Do you buy your sports kit because it looks good, you like the colours or shape?
Do you think much about your sports bra – ever get fitted?
Are you still wearing the same sports bra you bought 5 or even 8 or so years ago?
How about your trainers – how often do you change your shoes for exercise?
Have you had a baby in the last 5 years? If so are you wearing the same bra or using a feeding bra to exercise in?
Lots of questions – how are your answers going?
Sports Bra’s post pregnancy
The main thing with post pregnancy sports bras is that they need to be supportive but also have a quick release to feed your baby – if you are doing something like New Mums fitness classes, yoga, pilates and even walking a lot. A lot of women are loath to spend a fortune on a post natal sports bras as they are pricey and are only used for a short(ish) time.
However, they honestly really ARE worth spending money on. There are now a few more brands out there which do cater for exercising mums and they are very supportive and efficient.
Your back and breasts will have changed size – so it is not so supportive to just put a sports bra over a feeding bra or wear 2 sports bras. You need to look after the breast tissues & also remember they can be a lot more tender or sore due to breast feeding. So if you can, just invest something in yourself and try a few different brands – try them 1st and make sure they can easily be returned if they don’t suit you and what you want.
Here are some of the brands:
- Hotmilk lingerie – http://www.hotmilklingerie.com
- Fit Mama maternity wear – https://www.fittamamma.com/collections/shop-all-activewear-for-pregnant-postpartum-feeding-mammas/products/maternity-and-feeding-sports-bra?variant=39562952540336
- JoJo Mama Bebe – http://jojomamanbebe.co.uk mainly for less high impact exercise
- Shape Magazine article on post natal sports wear – https://www.shape.com/fitness/clothes/stylish-nursing-sports-bras-post-partum-workouts
- Latched – https://latched.uk/
Hopefully, there is one there that suits what you want. Remember, post natal exercise should be started gently and progressively. Always see a Women’s health physio or go for a MommyMOT https://www.themummymot.com/ to check that your pelvic floor or diastasis are ready for you to take the exercise up. Or book a 1:1 assessment consultation with me!
Sports Bras in the Menopause
Very similar to the post natal sports bra – if you exercise then make sure your breasts are getting good support. There are now so many lovely brands doing good looking supportive sports bras – choose from M&S, H&M, Sweaty Betty, Next, Shock Absorber, Asics, Nike etc etc. Go and get yourself fitted properly.
Our body shape changes as we age and that includes your breasts. Shoulder and back problems can happen due to your breasts not being supported, so do have a think if you are constantly feeling tight in your shoulders. It could simply be that your sports bra is not offering you the support it once did.
It really is worth investing in a comfortable and supportive sports bra. If you have very large breasts and are in Bristol area – book an apt at ‘Perfect Fit’ in Keynsham http://www.perfectfit.uk.com/. They cater for the larger sized breasts.
Sports Trainers – post natal and menopausal stages of life
How old are your trainers?? Have you had a look at the tread on them to see if they are worn? If you are a runner – it is not about how long you have had your trainers it is about what mileage have they done, how your foot runs – over/under pronates and your body weight. Have a read of this article – https://www.asics.com/gb/en-gb/running-advice/changing-your-running-shoes-knowing-when-is-the-right-time/
The 2 main times a woman’s body changes are due to hormonal changes – child birth and the menopause. Massive changes happen in your body and that includes your feet. Post birth you may find that your old trainers feel so much tighter and less comfortable. Your feet do actually grow in pregnancy – maybe only a tiny bit, but feet are so important, we want to avoid crunching the toes up in old shoes.
In the menopause – balance is very important so it may be time to think about your trainers or exercise shoes. Feet, ankles and toes can all have an impact on other parts of your body.
So go and check your trainers and what shoe you exercise in. Is it time for an upgrade or a change. I have moved on to the Vivo Barefoot shoes for walking and working in https://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/ I gradually built up the time I spent walking in them and now my feet are used to them. The shoe fits around my foot, not the other way around! I am very flat footed but these work for m. I dont run in them, for me I do still need a bit of support, but for everyday they are great.
Try something that lets your feet breathe and support your body as it changes!
