Over The Shoulder Boulder Holders

Sports Bras - very difficult to find the right one for you, for the activity you are enjoying, and for the right price. But they are a must, especially if you are a busty gal, like myself. I wear a 34D regular Bra, but I range in size there sometimes, depending on the manufacturer. And sports bras, well I am all over the place. I probably need to re-invest in some new boob-gear, but it's expensive! I have a tendency to buy them when I find them on sale, and it is the luck of the draw. I have some from a major sports company, the one that endorses Maria Sharapova and Tiger Woods, and I hate them. But, I have friends that swear by them. So, it really depends on your body. There is no ryhme or reason to it, you just have to try them on.

Always try before you buy. I have many, many sports bras that I now wear to bed or to clean house in because they are not supportive enough, and I didn't know when I purchased them, because I hate trying stuff on in the store. One of these was pointed out to me by a friend of mine that I run with often. And I don't want saggy bosoms when I am 50. Another tip is to treat them like you do your regular bras and fancy undies….don't toss them in the dryer. Hang your sports bras to dry, you will save the elastic and lengthen the life of the bra. If you are ever near any outlet malls, like in Cabazon or Lake Elsinore, or The Citadel, hit the shops and see if you can find any at a major discount.

For running, you need the maximum support. Find a bra that has a very structured support along the front, and wide shoulder straps, to relieve pressure on your shoulders. And check the armpit area, you don't want anything that is going to chafe your arms while you run.

If you are a fan of dance and aerobic classes, look for something with enough flexibility to let you move all around into those sassy poses, and also go for a higher neckline so that you don't overexpose your de'collete.

For less intense activities like hiking, yoga and pilates or golf you can make do with less support, but look for a bra that has a lot of flexibility. Any exercise that involves a lot of twisting and bending will require a bra that twists and bends with you. Lighter weight fabric will also keep you cool. Beware of thin straps, as seen on many lighter support bras, they tend to dig into your shoulders if you are chesty.

For strength training at the gym, you will want something that is flattering in many positions, from lying down while doing crunches, to twisting sideways while doing woodchoppers, to bending over and doing dead lifts. A molded underwire is good to lift, with out the metal. Thick straps and a criss-cross in the back will help keep things in place as you move from exercise to exercise.

For biking and spinning, you definitely want to go with a dry-weave or wicking fabric to keep you cool. Since these are less impactful activities, you can do with less support, but if you are mountain biking on a bumpy trail, go for support, If you are on a stationary bike or spinning, you won't need the support as much, so thinner straps are ok.

In addition to all of these ideas, there are many technological advances in the sport bra arena, such as built-in heart rate monitors, pockets for identification and a key, lift-and-separate systems built into some of them, iPod holders, you name it!

Good luck, happy shopping, and stay "perky"!

Be eXcellent - Ms. X