Breast size can be a surprising barrier to being able to keep up vigorous exercise performance. It’s a factor many people haven’t considered. This is likely because most people don’t talk about it even when it affects them.
Still, it’s a serious issue. Research shows that as women’s breast sizes grow, they are likely to take part in physical activity, especially when it comes to vigorous exercise performance. This shows that a woman’s natural shape affects the way in which she will exercise. The research was in the form of a large-scale study examining workout habits of women of all ages.
Women’s Challenges to Vigorous Exercise Performance
The research examined various concerns and challenges women experience when it comes to vigorous exercise performance. This included breast size and bra fit. While these are issues that women should discuss frankly and openly, that does not appear to be the case. As a result, many women find themselves avoiding certain types of exercise and limit their physical fitness.
Vigorous exercise performance can be an important part of making sure you’re physically healthy. Exercise, including vigorous, intense workouts, is associated with improvements in happiness, health and even longevity. However, far too many people move around too infrequently each day, particularly when it comes to reaching their maximum vigorous exercise performance.
Overcoming the Sedentary Lifestyle Barrier
The problem of a sedentary lifestyle is widespread among men and among women of every breast size. The obesity epidemic in the United States and other countries around the world does not discriminate by gender or by breast size. However, what this research has found is that barriers such as discomforts that women feel in their chests when moving will stop them from taking part in those activities at all.
Breast tissue is heavy but sensitive. It contains very little connective tissue to stabilize it. This means that when women exercise, even while wearing a bra, it can be uncomfortable or even painful. Biomechanical studies show that in women with larger chests, a bra may not be enough as they rarely eliminate the movement even in smaller-breasted women. As a result, workouts leave women feeling sore and more likely to avoid those movements.
The research recommended that to overcome this disadvantage, women are encouraged to invest in a high-quality, well-fitted sports bra and swimsuit. This may not eliminate the problem, but it can greatly reduce it. Some women have had luck using two bras to improve vigorous exercise performance. The researchers encourage women to inform themselves regarding how to know if they have found a good fit, and what features are best in these types of support. Moreover, they encourage women to try swimming as it reduces the problem of pain and interrupted movement.
