My Humps...My Humps...My Lovely Lady Lumps

I'm sure there are some ladies out there that can agree with me on this, but why do our lovely lady lumps always get in the way! Seriously, sometimes trying to do crunches or even push ups is like trying to bench press bowling or boccie balls on your chest. I'm lucky when I'm on the treadmill that I don't leave the gym with a black eye. Thick Chick was telling me she knows people that wear like three sports bras to work out in. That's like a human breast band aid. I mean, three sports bras? Really? Is that necessary? So I took the liberty of snapping the snap with one hand and doing some research on some over the shoulder boulder holders. My good friends over at sparkpeople.com had these things to say when it comes getting the proper sports bra.

Studies have shown that between 70% and 80% of women are wearing the wrong size sports bra, and therefore, they may not be getting the benefits of support and comfort from their fitness wardrobe. Keep in mind most department stores will do a fitting for you (or your boyfriend, hubby, or significant probably wouldn't mind subbing in to help with the measurement either.). But if modesty is a concern, you can take your own measurements before leaving home. Measuring can save you lots of time and aggravation when choosing the right bra.

Take your own measurements

1. Use a tailor’s tape or cloth measuring tape when taking your measurements.
2. Stand up straight, preferably in front of a mirror.
3. Wear a normal (non-padded) bra, not a sports bra, when taking your measurements.
4. Find your bust measurement. Measure the fullest part of your chest by loosely wrapping the tape measure around your chest, making sure the tape is straight in the back and front. Once you get a number, round to the nearest whole number to get your bust measurement. (For example, if your bust measured 38.5 inches, round that up to 39 inches.)
5. Find your band measurement. Measure your ribcage just under your breasts, making sure the tape is snug (not tight) and not lower in the back than in the front. To get obtain your band measurement, take the actual number of your ribcage measurement and add 3 inches. If this number is odd, you need to add 1 inch to make it an even number. (For example, if your band measured 32 inches, you'd add 3 to get 35 inches; because it's an odd number, you'd add a 1 to get 36 inches.)  
6. Find your cup size. Subtract your band measurement (step 5) from your bust measurement (step 4). Use the chart below to determine which letter is your cup size. (Using the same example above, you'd subtract 39-36 to get 3 inches, which is a C cup, according to the chart.)

Types of Sports Bras

• Compression Sports Bras (the one piece style that you pull on over your head) are by far the most popular sports bra construction. This bra compresses both breasts against your chest allowing for minimal or no-bounce movement. These bras are generally a pullover style without fasteners. This style is most suited for women with small to medium sized breasts (A-B cups). These tend to come in general sizes, such as small, medium and large vs. band/cup sizes. Most major manufacturers, including Champion, Moving Comfort, Under Armour, Reebok and Nike, carry a wide variety of compression sports bras from which to choose.
  
• Encapsulated or Natural-Shaping Sports Bras are best suited for larger breasted women, usually a C-cup or larger. These bras look more like a normal bra with fasteners in the front or back, and may come with or without the underwire. This style encapsulates each breast in an individual cup instead of compressing both breasts together as in the previous example. The encapsulated sports bra is the best choice for larger-breasted women (C-cup and up) or plus sized women. One of the most popular manufacturers of this style is Enell. Their bras have received rave reviews from women who require greater support and control. But other manufacturers, including Moving Comfort and CW-X, also provide a nice selection in these sizes.
  
• Compression/Encapsulation Sports Bras are a combination of the previous two bras. They encapsulate each breast and compress the breast tissue against the chest. They can be pulled over the head or closed with fasteners. This style is ideal for women with medium to large breasts, usually C through DD cups.

Now you probably have a good idea about the construction style that is best for you. Now comes the fun part—considering the individual features (including colors, styles and design details) of your sports bra. While fit should always trump style, here are some construction details to look for:
Moisture-wicking fabrics, such as Dri-FIT and CoolMax, pull sweat away from your skin to help keep you cool and dry (and minimize chafing). Avoid all-cotton bras—especially if you sweat heavily or exercise in hot, humid conditions—because this fabric tends to remain wet and saturated even after your workout is over.
Minimal seams or covered seams, especially in the cups, to prevent chafing and irritation. Every seam on a sports bra could rub against your skin, so the fewer seams the better.

Wide straps that do not dig into your shoulders. Many women, especially runners, prefer the popular razorback style since this design allows for greater arm movement and provides greater support. However, a traditional scoop style is a readily available alternative for women who find the razorback style uncomfortable.

A snug fit around the rib cage allows for minimal movement, but the band should not be so snug as to keep you from getting good lung expansion during your activity. Your sports bra should feel snug—not tight.

Deep armholes to minimize chafing yet allow for good range of motion.

Finding the Right Fit

It is very important to try on a sports bra before you buy it. Most experts recommend that you take a minimum of three sports bras with you when heading to the fitting room. You should bring the size you measured, along with the next size up and the next size down. Because sizes can vary between manufacturers, it is important to try on many different brands and styles in order to find the optimal fit. You know you've got the right size, style and fit when:

The straps fit snug against the skin, but aren't so tight that they dig in to your shoulders. You should be able to slide two fingers underneath the straps—from the front to the back of the straps with ease.

The band lies snug and flat against around the front, sides, and back of your ribcage. It should not ride up. You should be able to slide one finger easily under the band.

Your breasts fit within the cups. In other words, any bulging from the top or sides is an indication that the cup size is too small.

The fabric does not "gather" in the cup, especially on top. Excess fabric bunches are usually an indication that the cup is too big and will not provide adequate support and comfort. This can also cause chafing during activity.

Once you've tried on a bra that fits your requirements, test it out in the fitting room! Do some movement drills such as jumping jacks, running in place, and raising your arms overhead to make certain the bra provides the control, support, and comfort you are looking for without rubbing you the wrong way. But remember, a good sports bra will fit more snugly than a regular bra—just not so snug that you cannot get one finger under the band and slide it easily.

While most experts suggest trying a sports bra on for the first time, some women may have a difficult time finding their true size on the store rack. Luckily, there are a few Websites to guide you along. Many of the sites provide instructions for how to find the right bra for you as well as customer service phone numbers you can call for assistance. The following sites provide a wide variety of sport bra apparel for women of all shapes and sizes:

HerRoom - www.herroom.com

Just My Size - www.JMS.com
title nine - www.titlenine.com
Road Runner Sports - RoadRunnerSports.com

Old Navy - www.oldnavy.com