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Review of sports bras for runners from the Running Bug. Real runners review the latest gear.
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Go straight to the first Sports Bra review here.
Why do I need a sports bra?
The breasts’ supportive tissue (Coopers ligaments) is put under extra strain when we run. If you want to keep your boobs as upright as possible, a sports bra is a must-have. And it’s not just about aesthetics. A good sports bra will make your run a more pleasant experience; bouncing boobs will distract you, slow you down, and make you feel uncomfortable. Need to Know
Sports scientists from the University of Portsmouth have extensively studied how breast tissue is damaged during running and they’ve looked at how regular bras and some sports bras are not effective in reducing breast pain during exercise. Although they reduced bounce many did not restrict side-to-side movement, so it’s worth getting properly fitted before you buy. The Shock Absorber Institute is based at the University and the latest research has found that 9.5 million in the UK are not getting the support they need from their bra. And the researchers found that a good sports bra is vital whatever speed you run at as 3D bounce increases rapidly during the transition phase from walking to running, then levels off. There are two types of sports bras, compression bras that look more like crop tops and are designed to push the breasts against the chest to reduce movement and bounce, and encapsulation bras that look like traditional bras with cups and adjustable straps. Generally speaking more support comes from the encapsulation ‘bra’ bra; the one with adjustable straps and separate cups. Like your running shoes, you’ll need to replace your sports bra frequently, manufacturers suggest after between 30 and 40 washes.
the ones called ,shock absorber, are best. :)
I'm a 34dd and have found the shock absorber ball sports bra does what I need it to do.
The straps are adjustable for when you have those tender days! and bounce is a minimum!
I am a 36E and bought a Shock Absorber run bra and it was horrendous! No support at all, scooped really low at the front so my boobs were visible at top and sides when doing weights. My boobs bounced all over and it was extremely painful to run in. I ran in it, did X trainer, stepper and weights and the bra wasn't suitable for any of them. The best I've had is a Marks and Spencers high intensity underwired sports bra for £18 but they have stopped doing that design.
Shock absorber bra every time!
oooh interesting! I've just been reviewing the Freya Active underwired sports bra the last month and was pretty impressed. I hadn't really expected much from an underwired bra not having tried one of these for sports before but will def be my favourite for normal intensity sports. Only thing its rubbish at is star jumps!!! Until now my favourite has been the Shock Absorber which is great for high impact but my only problem with it is that it is very grippy for larger chests and if you're wearing it for prolonged periods or lower impact activity - I think the compression styles are not for me. Having said that - either of them are better than the M&S one I was using before and gave me about as much support as a yo-yo... The Freya review, if anyone is interested, is at babyroutes.co.uk/.../freyaactivesportsbrareview What other brands have people with medium to larger chests gone for? Always good to have recommends.
Shock Absorber Run bra.......Short runs,long runs every run!
using shock absorber for a couple of years. Design got even better over time and I wouldn't do a run without it. If it is good stick to it :) The correct sizing is important otherwise it will miss it's purpose.
I am with everyone else on the shock absorber. Have been wearing those things for several years and cannot fault them, I am a 34 gg and that would be painful if they weren't strapped into the shock absorber. Absolutely brilliant bra!
Do they have large sizes. Am a 44dd