Debbie,
I dont think people actually realize that this is something of concern to women.
I have friends who stopped getting involved in sports because the of the 'bounce'. They said that they could not find a sports bra that could hold everything together and it affected their performace on the field. Some had to wear a normal bra and 2 sports bra to control the bounce!
So many women out there dont do sport because of this reason!! Really great that your taking the very little research out there further. Will help all women understand the necessity of using sports bra's but also help them wear the right ones!!
Debbie,
I think this is a great idea, i know so many of my friends and family who do not participant in sport for this reason, so many are frustrated as they wish to take part in sport but are afraid they may hurt themselfs, and finding the sports bra or the right training could really aid so many people out there.
Good luck with your studies, i hope you finding are a success
I think this is a great idea, my problem with most sports bra's is their appearance, i'd quite like a bra that i can dance in, as this is my main sporting activity but the majority of ones on the market atm are quite unsightly so i end up wearing a regular bra and a tight strap top to attempt to dance comfortably but this cant be good.
however i think you have a really good area to research and I hope you are finding it a success and Good Luck
I think this is a great idea for a project, and definitely an area that needs more research. I've played competitive sport for years, and have now had to opt for a tight t-shirt under my playing shirt to try and prevent this problem!
Many of my teamates have much worse problems, and I have also known people to either drop out of sports teams as this becomes so uncomfortable, and even girls who will not take up any sort of sporting activities in fear that it will just hold them back.
Damn Right Debs!
A Fantastic and Unique project you have here, and helps not just sports women but all women, who says you need a sports bra just when you are running around! I have the littles chest ever ever and as soon as i got my sports bra on i know its time to take some bitches down! but having the correct one on it vital especially for those ladies who genuinely need one, and your project looks like it will find out who needs what and when! Fab!
This is a brilliant project to look into, as it is overlooked! There's nothing worse than feeling self-concious in the gym or while you're jogging down your local high street. I have a few really comfy Nike one's and they look quite funky too. I have a pink one which would be great to dance in claireB.
Good luck with this, as this research would be very helpfull to a lot of women!
Debbie this is a fantastic idea
as someone who has to suffer when wanting to partake in sports as i have large breasts, i have often wanted a sports bra that supports me and is comfortable - the gym or public participation in sports can be increadibly embarassing and leads to feeling self conscious. i don't think people realise how much large breasted women have to suffer, wearing the wrong bra for anyone can cause problems, and i'm sure it is doubbly important when taking part in sport - back ache is just one problem i suffer with.
i think your research will be really interesting and i hope you gain much needed and deserved support.
This sounds like a great research idea, and I'm curious how it will pan out in terms of influencing sports bra design or training methods, and how the dissemination of these will work. The problem you describe is definitely prevalent with the girls we work with in Nicaragua...and it's hard to collect and deliver enough to fit everyone. You are totally correct that not only do girls stop playing because of the pain, but often times they do not have access to any sports bras that would help. My question for you is do you expect that your research will lead to better designed sports bras or suggested training methods for minimizing bounce?
Debbie,
We have a division at Nike (advanced apparel innovation) and they have done quite a bit of research on this topic, but I am sure there is additional work to be done and perhaps they can help you through that first step - no promises at all, but its worth an ask! Send me a direct message if you are interested and I can put you in touch with the Director of this department. I know they did a lot of work specifically for Serena Williams and she is not exactly small in the chest :-) but has managed to have amazing success.
Great idea and best of luck to you!!
Ziba
Hi Debbie,
Ziba again, I think what is so interesting is the hypothesis that you can address part of the "bounce reduction" issue through weight training. Wouldn't it be great to have an insert that was included with the sale of all sport bras that shared this knowledge?!
btw: dont forget to email me so I can make that introduction: ziba.cranmer@nike.com or via direct message on changemakers
Congratulations on thinking up a fantastic and interesting idea to research! I often see girls in the gym who don't wear the right sports bra and you can see how it hinders them from progressing in their sport/fitness! I used to work in a gym as well and so many women seem to not even realise that the bras they are wearing are more than likely doing them harm! It was hard trying to recommend sports bras to them - had to do it in the most sensitive, helpful way! Why isn't there more awareness out there?!
I'm lucky in the way that I don't need a lot of support but I would definitely agree with you that the racerback is the best - most of Nike's bras are in this style and are my favourite!
Good luck with the rest of your research!
*Claire*
400m Athlete
Nike Select
"It takes time, but we can make it."
I think this project is fascinating and having also studied Sport and exercise science... i would have loved to engage in a project like this. I am aware of how important a good sports bra is as my housemate is a top tennis player who needs a lot of support and often complains that some of the sports bras she has hinders her performance.... she mentioned that those sport bras which she feels provide her the most support ( shock absorbers) are not very attractive and seem to come up quite high. I have quite a few Nike one's and USA Pro one's are my favourite ones for dancing. Good luck with the project.
