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Wear a Supportive Jog Bra

Johns Hopkins University
By Lillie Shockney, R.N., M.A.S. - Posted on Mon, Jun 08, 2009, 5:47 pm PDT

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Weather is getting warmer, people are out on the streets early and late, jogging to get healthier and physically fit. And yes, the emails are starting to come in: women writing in to say they have suddenly come down with new and sudden breast pain, just in the last few weeks.

When I ask them if they are joggers, and if they have just resumed their jogging routine, many tell me yes.

What's the problem? Well, breast tissue was not designed to be bounced up and down vigorously, mile after mile at a time. While you may feel fine during the run or shortly thereafter, the next morning your breasts ache. Both of them. Why? Because the Cooper's ligaments that support breast tissue (and make a young woman's breasts perky) get stretched from that bouncing and become painful.

Another side effect is "Cooper's droop." Over time, these ligaments stretch out permanently and your perky size 36 C breasts become 36 longs. Not good. So if you're going to be out jogging, playing some tennis or even throwing a ball with your kids in the backyard, be sure to wear a properly-fitted support bra.

Support bras should be comfortable, but they also must be tight enough to keep your breasts from bouncing right along as you jump up and down. This is the time of year that sports bras are on sale—take advantage of reduced prices and reduce your pain.

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