Breasts make terrible workout partners. They are lazy, clingy and almost entirely dependent on their owners for support. Though often lovely, breasts contain absolutely no muscle tissue and are incapable of independent local motion. Unfortunately, breasts are highly capable of being moved by outside forces. One British Study conducted by sports bra maker Shock Absorber found that for every step taken the average, unsupported breast moves nine centimeters!

A lifetime of unsupported bouncing can damage the breast’s natural support structures and lead to irrevocable sagging. Pain is another regrettable side effect that leads many women to curtail their activity levels. High impact activities such as running, soccer or jump rope are particularly brutal for the innocent breast.

So what is an energetic, athletic girl on the go to do? Read on for helpful tips on finding the support you need and deserve.

One easy way to test your bra is to run down a set of stairs. Next run down that same set of stairs with your arms crossed and holding your breasts (left arm to right breast and right arm to left breast). If you bounced significantly more the first time down (without manual support) you need a different bra.

Try on several types and brands of sports bras and bounce around the store. Mimic what you will be doing on the field or court and find the bra that limits movement the most (warning: this will most likely be the most hideous; in the sports bra world there is an inverse relationship between form and function).

Don’t be afraid of tightness. A good compression bra (the kind with one compartment) often feels like a spandex corset. Give yourself a chance to get used to this feeling and remember that you only have to wear the bra during very high impact activities.

Buy the right bra. Compression works best for A and B cups and compartment bras (which look more like traditional bras) work best for larger breasted gals.

Don’t be afraid to spend some money. Like good shoes good, sports bras are expensive. Unfortunately unlike shoes, they rarely go on sale. Remember this is an important piece of sports equipment that is protecting an important part of you. Don’t skimp on yourself.

Downgrade (to less bouncy activities) and eventually toss your sports bras as they weaken. This can be difficult as you will inevitably have favorites. Old sports bras often have productive second careers as everyday bras.

Links:
http://www.titlenine.com/: The best bras I’ve ever worn. They have a cool rating system that allows you to select bras based on your needs and breast size. They have a store in Berkeley.

www.shockabsorber.co.uk/: An excellent sports bra manufacturer based in the UK . Check out the bounce-o-meter and you will never run unsupported again.

http://www.lessbounce.com/: A wide selection of sports bras to choose from.