I think this is an awesome idea for a project and you are right this area is lacking in research! I'm a middle distance runner and it's so hard to find a good sports bra which is comfortable and supportive. Many of them dig into the shoulders and are not very comfortable at all so what your planning on doing would be very beneficial!I think that in a way sports bras are the most important part of sports clothing and as dominique commnted so many women do not take part in sport because of this sole reason. Getting women to take part in sport is challenging and the clothing they were and how comfortable they feel when taking part is so so important.
I and many of my friends have found that you have to go on a mission to fine a good sports bra, they are very far and few between. Often you just end up settling for an old one which you know is comfortable but unaware to us this may be causing us long term damage.
I fully support this project Debbie. Good luck!
This is a really interesting for a masters and I would love to hear the outcome of your studies. A lot of women with larger breasts find it extremely difficult and painful to do sport and a simple item of clothing can make such a difference to so many women.
It's ridiculous that students doing masters don't get a student loan and it's really admirable that you are trying to find time to work alongside your studies and no doubt your sport. Good luck with the rest of your research and for this competition!
Hi Debbie,
Fantastic work on picking a subject which I think most women can relate to!Choosing an everyday bra is a nightmare let alone the neglected sports bra. Ill fitting sports bras can cause terrible back pain over time and can interfere with training as a result something I fould out the hard way! I've found the Nike fit dry ones the best so far.
Good luck with all your research I'll look forward to hearing what you come up with!
Mairead
Long distance runner
Have a strong day :)
You may already be aware of this project, but I am pretty sure that a study similar to yours was being done in Portsmouth, hopefully if you contacted their sports science department you could possibly meet and share your ideas with them? I also think that they won a prize for their work from BASES, showing that your field is a veru current issue!
In terms of the actual sports bra, I sometimes have issues with the material rubbing, regardless of what size I wear, therefore a study like yours is something I would love to learn more on!
All the very best with your project, I look forward to hearing about it more!
Hi Debbi,
Such a good idea for your diss, new and original..!! And awesome to see you've had so many comments... Shows what an important subject it is... I can’t believe there hasn't been more interest in this area...
I've spent a fortune over the years buying my mum and sisters different sports bras to encourage them to exercise more, however a lot of them don’t seem to last for long before they start losing elasticity. At Christmas I bought my mum a Nike one, she seems very happy with it and the dri-fit technology is essential to aid comfort.
My friend can’t even find bra's to fit, they push and pull her breasts in all sort of weird and uncomfortable positions.
Would the bra technology/design change extensively from a cup C-G? I can imagine the technology gets more complex the bigger the size! Would the type of strength training you implemented in your research work the same for larger breasted ladies or would they have to complete more reps/sets to see an affect?
For funding try the London Development Agency, they may be able to help with this sort of research project
Good luck..!!
I will join the group of fans here! This is a fantastic idea and you can try social entrepreneurship funds to support it. I am sure they will love it.
On a second note, Women Win is very keen to find innovative projects to change the game for women in sports. It would be very interesting to know more about your project and if you have a business plan fo the production if the research is successful.
I was just wondering how amazing it would be as a social entrepreneurship. A small business that could employ low-income women to produce the bras and which revenues would support a community programme for girls and sports.
Hey Debbie
This is a fantastic idea, I am some one that avoids social exercise because of my chest, I am very conscious of others in a gym environment and feel very embarrass.
This is a area that warrants attention to help women feel conformable exercising so well done.
I wish you loads luck with your entry
Finn
I absolutely love the idea of this research, i am forever buying sports bras that last one month max before there is little support and it becomes painful. I play rugby union and without a correct sports bra the contact kills me. Really like the idea of this and will definately be following your progress.
Cerri
Hey Debbie, thanks for clearing that up, that’s what I thought but my boyfriend was arguing otherwise...! Men..!! lol..
I am very interested in the results of your dissertation, and any further research that you do. As a fitness instructor I have women coming to me all the time complaining about Brest/chest pain and asking me for advice... I would love to understand the science behind it, and make appropriate suggestions for exercises... would help them a lot… After all this is a massive area that prevents women from enjoying exercising so any helps positive…
Hope it’s going well… not long now till hand in
Good luck
Sian Bentley
Nike select, London
Comments
Debbie,
I dont think people actually realize that this is something of concern to women.
I have friends who stopped getting involved in sports because the of the 'bounce'. They said that they could not find a sports bra that could hold everything together and it affected their performace on the field. Some had to wear a normal bra and 2 sports bra to control the bounce!
Thanks for your comment.
So many women out there dont do sport because of this reason!! Really great that your taking the very little research out there further. Will help all women understand the necessity of using sports bra's but also help them wear the right ones!!
