Exercising without a bra can potentially have more negative consequences than positive. Working out braless is not desired by many women; when breasts are secured with a properly-fitting bra, women are free to move their bodies in light, moderate or high-intensity exercise.
Effects of Exercising Without a Bra
High-impact exercise may stretch breast skin and tissue, as well as cause discomfort. Another form of discomfort is possible when the friction of clothing during exercise may cause chafing, sore nipples or blisters. Consider a sports bra, which, because of the specific design, may prevent breast discomfort, pain and injury during exercise or sports. A possible braless exercise exception is swimming, but typically, a swimsuit designed for lap swim has a built-in bra or is snug enough to keep the breasts from bobbing freely in the swimsuit. If you exercise without a bra, cover nipples with small bandages or a dab of petroleum jelly during exercise to prevent chafing and blistering.
Benefits of Wearing a Bra
Studies of breast biomechanics at the U.K.'s University of Portsmouth found that bra support can affect a woman's running stride. "In a no-bra condition, we found that there was more force being exerted on...the inside of the foot," said Jenny White, a Ph.D. candidate at the university in an interview for ABC News. A separate report published in the "British Journal of Sports Medicine" in 2008 revealed that only 41 percent of respondents in a study of Australian women said they wore a sports bra during physical activity. The researchers at the School of Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong recommended that all women, regardless of breast size, should learn the importance of wearing a supportive sports bra during exercise to alleviate breast discomfort and strain on breast tissue.
Shop Around
If you do not like to wear a bra, chances are it is ill-fitting. Weight fluctuation, pregnancy, hormone therapy, and regular exercise are all reasons to get a professional bra fitting, and to have it done often. This service is available free of charge at most department stores. Choose a bra that holds each breast in a separate cup, so as to reduce bounce and provide more support than a shelf bra.
Various Styles
With so many different bra styles specifically designed for exercise, there's no reason not to support the girls. Try on cotton, spandex, fabric blends, tagless, wireless or seamless looks. There are also compression tops that snugly hug the chest and torso, and support tank tops, which combine a bra and tank top into one garment. When trying one on, run in place, do jumping jacks and swing your arms in circles to test the amount of support the bra offers.
References
- ABC News; Sports Bra Science: Sports Bra Design Lags Behind Other Apparel; Ki Mae Heussner; 2010
- "Good Housekeeping": The Best Bra Guide Ever
- "British Journal of Sports Medicine"; What are the Breast Support Choices of Australian Women During Physical Activity?"; K.A. Bowles, J.R. Steele, and B. Munro; 2008
- "Shape"; Running Tips: Blisters, Sore Nipples and Other Runner's Skin Problems Solved; Kimberly Daly
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