“Only balls should bounce”
Good friends are like bras, supportive, never leave you hanging, make you look good and are always close to your heart!. ~ Anonymous
Bathing suits bought in commercial stores are not usually designed for aqua exercise classes as they offer little or no support for the breasts. A common misconception is that water offers support for the breasts while immersed in the water. In truth, the tender breast tissue is in fact, not well supported in the water.
There are NO muscles, which directly support the breasts, only thin fibrous connective tissue sheets and the skin. These are easily stretched during exercise when the breast is not well supported. As women age, the breast connective tissue and skin thins and stretches and support is lost. When a woman reaches menopause the breasts undergo change. The breasts’ glandular tissue, which has been kept firm so that the glands could produce milk, shrinks after menopause and is replaced with fatty tissue. The breasts also tend to increase in size and sag because the fibrous (connective) tissue loses its strength. Exercise classes are times when these tissues may also become stretched beyond their elastic limits and cease providing their support to the breast, resulting in sagging, pendulous breast.
We know that breasts MOVE when we exercise:
- Vertically (up and down)
- Sideways
- In and out (Oh ya! I have seen them escape!)
Yes, unsupported breasts can bounce during exercise even in water. Size does NOT matter: breast bounce can occur in large or small-breasted women. Speed of the exercise does not matter. Deceleration forces on the breast (the downward movement that causes the breast to “slap” against the chest wall in women with no bra, or inadequate support) will occur.
That means that women will experience a downward force through each breast EVERY time each breast bounces when she exercises! Imagine the damage that can do…. So protect your breasts. You can “add” to your bathing suit by purchasing a simple, inexpensive support bra and wear it UNDER your bathing suit. You can also purchase a bathing suit from a reputable exercise store that guarantees good support and comfort. Young or old, protect your assets.
Compiled & written by Line Marr
“I've taken this boob thing to its limit, educating you without being eccentric, I've done research about this bit, trying to keep you informed and abreast, In my supportive mammary quest, without milking it to death.”
Line Marr has been active in the fitness field for the past 21 years. She is CALA (Canadian Aquafitness Leaders Alliance Inc) certified since 1997 and a CALA Trainer & presenter since 2000. Line has presented various CALA aqua workshops across Canada. She worked in Afghanistan, Cyprus and Jamaica with the Canadian Troops before moving to the United States with her military husband in July 08. She is now AEA certified.
References:
- Imaginis-Breast Anatomy & Physiology Updated: March 18, 2008
- Sport Sciences and Medecine ProTM U Athlete Assistance, Physically Speaking