Most workouts, especially cardiovascular exercises such as running, cause your body to move up and down. For women, this means wearing a sports bra. The breasts don't have any muscles that can be damaged, but the skin and ligaments that surround and support them can break down overtime if proper support isn't provided, which will cause sagging. Additionally, the added weight when breasts move upwards and downwards can place unnecessary strain on the muscles of your back.
Even the most effective and expensive of sport's bras will begin to become less effective as time goes by, so make sure you buy a new one if you notice the signs listed below presenting themselves.
1. It Doesn't Boast Much Stretch
Sports bras stop your breasts from moving up and down too much because they are elasticated to hold them tighter against your body than a normal bra. As the elastic begins to give way, they become less effective. You can check whether you need a new one by performing a simple stretch test. Just pull on the straps or the band running along the bottom; if they don't feel strong and firm, it's time to buy a new sports bra.
2. Its Bands and Straps Are Too Wide
Beyond the way they feel, you can also tell whether the bands and straps of your sports bra have become too worn simply by comparing them to a newer one. Just lay the older bra down and then lay a newer one across it. If the older sports bra's bands are noticeably wider and the straps longer, it means that they have been stretched out too much.
3. It Begins to Ride Up
When your sports bra starts to lose elasticity, one of the first things that you're likely to notice is it beginning to ride up your body while you exercise. Ideally, the bottom band should rest straight across the rib cage and experience little movement, if you feel it moving around too much, you won't be getting the support that you need. It could also make for an embarrassing mishap.
4. Your Breasts Hurt After Exercising
Have you noticed that your breasts feel sore as you exit the gym or get in from your morning run? If so, it might be that your sports bra is no longer providing sufficient support. Keep in mind that this discomfort indicates that the skin and ligaments that support your breasts are being damaged. Once those ligaments break down, they'll never bounce back.
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