Ladies, if you are beginning a walking program, you may not need to be concerned with sports undies. A regular bra and panties may suffice, along with loose comfy outer clothes, and seasonal consideration. For the active woman who likes running, jogging, yoga, zumba, pilates, spinning etc, it becomes more important. Dressing for exercise is important! Not just puts you in the mindset for a work out, but also promotes comfort. Dri fit fabrics make great underwear for men and women, to keep you cool and comfy. The trick is in the style of the sports bras. One size or style does not fit most.
If you thought shoe fitting was complex, finding a proper fitting sports bra can be a nightmare. After getting a good shoe, the sports bra is the next priority for women. A good supporting, non chafing sports bra is essential. They come in many sizes, shapes, types, materials, and many could have been on Houdini's list of challenges. Men, consider you are out for a run, and have a tight, rubbing, restrictive layer of bands and materials constricting around the rib cage. The wrong one can handicap your run girls! Unlike trying on shoes, most of us dread the sports bra shopping along with the first swimsuit of the season. Awful!
As many active women I know, I have a drawer full of old sports bras that are ok...some are uncomfortable around the ribcage, others have straps that dig into your shoulders and are not adjustable. Lets also not forget the "Uniboob" variety that get the job done but are not in the least flattering and you have to crawl into them, and nearly strangle yourself. Some are not very supportive but are comfy. Yikes! Guys don't know how well they have it! I keep wearing the same few, and resolve to toss the rest this week.
I have wandered into stores and nearly had to have a salesgirl come into the dressing room to cut me out of one! You ladies know what I mean. At times I have run out of a store, swearing to never try one on outside of the comfort of my home and an emergency assistant on stand by.
This led me to the go to Academy,Marshalls, Victorias Secret, LuluLemon, or Athleta and browse the racks, selecting a few to purchase. I would take them home and try them, and return the ones that were not going to fit me in reasonable comfort. I had an idea! I would streamline the process by looking specifically for sports bras that are sized like everyday bras. Genius! More of these are beginning to show up in stores and online.
Next I go to the Internet, visit other companies such as Saucony, Brooks and Nike to look for bras designed for running. The sports bras I decided to try this time came from Saucony. I love the shoe for me, why not the bras? I ordered 2 different ones to try, The "Bounce Trouncer " in jade, and the " Curve Crusader" in coral. With a bra type closure on the back of each they looked easy to put on and off. The Curve Crusader had crossed straps, which is a nice feature, but the did not adjust at all. The Bounce Trouncer had regular straps, that adjusted, but all in all a personal choice.
I am sad to report I am still on the quest for the perfect sports bra. Both of these styles were way too tight and restrictive around the ribcage for ease of breathing. I am definitely sending them back, but have not decided if I will guess at the next larger size. In conclusion, there is not a perfect sports bra that works for everyone. I will continue my quest by interviewing sales people in the stores that sell sports wear for women, and be prepared to stay in the dressing room, getting a work out just trying them on. It is a long process, so when you find the one that is supportive and comfortable, buy more than one. Another bit of advice is to either hand wash in cold, or gentle cycle in the washer and by all means, line dry! These gizmos are not cheap. Any comments or advice is greatly appreciated! Don't give up the hunt! Keep on running!
No comments:
Post a Comment