Exercise and Your Breasts

They're not always on the friendliest of term.

Let's face it: a woman's breasts were not made with running and jumping in mind. That's not to say that women weren't meant to exercise, but that our breasts need a little extra protection when we do.

A recent study found that 56 percent of women experience breast discomfort while exercising. Certain sports also present the risk of injury: The breasts' rich vascular supply makes them particularly vulnerable to internal bleeding from impact with a ball or another person.

Fortunately proper care can prevent or alleviate many problems. Especially important is wearing the kind of sports bra that's right for you.

A woman's breasts are chiefly composed of hormone-sensitive mammary glands, fatty tissue and connective tissue. The pectoralis major and minor muscles lie underneath the breasts, but the breasts themselves have no true supporting ligaments or muscle tissue. Therefore, excessive motion during sporting activities may cause pain and aggravate sagging or stretch marks.

Excessive breast motion and discomfort can be controlled by wearing either a supportive or compressive bra. A compressive bra, which functions like a binder; is better for a woman with small breasts (A or B cup size). A woman with large breasts (C cup size and larger) needs a firmer, supportive bra that encapsulates the breasts individually. An Ace-type elastic bandage wrapped around the chest over the bra, to compress the breasts, may also be helpful.

There are many athletic bras on the market, but not all of them meet the needs of an active woman. The best way to judge a bra is to try it on and jump and jog in front of the changing-room mirror, watching for excessive breast motion. You may feel a little silly but you'll be less likely to end up with an uncomfortable, ill-fitting bra.

What determines your breast size?

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Table of Contents

Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
Nutrition
Exercise
Common Medical Problems
Dental Health
Emergency!
Infectious Disease
Sexual Health
Emotional Well-Being
Eating Disorders
Alcohol & Other Drugs
Environmental Health
Prevention

Sports Medicine Questions?
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Dr. Carol L. Otis, MD. FACSM.
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