The breast bounce factor
If you think about it, 27 centimetres is a lot of bounce.
But that is how much breasts can move during running. Did you know this? I didn’t.
We’ve discussed the issue of sports bras on this blog on several occasions. What brands are good, where to find decent-sized ones and how they are miracles of engineering. I had come to the conclusion that this means they are possibly – but only possibly – worth the exorbitant amount of money I have to shell out.
There’s a substantial investment going on in my undies drawer, given the sports bras outnumber the normal ones by at least 2:1. But now I know they’re definitely worth it.
Because even with first-hand experience of the necessity of sports bras, I’m still a little surprised by the 27cm figure. That is how much a D-cup bust can bounce during running, although Lord knows how they managed to measure this with precision. In fact, I’d probably rather not know.
This research is buried in a story that reveals that women’s breasts are getting larger – and not due to cosmetic enhancement. Well, that’s all very well and good, but I’m much more interested in the bounce revelations. But there’s just not enough information in this story – is that 27cm based on an unsupported bust or one with a bra? It’s a worry.
Another article I found put the bounce factor in even more concrete terms – about 135 metres in 1.6km. This is disconcerting.
Now, I know my breasts will eventually head for my knees due to gravity - the ligaments that support them will stretch no matter what I do.
However, exercising without proper support can speed this process up and once those ligaments are damaged, it’s permanent. I’d really rather not do that.
So, I was slightly horrified by the revelation that running causes breasts to sway in a figure-of-eight movement. That’s got to be damaging a whole lot of ligaments, even with the engineered bra that covers a good half of my torso.
For those of us who are generously endowed, normal bra shopping is enough of an ordeal as it is. I don’t need to make it worse by requiring one with near-magical hoisting powers. I hate to think how much underwire that might require.
But it’s not just running we have to worry about: Cycling also causes an up-and-down movement, though any woman who’s ever riden a bike could probably tell you that.
That’s why when I’m buying sports bras for any sort of training I test the support by jumping up and down in the changing room. I’m sure this looks extremely odd for anyone passing, but it is effective. Does anyone else do this?
So, anyone else surprised by this whole 27cm of bounce thing? And is your sports bra up to the task?
And guys, be honest: Is the bounce factor the reason women running attract attention? I think I'm going to notice it the next time I see a female runner. Sigh. The things I do for this blog.
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A woman's breasts bounce while she is running along the beach towards me ... in slow motion ... while wearing a red life-guards' uniform ... ? Well, this is news to me. I hadn't noticed that before ;-)
@ Ann Aitken Worth
The mere shape of boobies is enough for me. The boobies don't need to do any cardio tricks to hold my attention.
*goes off to do some boobies "research" on the net*
Extremely let down by the lack of boobs and/or an animation regarding said bounce in this blog. Poor form and I feel completely cheated.
No doubt the 27cm figure has been measured scientifically, by filming women running topless on a treadmill in a lab. The manufacturer would need a base measurement to compare their sports bra designs against.
iirc one of the universities uses designing a bra as an exercise for engineering students, not just because it keeps the mostly male students interested, but because of the engineering complexities involved.
The figure-8 motion is logical, due to your arm swinging and the "sided" acceleration from your legs.
Let's face it, the slo-mo running in Baywatch wasn't there for artist reasons. lol
@JB - try this http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html not work safe but hilarious! You can choose the boob size even!
Ann - yep I jump up and down in the changing room too. I have a wonderful running bra now which is designed to support the figure 8 apparently! LOL. I do notice female runners who are wearing bad bras because I cringe and think OUCH! that must hurt.
I also recently learnt that horseriding is in the extreme category for boob bounce.
I perform the pre-purchase bounce test, regardless of the purpose of the bra in question, mostly because the pretty ones that I like (obviously in that case, I'm referring to non-sports ones) are often the least supportive and I am personally not a fan of being a one-person jiggly band. I don't know how people can run with anything less than full support - it looks so uncomfortable and at least for me, gravity is unkind enough without introducing further damage!
I think its 27cm unsupported, as in no bra, or a bra that doesn't fit properly. And for that reason alone even though I have the best sports bra on earth (Enell $200+) I will never encourage the pendulum swing.
Oi, watching well-endowed women run in normal/unsupportive bras is actually painful for me. I get so tempted to stop them & point out the damage & distraction that's going on.
I do the jump in the changing room too - in fact, I do all sorts of weird stretches, for normal bras too, because far too many times I've been measured, tried on the bra, had it checked by the sales lady & then when I wear it for a day things settle slightly differently & it ends up not fitting right.
JB - you may be interested to know that there is company in the UK that has it's own simulator for supported vs. unsupported chesticles. http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/bounceometer/shock.html NSFW
Ann - I think whoever invented the sports bra needs a medal, pain free exercising is amazing!
Agreed with #1! even though I'm a girl I'd totally notice someone who hasn't got the right bra on for their run - I'd be feeling their pain because thats gotta hurt!
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As a guy, to answer your question about attracting attention: For me, generally not. The exception is when they are obviously not well supported (in which case my wife usually points them out for me), then it is hard not to notice since it looks so uncomfortable.