Right sport, right training bra

Are you a woman who plays sports? Ever go running, mountain biking, power-walking, aerobic dancing, skipping or jump rope? Taking Pilates or a yoga class? Answer yes to any one of these questions, and you know what a difference your bra makes. Wearing a bra that provides adequate support, is very important, especially for postural stabilization. Wearing the right bra can make a difference in your workouts.

If you have rounded shoulders, lack of support will put an impingement on your respiratory capacity, decreasing your aerobic capacity. And if you're a C or D cup and working out on a piece of cardio equipment, the lack of adequate support can definitely affect your aerobic capacity. Wear a regular bra or a sports bra, but make sure it includes the most important factors: good fit and support.

See how a few women solved their "exercise or bust" problems with the right bra:

Dilemma: Joanne, an accountant, runs every morning before catching a train to work. "I always knew something was missing for me. Impact exercise never felt right." Joanne needs a bra that'll help her in her active routine.

Solution: Joanne tried a supportive front-closure underwire sports bra. "That made the difference," she says. "I knew it instantly. Now that I wear the right bra I feel I can do any sport with no restrictions. And, this style saves me time. The front closure limits fumbling and shaves off a few seconds."

Dilemma: Sharon, an office administrator, went down several bra sizes when she lost weight with Weight Watchers. For fitness, she works with a personal trainer, and fits in an occasional yoga class. But, she says, "I had incredible trouble finding [a bra] that fit me when I had bigger breasts. They were all designed to be too bouncy." Sharon needs a bra that will support her larger bust.

Solution: "When I finally did find [a bra] that fit and had the right amount of support, it was much more comfortable," says Sharon. When you're doing an activity with impact, and your breasts are large, they're moving around. The connective tissue inside the breasts will be broken down and cause them to get floppier earlier - especially when you've lost weight. Supporting them during exercise is very important to maintaining your shape."

Dilemma: Donna, an interior decorator and mom, plays netball and takes a yoga class three times a week. She has kids and a busy schedule, though, so... Donna needs a versatile bra, something that makes sense and looks good whether she's doing yoga or picking up the kids.

Solution: Donna likes the pullover halter-backed bras because they stay put nicely in the center of her back, between her shoulder blades and can double as a tank top. "This style of strap keeps my upper back looking smooth and flat," she says. "I also like that the straps stay put, and don't stray down my shoulder in yoga class. And I like how the new materials are soft, and they absorb moisture, keeping me much dryer."

About The Author:

Kathy Cole is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.bra-n-bras.com. A tasteful look at the bra industry, products and manufacturers.