Embarking on a fitness routine needs a lot of investment from your end. It starts with getting the right fitness gear in place and finding your ideal workout routine. While most women make sure to suit up in the perfect activewear, they are somehow in a dilemma about investing in a bra. “Is it really necessary?”, they wonder. If you’re wondering, too, read on to find the answer to your question. Understanding the composition of breasts: Mainly composed of fat and glandular tissue, breasts are held together by a fibrous tissue called 'Cooper’s ligaments’. They are quite susceptible to movement as the only support they get is from the chest wall. Imagine what the uncontrolled bounce during a workout can do to these delicate darlings! Besides, breast tissues are laden with sensitive nerves, making them vulnerable to vigorous movement and friction. What does a sports bra do? Enter the ‘sports bra’! The ultimate saviour for women while working out, sports bras prevent tears in the connective tissues (Cooper’s ligaments) by efficiently supporting your breasts during exercise. Will any sports bra work? The answer is a resounding no. Different activities require varied level of support depending on the intensity of movement. Sports bras can be broadly classified into three categories: 1. Low-Impact Sports Bra: As the name suggests, this type is perfect for low-impact activities and exercises such as yoga, Pilates, walking, strength training and cycling. 2. Medium-Impact Sports Bra: Pick a medium-impact bra for activities such as working on the elliptical, medium intensity cardio, power-walking, hiking and the likes. 3. High-Impact Sports Bra: It is meant for all activities that need a lot of jumping and moving around. Running, playing tennis / squash, kickboxing and other HIIT activities call for a high-impact sports bra. How does a sports bra help? 1. Prevents premature sagging: A good sports bra reduces bounce up to 50% and prevents ligament tears and eventual sagging. Opt for a bra with broader straps and racer back if you feel the need for more support. 2. Prevents soreness and pain: Breasts are sensitive and tend to get sore when subjected to too much friction. Excessive bounce can cause ligament damage resulting in extreme pain that may last for days, weeks or months. 3. Less chance for backache: Not enough support, especially if you are top heavy, can cause your back to hurt. On the other hand, if your bra/sports bra is too tight, it might give you a headache due to nerve compression. 4. Keeps Body Acne at Bay: Sweaty workouts leave you feeling awesome, but if you aren’t wearing breathable clothes, you might end up with acne or other skin issues. Hence, it is important that you wear a sports bra that wicks moisture away. So there, hope you’ve found an answer to your question regarding the necessity of a sports bra. With so many benefits, a sports bra easily makes it to the must-have activewear essentials list.
