Pilates/Yoga
For these classes you need super comfortable clothing that allows your body to move freely but also allows the class teacher to see the shape of your body to make sure you’re carrying out the moves correctly to prevent injury.
Choose soft, natural fibres such as cotton with some lycra content to allow for stretching. If you’re partaking in power yoga or hot yoga choose sweat-wicking fabrics instead.
Swimming
All we’ll say is string bikinis really aren’t appropriate for aquafit or swimming fast lengths. Trust us, we tried it and still can’t face the lifeguard we flashed our right boob too without blushing. Saying that, make sure you try on a few swimsuits as their comfort depends on your body shape. For example you may be short-waisted and long in the rise (that’s the bit from your crotch to your waist) if so, you might find swimsuits leave you hunched and your boobs uncomfortably squashed. The best remedy for this is a tankini. The joy of these are that you can often buy mix and match separates if you have differing size top and bottom halves. If you’re generously blessed in the boob department then an inbuilt bra support will be invaluable.
And don’t forget your goggles or swim cap – especially if you have coloured hair – chlorine is your Kryptonite.
Spinning/Cycling
You must be prepared to sweat in a spin class so choose lightweight sweat-wicking fabrics that literally ‘wick’ the sweat away from your body. Don’t forget cycling shorts or Capri pants to prevent trouser cuffs getting caught up in the pedals as you whizz through your class.
The sports bra
Now this piece of kit is so important it warrants its own section. It doesn’t matter how large or small your breasts are wearing a sports bra while you exercise reduces breast movement preventing sagging and reducing pain. Fitness wear specialists Sweaty Betty have an in-depth guide to finding the perfect sports bra for your size and chosen activity, alternatively head into a good sports shop and ask for the experts’ advice.
1 Nike Flux Cropped Training Shirt, £25, nike.com
2 Wellicious Pleat Aladdin Shorts in Macchiato, £55.95, wellicious.com
3 Wellicious Aladdin Pants in Cayenne, £79.95, wellicious.com
4 Speedo Powerback Swimsuit, £34, johnlewis.com
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