment of your boobs flying around all over the place

– They also help in absorbing sweat and keep you comfortable and dry while exercising.

– They hold your breasts in place without being too tight or restrictive. Unlike under-wired bras, and tight straps that dig into your flesh, a sports bra is contoured to meet your body’s curves at perfectly comfortable points.

– A good sports bra evens out the impact thereby saving you from upper back pain and shoulder problems.

– And specifically, in case of endurance athletes, a good sports bra reduces ( not completely eliminates) chaffing. I also recommend duct tape for protection under the bands of the sports bra you use to ensure complete protection, unless off course you are a collector of marathon tattoo’s, in which case, I have no comments. Trust me, the last thing you need at the end of that 42.2K run is to dread going in for a shower because the chaffed boobs are going to burn!

I have had a lot of women reach out to me asking me to recommend a good sports bra to them. Among the very limited range available in the market, I recommend only that which I have tried, tested and personally use. I use the Nike Dri-Fit High support Compression Sports bra for any high impact activity (Zumba) and runs upto 20K in distance.

For distances greater than 20K I am an avid fan of Anita wear. In my experience they provide great temperature control, support, breathability and minimal chaffing.

Regular exercise improves your health and your self confidence. It’s one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself, but you have to be careful and exercise smart. Respect your body so that it delivers now and always.

#Anitawear #NikeRunning #RunningGear #Sportsbra