How Do Activities Impact your Breasts' Health and How You Can Keep Them Healthy

A recent study published in the journal Sports Medicine shows that breast support during exercise is extremely important for women of all ages. The study found that breasts move an average of 9 cm (3.5 inches) during moderate-intensity exercise, and can move up to 15 cm (6 inches) during high-intensity exercise. This movement can cause pain and discomfort, as well as lead to long-term problems such as sagging breasts.

Why Do We Need to Wear a Sports Bra?

The answer is simple. Sports bras are specially designed to reduce movement and strain that can cause damage to the breast tissues. This is especially important when you’re participating in activities that involve  a lot of movement, like running or jumping.

In addition to preventing pain and injury, wearing a sports bra can also help you feel more confident and comfortable when you’re working out. And let’s face it, when we feel good in our workout gear, we’re more likely to stick to our fitness routines!

How Do You Prevent Long-Term Breast Problems From Exercise?

The best way to prevent these problems is to wear a properly fitting sports or exercise bra. Sports bras come in a variety of styles and sizes, so it’s important to find one that fits you well.

When trying on sports bras, make sure they’re comfortable and offer enough support. You should also look for a bra that has adjustable straps and a wide band around the bottom, as these will help keep the bra in place during exercise.

Woman wearing a sports bra sitting in from of a wall.

What Other Activities Cause Long-Term Breast Problems?

All forms of exercise can potentially strain your breast tissue that may cause pain, discomfort and the dreaded sagging. But did you know that exercise is not the only activity that can cause these problems? Here’s a list of other day-to-day activities that surprisingly can cause long-term breast issues.

Sleeping on Your Stomach

I have bad news for you, belly sleepers. You may want to consider switching positions when hitting the sack at night. Sleeping on your stomach can put unnecessary pressure on your breasts, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Try sleeping on your back or side instead to take the pressure off.

Not Getting Enough Exercise

And you thought it was just excessive exercise that caused breast strain. Not getting enough exercise can lead to saggy breasts because the chest muscles deteriorate when left dormant for long durations. Doing strength training exercises tone chest muscles, making your twins perkier. So if you don’t want your breasts to sag so much and too soon, make sure to get at least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 days a week.

Wearing a Seatbelt

Who knew that protecting yourself from deployed airbags is actually bad for your own air bags? Despite the fact that seatbelts are mandatory for your safety, they can actually be hard on your breasts. The straps can put pressure on your breasts, which can lead to pain and discomfort. This is more likely to happen during long drives or if your car has a narrow seat belt. To prevent this from happening, make sure you adjust the straps so that they’re not too tight, and try to loosen them up whenever possible. If you’re going on long drives, make sure to take several breaks.

Lifting Heavy Bags

If you’re carrying a heavy bag – whether it’s a purse, laptop or nappy bag – make sure you’re not putting all the weight on one shoulder. Carrying a heavy bag on one side can cause your shoulders to rotate, which can lead to pain in your chest and breast tissue. Try carrying the bag in front of you instead, with both hands. If that’s not possible, use a backpack so the weight is evenly distributed. You should also consider using a pram, so you don’t have to strain your chest too much.

Pregnancy and Nursing

Pregnancy and nursing are natural processes that can take a toll on your breasts. The added weight and fluctuating hormones can cause changes in your breast tissue, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Make sure you’re wearing a supportive bra and maintaining good posture to help alleviate some of the strain. There are a lot of options available for expecting and nursing mothers. There are sports bras that can fit you well while still giving your newborn easy access to your breast milk.

In order to keep your breasts healthy, it’s important to be aware of how your everyday activities can impact them. From choosing the right bra to getting enough exercise, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent pain and keep your breasts healthy. So don’t neglect your girls – give them the attention they deserve!

If you’re not sure what sports bra size or sports bra type to buy, it’s a good idea to get fitted by a professional. Many sporting goods stores have trained staff who can help you find the right bra. Online shops like Sports Bras Direct have an online sports bra size calculator as well as a bra finder so you don’t have to physically go to the store. Once you’ve found a bra that fits well and provides adequate support, make sure to wash it after each use to extend its life.

Woman exercising with weight plate

But How Do You Choose the Right Sports Bra?

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being fully supported while working out or doing daily chores. The right sports bra can make all the difference in your comfort and performance, whether you’re running a marathon, hitting the gym, or getting groceries with kids in tow.

Here’s how you choose the right sports bra:

First, consider your activity level and breast size. High-impact activities will require more support than low-impact activities, and larger breasts will need more support than smaller breasts.

Next, think about the style of sports bra you prefer. There are many different styles on the market, from traditional bras to tank tops with built-in support. Choose a style that you feel comfortable in and that provides the level of support you need.

Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to fit. Make sure the bra fits snugly but is not too tight, and that the straps stay in place without slipping. Once you find a sports bra that fits well and provides the right amount of support, you’ll be ready to take on the world!

How Do You Boost Your Breast Health?

There’s no doubt about it: your breasts go through a lot. From pregnancy and nursing to everyday wear and tear, it’s no wonder that your breasts can sometimes feel a little worse for wear. Here are some helpful tips that can help you keep your girls healthy.

There’s no doubt about it: your breasts go through a lot. From pregnancy and nursing to everyday wear and tear, it’s no wonder that your breasts can sometimes feel a little worse for the wear. Here are some helpful tips that can help you keep your lovely twins healthy:

Practice Good Posture

Slouching not only makes your breasts look saggy, they also force them in an unnatural position that causes damage over time. Keeping your spine and your shoulder as straight as possible can help counter this.

Don’t Smoke

There are over four thousand chemicals in tobacco smoke, some of which break down collagen and elastin in your body. These are fibers that keep certain parts of your body strong and elastic. When you smoke, you are actually exposing not just your breasts but also your skin to wrinkling and sagging.

Wear the Proper Attire

Wearing perfect-fitting sports bras keeps your breasts in place and minimises bounce leading to reduced discomfort or pain.

Your Breast Health is in Your Hands

No one else can care for your breasts like you can. By turning helpful tips and advice into habits, you can keep your breasts looking great and feeling great for as long as possible. 

If you’re ready to get your first of many pairs of sports bras, check out Sports Bras Direct’s online store. Our specialists can help you pick the right products that match your needs.

Our Sports Bra Finder is the perfect place to start your search.

Your in Support

Amy x

Amy Jaffers - Sports Bra Expert

Amy Jaffers

Amy is the face behind Sports Bras Direct, Australia’s largest sports bra website. She's a mother of two, outdoors lover and sports bra expert. Her life mission is to help active women get the support they need as well as assisting women in need through her charitable donations.

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