There is often a misconception amongst women that those with small breasts don’t need to wear a proper sports bra. Well, think again. No matter how what size your breasts are, a quality sports bra is a must, because it helps to keep the connective tissue that supports the breasts strong. Without support, the ligaments lose their strength and don’t have the ability to support the breasts.
If you are engaging in low-impact exercises such as yoga or cycling, you don’t need as much support, but when running you definitely need something that compresses or encapsulates your breasts.
THE RIGHT FIT
Believe it or not, but 80% of women wear the wrong sized bra, be it a sports bra or a normal bra. Therefore, you have to know your size before buying a sports bra, and the best way to find out is to go for a professional fitting. Then use these tips to gauge if you are buying the right bra:
• Straps: The most important thing is they shouldn’t dig into your shoulders. Adjustable straps are the best, as they provide a customisable fit.
• Band: The band should fit flat against your ribcage and more snugly than a lingerie bra. Take a deep breath to make sure the bra fits comfortably. Look for a wide band with strong elastic to provide necessary support. If it rides up in the back, the band is either too loose or the straps need to be adjusted.
• Cups: Your breasts should be fully covered and should not be pouring out of the top.
• Moisture-wicking: Choose a moisture-wicking material that dries quickly.
• Test it: Run or jump up and down in place in the dressing room. Move as if you were running. There should be no bounce or pressure against your chest wall.
Get yourself a decent sports bra and you will make sure you don’t go ‘bouncing along’. You will be surprised at what a difference it makes to your running.
GREAT GEAR FOR GIRLS
Pool-Mate Automatic Swimming Computer by Swimovate
Have you always wanted a swimming watch that will give you all the info on your laps, distance and swimming time at a quick glance? Then Pool-Mate is the perfect training tool for you! It is one of the coolest swimming watches and only fully automatic swimming computer on the market.
The Pool-Mate uses state of the art motion sensors that detect the motion of your arm. The unique software algorithms and digital signal processing techniques analyse the data and extract lap, stroke, distance, speed and calorie information automatically. When using Pool-Mate for the first time, the pool length, your weight and the hand you wear the Pool-Mate on, must first be set. It is as simple as that. You then simply press the Start button and swim!
It has a large memory, plus alarm, and is a fully functioning, stylish, digital watch. It is water-resistant to 50m and available in three funky colours. The Pool-Mate retails at R1299. For more info visit www.poolmatesa.co.za
THIS MONTH WE TRIED
Open Water Swimming
This month I decided to take on an open water swim. As most swimmers know, swimming in a pool is ‘easy’, as you just follow the line on the bottom of the pool in order to keep straight, the water is usually a comfortable temperature, and unless someone is training their butterfly stroke in the lane next to you, there are no waves or currents. But we all also know that swimming in a pool can sometimes become a bit boring. So I headed off to Bass Lake in the south of Johannesburg, donned my wetsuit and took on the open water.
Swimming in general has great cardiovascular benefits and when swimming in open water, there are generally currents which can provide resistance. This will help increase your muscle strength and tone. Also, if you are a triathlete, it is an awesome place to practise your sighting skills.
The best of all is you will definitely not be bored – swimming in open water, under a beautiful African sky, with the sun blazing on your back, is pure heaven. So next time you get bored of the pool, grab a buddy and head out to a safe open water spot. Just remember some safety tips: never swim alone, and always make sure you swim in water that is safe.
