One of the biggest barriers to exercise for women, aside from lack of time, energy and motivation, is breast discomfort during gym time. If you’re one of those women, let’s help you out by giving you some tips on how to choose the perfect sports bra to prevent exercise-induced breast discomfort.

Why Choosing the Right Bra is Important

Since the breasts lack bone and muscle structure, movements such as jumping or running constantly can damage tissue and lead to skin laxity. Also, women who have breast cancer also struggle with the discomfort of ill-fitting bras that prevent them from enjoying the healing benefits of exercise. Fortunately, sports bras nowadays have evolved to ensure both function and comfort. Even if breast discomfort has not yet affected your exercise experience, the following Fs might help you pick the right one for your chosen activity:

FABRIC

Exercising means sweating. You can’t reach your fitness goals without shedding some fats and doing some heart-pumping cardio workout. Choose a fabric that perform well when damp and can help you avoid hot conditions that can lead to painful chafing. If you have sensitive skin, choose a fabric that is hypoallergenic, lightweight, and breathable. Always check the tags that describe the fabric for more information.

FIT

Many women struggle to find the perfect sports bra fit. Sometimes it gets to them that they just ditch the entire idea and worse, not go for a workout anymore. Know your cup size before buying anything. Once you’ve found a potential sports bra, do not hesitate to ask help from sales associates. Many major department stores and lingerie retailers have highly-trained empathetic sales reps ready to help you find the perfect fit and style.

FUNCTION

The main function of wearing a sports bra is to minimize breast motion and reduce discomfort while you move. There are several types of sports bras that could work for a specific activity you’re going to do. Compression style bras flatten and distribute breast tissue evenly across the chest wall, while encapsulation bras have cups that support each breast individually. This may provide greater stability and maximum comfort for the wearer. 

FASHION

Wearing something nice to the gym can boost your self confidence, especially when it’s your first time. Feeling good about the way you look can also inspire more consistency with your workouts. While compression bras are the best pick for comfort, encapsulation bras are made not just for comfort, but also for form. It accentuates the natural curves of the female body. Plus, they look good underneath a colorful tank top.

Remember: knowing what to look for the next time you go shopping and confidently asking for help from professionals can help you get the right sports bra that performs as well as you do at the gym.