Debbie,
I think this is a great idea, i know so many of my friends and family who do not participant in sport for this reason, so many are frustrated as they wish to take part in sport but are afraid they may hurt themselfs, and finding the sports bra or the right training could really aid so many people out there.
Good luck with your studies, i hope you finding are a success
Debbie,
This sounds like a fantastic project- definately something that needs addressing. Good luck with it!
I think this is a great idea, my problem with most sports bra's is their appearance, i'd quite like a bra that i can dance in, as this is my main sporting activity but the majority of ones on the market atm are quite unsightly so i end up wearing a regular bra and a tight strap top to attempt to dance comfortably but this cant be good.
however i think you have a really good area to research and I hope you are finding it a success and Good Luck
Debbie,
I think this is a great idea for a project, and definitely an area that needs more research. I've played competitive sport for years, and have now had to opt for a tight t-shirt under my playing shirt to try and prevent this problem!
Many of my teamates have much worse problems, and I have also known people to either drop out of sports teams as this becomes so uncomfortable, and even girls who will not take up any sort of sporting activities in fear that it will just hold them back.
I hope you get some good results! Good luck!
Damn Right Debs!
A Fantastic and Unique project you have here, and helps not just sports women but all women, who says you need a sports bra just when you are running around! I have the littles chest ever ever and as soon as i got my sports bra on i know its time to take some bitches down! but having the correct one on it vital especially for those ladies who genuinely need one, and your project looks like it will find out who needs what and when! Fab!
Good luck! i hope they support you!
This is a brilliant project to look into, as it is overlooked! There's nothing worse than feeling self-concious in the gym or while you're jogging down your local high street. I have a few really comfy Nike one's and they look quite funky too. I have a pink one which would be great to dance in claireB.
Good luck with this, as this research would be very helpfull to a lot of women!
Cat
Nike Select
Loughborough
Debbie this is a fantastic idea
as someone who has to suffer when wanting to partake in sports as i have large breasts, i have often wanted a sports bra that supports me and is comfortable - the gym or public participation in sports can be increadibly embarassing and leads to feeling self conscious. i don't think people realise how much large breasted women have to suffer, wearing the wrong bra for anyone can cause problems, and i'm sure it is doubbly important when taking part in sport - back ache is just one problem i suffer with.
i think your research will be really interesting and i hope you gain much needed and deserved support.
Kym
London
This sounds like a great research idea, and I'm curious how it will pan out in terms of influencing sports bra design or training methods, and how the dissemination of these will work. The problem you describe is definitely prevalent with the girls we work with in Nicaragua...and it's hard to collect and deliver enough to fit everyone. You are totally correct that not only do girls stop playing because of the pain, but often times they do not have access to any sports bras that would help. My question for you is do you expect that your research will lead to better designed sports bras or suggested training methods for minimizing bounce?
Really interesting idea!
Debbie,
We have a division at Nike (advanced apparel innovation) and they have done quite a bit of research on this topic, but I am sure there is additional work to be done and perhaps they can help you through that first step - no promises at all, but its worth an ask! Send me a direct message if you are interested and I can put you in touch with the Director of this department. I know they did a lot of work specifically for Serena Williams and she is not exactly small in the chest :-) but has managed to have amazing success.
Great idea and best of luck to you!!
Ziba
Hi Debbie,
Ziba again, I think what is so interesting is the hypothesis that you can address part of the "bounce reduction" issue through weight training. Wouldn't it be great to have an insert that was included with the sale of all sport bras that shared this knowledge?!
btw: dont forget to email me so I can make that introduction: ziba.cranmer@nike.com or via direct message on changemakers
Best,
Ziba
Hi Debbie,
Congratulations on thinking up a fantastic and interesting idea to research! I often see girls in the gym who don't wear the right sports bra and you can see how it hinders them from progressing in their sport/fitness! I used to work in a gym as well and so many women seem to not even realise that the bras they are wearing are more than likely doing them harm! It was hard trying to recommend sports bras to them - had to do it in the most sensitive, helpful way! Why isn't there more awareness out there?!
I'm lucky in the way that I don't need a lot of support but I would definitely agree with you that the racerback is the best - most of Nike's bras are in this style and are my favourite!
Good luck with the rest of your research!
*Claire*
400m Athlete
Nike Select
"It takes time, but we can make it."
Hey Debbie,
I think this project is fascinating and having also studied Sport and exercise science... i would have loved to engage in a project like this. I am aware of how important a good sports bra is as my housemate is a top tennis player who needs a lot of support and often complains that some of the sports bras she has hinders her performance.... she mentioned that those sport bras which she feels provide her the most support ( shock absorbers) are not very attractive and seem to come up quite high. I have quite a few Nike one's and USA Pro one's are my favourite ones for dancing. Good luck with the project.
