I run marathons. I also am, ahem, well endowed up top. That seems an incongruous pairing. To wit, an anonymous blog reader once left a comment on a past entry of mine saying, "Marathoners don't have big melons, so you must be deceiving us about your marathons or your picture. Which is it?" Well, ye of lil' faith, I will tell thee how "the ladies" and I manage to run 26.2 miles.It's true that without proper support, running can be plain painful. Not to mention induce self-conscious feelings if people stare at you. Hopefully the following exercise tips are helpful for my female readers with big racks. A buxum bosom shouldn't keep you out of the gym, or off the jogging path.
What I do:1. I wear a supportive regular bra (Maidenform One Fabulous Fit Demi Bra) with a GOOD sports bra over it (LL Bean's Moving Comfort #WPL7232). Both have underwire.
2. Then I throw three shitty sport bras on for good measure. Target and Walmart sell cheap sport bras in three packs (Mine are just Fruit of the Loom).
I know, five bras is overkill. Two would likely suffice. But I'll take overkill over saggy boob syndrome. Gravity is getting nowhere near my chest, if I can help it.
Further Fitness Tips for the Well-endowed:
I know, five bras is overkill. Two would likely suffice. But I'll take overkill over saggy boob syndrome. Gravity is getting nowhere near my chest, if I can help it.
Further Fitness Tips for the Well-endowed:3. Invest in a high-impact sport bra. Title nine and Moving comfort are two brands that cater to larger cup sizes. The price tag of $30-$60 is well worth it. The bras prevent excessive bouncing and minimize discomfort. Enell is another bust-accomodating brand. According to Oprah, it eliminates chafing and provides back support. In browsing discussion boards, I found women size 36DD, 42H, and 36L all swore by Enell.
4. Replace your bras. Over time, wash and wear takes its toll on a bra's elasticity. The drying machine's heat eventually stretches the fibers of the supportive material too. So occasionally, throw out all your sport bras and buy a whole new set.
5. Wear exercise tops with a shelf bra attached. In addition to donning multiple sports bras, these tops are an added measure to keep your chest immobile during high intensity activities like running or jumping rope.
5. Wear exercise tops with a shelf bra attached. In addition to donning multiple sports bras, these tops are an added measure to keep your chest immobile during high intensity activities like running or jumping rope.
6. Buy sport bras that are a size smaller than your usual bra. This tip is hit or miss. It works for me. I feel extra snug. But I can see how others might feel suffocated. Try it out in store.
Tips for when you're not jogging that will help when you do jog (I tried to think of a better, less wordy title for this section to no avail).
Tips for when you're not jogging that will help when you do jog (I tried to think of a better, less wordy title for this section to no avail).
7. Work your core (ideally three times a week). Being top heavy could result in back pain. Building a strong back with back-strengthening moves and firm abs with elbow planks can help alleviate the pain.
8. Try pilates or yoga to lengthen the spine, if having extra weight up top gives you hunched posture.
If all else fails:
9. Experiment with low impact exercises that spike your heart rate just as much as jogging. Hiking or walking on an incline on the treadmill work. You could also try swimming or stairmaster.
9. Experiment with low impact exercises that spike your heart rate just as much as jogging. Hiking or walking on an incline on the treadmill work. You could also try swimming or stairmaster.
Do you have any more tips for facilitating exercise with large breasts? Leave a comment!
-Xtine Gary
-Xtine Gary
