Women can wear bras when they exercise if they want to. There is no medical evidence that exercising braless will harm them or cause breasts to sag.
A breast is made up of skin on the outside, fat underneath and muscles under that. Breasts are held in place by skin and small ligaments that go from the skin to muscles underneath the breasts. The intermittent stretching that occurs during exercise does not stretch out the skin or ligaments.
Since breasts is composed mostly of fat, when a woman exercises, she loses fat from her breast as well as the rest of her body, so they become smaller and may appear to sag. Sagging is determined to some degree by heredity. All women develop some sagging as they age and those with the largest breasts are the ones who are most likely to develop sagging.
Most women with small breasts prefer not to wear bras when they exercise. However, some women with large breasts may need them to feel more comfortable. If a woman wants to wear a bra, she should choose one that is loose enough to let her breathe comfortably, and tight enough to keep the breasts from bouncing and the bra from riding up or twisting during exercise.
Sports bras are designed specifically to hold the breasts firmly against the chest without binding. Many runners, dancers and others who bounce a lot during their exercise will find sports bras most comfortable. Bras with underwires often give good support, but the bra should not have bones or wires that dig into the body or seams or hooks that rub against the skin.
Since women don't need to wear a bra during exercise, they should wear them only if they want to.
Dr. Gabe Mirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years and practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is board certified in four specialties, including sports medicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and health reports at http://www.DrMirkin.com
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