With the London marathon fast approaching, competitors have long been in training with rigorous schedules, the perfect diet and wearing the best performance clothing. With nearly 50% of women not wearing a sports bra during exercise, it is incredibly important that all female marathon runners wear -- and get used to running in -- a sports bra.
Women of all cup sizes will notice an immediate difference between wearing a sports bra and not. Wearing a sports bra during exercise reduces pain and chafing, as well as long term
sagging of the breasts, as shown through the sports bras study of 2007 by Dr Scurr. After running a short or long distance every motion of the breasts puts additional strain on the
Cooper's Ligaments. Dr Scurr's study shows that wearing a decent sports bra will reduce this bounce by up to 75%.
The study crucially shows that breast movement occurs regardless of cup size and regardless of the speed of running. TV star Katie Holmes was photographed last Autumn participating in the
New York marathon without a sports bra, causing uproar in women's magazines, who heavily promote the use of sports bras when exercising.
Even for petite women like Holmes, protecting the breasts is an important part of women's health. Regardless of cup size, breasts move in a figure of eight motion according to Dr. Scurr's
study, thus increasing the risk of premature sagging.
Move Active, the online sports bra retailer, wants to promote the use of a sports bra to every female marathon runner, in an aim to prevent both short and long term problems. Director
John Cormack said, "Women of all cup sizes need a sports bra when running, regardless of distance, but with the London Marathon approaching it is essential for women to get a decent
sports bra to avoid any unnecessary pain, chafing and potential long term problems during their run".
For a fantastic range of styles in all sizes, see
for the perfect sports bra.