Does sportswear prevent injuries?

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...

• Only 25% of women who play sports wear appropriate bras.
• The chest should always be properly supported, even in low-impact activities.
• Many gynecologists recommend sports bras over conventional ones.
• To choose the right bra and the correct size, you have to take into account the contour, the cup and the straps.

Sportswear for women: the bra

The bras or tops are the feminine textile that has evolved the most: the fabric has been adapted to the characteristics of the sport; the padding and the level of support is one or the other depending on the activity that is practiced or the level of protection that is required, etc. In addition, these garments fulfill the most important premise: comfort. The woman looks for those bras that hold the chest firmly but without compressing too much.

The most suitable option

It must always be properly supported, even in low-impact activities (Pilates, yoga ...) in which extreme protection is not necessary. To achieve a correct support, a good option is to use garments with wide straps or with an elastic band with a certain degree of resistance, under the chest, around the thorax. As the activity (tennis, running, aerobics ...) increases in demand, both in terms of impact and duration, the levels of protection, support and padding must adapt and also be higher.

However, according to recent studies, only 25% of women wear appropriate bras, and the use of sports tops provides very healthy benefits. For example, it is capable of reducing chest injuries by up to 81%, especially at the level of Cooper's ligaments, responsible for keeping the chest properly supported. For this reason, many gynecologists recommend wearing sports bras instead of everyday ones.

A matter of size

Wearing the right bra also means choosing the right size sportswear for women. 70% of Spanish women do not carry the size that corresponds to them due to their anatomy. The following indications will help you to know which size belongs to us:

• Contour: add 12 cm more to the value obtained from measuring the contour of the thorax.
• The cup: the breast must not be excessively compressed or without fixation.
• The suspenders: they must be the same at the front as at the back, at the same height. In most cases, they can be adapted but, if not, you should choose those that do not slide down the shoulders.

Some people wear a top over their bra. This is perfect if the chest is not too tight and compressed. However, in case of sweating, if there is a fabric above the bra, it is recommended that it perspire since the more moisture is left in the area, the more likely it is that the skin, already sensitive in origin, will end up affected.