Emma Moutrie
Nike Select
Loughborough University
Hi Debbie
I think this is an awesome idea for a project and you are right this area is lacking in research! I'm a middle distance runner and it's so hard to find a good sports bra which is comfortable and supportive. Many of them dig into the shoulders and are not very comfortable at all so what your planning on doing would be very beneficial!I think that in a way sports bras are the most important part of sports clothing and as dominique commnted so many women do not take part in sport because of this sole reason. Getting women to take part in sport is challenging and the clothing they were and how comfortable they feel when taking part is so so important.
I and many of my friends have found that you have to go on a mission to fine a good sports bra, they are very far and few between. Often you just end up settling for an old one which you know is comfortable but unaware to us this may be causing us long term damage.
I fully support this project Debbie. Good luck!
Gemma Hillier
Nike Select
Loughborough University
Hey Debbie,
This is a really interesting for a masters and I would love to hear the outcome of your studies. A lot of women with larger breasts find it extremely difficult and painful to do sport and a simple item of clothing can make such a difference to so many women.
It's ridiculous that students doing masters don't get a student loan and it's really admirable that you are trying to find time to work alongside your studies and no doubt your sport. Good luck with the rest of your research and for this competition!
Sara Luck
Nike Select (University of London)
Hi Debbie,
Fantastic work on picking a subject which I think most women can relate to!Choosing an everyday bra is a nightmare let alone the neglected sports bra. Ill fitting sports bras can cause terrible back pain over time and can interfere with training as a result something I fould out the hard way! I've found the Nike fit dry ones the best so far.
Good luck with all your research I'll look forward to hearing what you come up with!
Mairead
Long distance runner
Have a strong day :)
Hi Debbie,
You may already be aware of this project, but I am pretty sure that a study similar to yours was being done in Portsmouth, hopefully if you contacted their sports science department you could possibly meet and share your ideas with them? I also think that they won a prize for their work from BASES, showing that your field is a veru current issue!
In terms of the actual sports bra, I sometimes have issues with the material rubbing, regardless of what size I wear, therefore a study like yours is something I would love to learn more on!
All the very best with your project, I look forward to hearing about it more!
Katy Taylor
Swimmer/ triathlete
Hi Debbi,
Such a good idea for your diss, new and original..!! And awesome to see you've had so many comments... Shows what an important subject it is... I can’t believe there hasn't been more interest in this area...
I've spent a fortune over the years buying my mum and sisters different sports bras to encourage them to exercise more, however a lot of them don’t seem to last for long before they start losing elasticity. At Christmas I bought my mum a Nike one, she seems very happy with it and the dri-fit technology is essential to aid comfort.
My friend can’t even find bra's to fit, they push and pull her breasts in all sort of weird and uncomfortable positions.
Would the bra technology/design change extensively from a cup C-G? I can imagine the technology gets more complex the bigger the size! Would the type of strength training you implemented in your research work the same for larger breasted ladies or would they have to complete more reps/sets to see an affect?
For funding try the London Development Agency, they may be able to help with this sort of research project
Good luck..!!
Sian Bentley
Nike select, London
Hello Debbie,
I will join the group of fans here! This is a fantastic idea and you can try social entrepreneurship funds to support it. I am sure they will love it.
On a second note, Women Win is very keen to find innovative projects to change the game for women in sports. It would be very interesting to know more about your project and if you have a business plan fo the production if the research is successful.
I was just wondering how amazing it would be as a social entrepreneurship. A small business that could employ low-income women to produce the bras and which revenues would support a community programme for girls and sports.
Women Win would love to hear your ideas. Please join us at http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/en-us/group/womenwin and participate the debate by clicking at Topics Being Discussed.
All the best luck!
Debbie,
Thanks for joining the group. We would love to hear your opinion in this topic http://sportforchange.changemakers.net/en-us/node/16012.
Warm regards,
Renata
Hey Debbie
This is a fantastic idea, I am some one that avoids social exercise because of my chest, I am very conscious of others in a gym environment and feel very embarrass.
This is a area that warrants attention to help women feel conformable exercising so well done.
I wish you loads luck with your entry
Finn
Hi,
I absolutely love the idea of this research, i am forever buying sports bras that last one month max before there is little support and it becomes painful. I play rugby union and without a correct sports bra the contact kills me. Really like the idea of this and will definately be following your progress.
Cerri
Hey Debbie, thanks for clearing that up, that’s what I thought but my boyfriend was arguing otherwise...! Men..!! lol..
I am very interested in the results of your dissertation, and any further research that you do. As a fitness instructor I have women coming to me all the time complaining about Brest/chest pain and asking me for advice... I would love to understand the science behind it, and make appropriate suggestions for exercises... would help them a lot… After all this is a massive area that prevents women from enjoying exercising so any helps positive…
Hope it’s going well… not long now till hand in
Good luck
Sian Bentley
Nike select, London