As a confirmed couch potato, I got new trainers and a pedometer and that inspired me to do more walking. Well just to do walking actually.

So now I'm thinking of incorporating a few bursts of gentle jogging into my walks, and thought I'd better invest in some decent underwear. I checked out M&S who do "Level 4" sports bras http://www.marksandspencer.com/gp/node/n/43124030/ 203-0518269-2930302 and hadn't a clue what they were talking about.

Then I found this website where you can calculate the level of support you need, which varies depending on boob size and activity level http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/home/products/sport sbras/supportlevel.htm

Actually this looks like a good web-site - I think I'll post it on the "interesting links" topic as well. Does anyone have any advice they want to share?

Ah ha! rumbled you!

I don't think much of the M&S sports bras - even at level 4! I've found the best by far are the Shockabsorber range - i even decorated one for the Moonwalk!

Hi Fiona

If you become a member of runner beans (albeit briefly) you will see a discussion on this very subject.

All the best

Jane

Tee hee - I think that's one step too far!

... but thanks for the tip!

I agree with Sue it wouldn't be fair on my boobs if I didn't wear a shock absorber bra to support them! Try figleaves website for advice and reviews on the bras!

Thanks Fiona - you have saved me some research. I'm also beginning to introduce some jogging into my walking, and I am about to start an exercise class. Let me know what you decide on - perhaps we could get a bulk discount

Don't forget to view Lessbounce too, ladies, as they are really sports bra specialists. They have a very wide range, will also give advice over the phone and provide prompt service too.
Nothing against figleaves BTW, I've just ordered a new one from there myself, but Lessbounce do have a wider range me thinks.

pun intended?

I swear by Berlei Shock Absorber I still have to wear two and a crop top but seeing i am a 36J i think that is pretty good. I had a Royce soft cup sports bra but found the velcro at the back very uncomfortable but if you can put up with that then it is a brill sports bra.

I've always worn Shock Absorbers too - they're comfy, and do the job. I go for the highest impact onces. I usually get mine in the Debenhams blue cross sale - you can pick up a twin pack quite reasonable then.

If you get the black ones, you can bung them in with your sports kit and they don't go grey like the white ones would.

They are a bit pointy though - I forgot my day bra after an early morning gym session and had to wear my Shock Absorber all day - I felt a bit like Madonna! I didn't actually think it was that noticable, but my pointy chest was the first thing my husband mentioned when I walked in the door.

Husbands really know how to make a girl feel good don't they!

Yeugh - tried a couple on and they're awful! I jumped up and down in the changing room and this enormous bolster in front of me was chugging up and down

Will try another brand and report back

Fiona
I would go for the shock absorber in black it works for me and although pointy keeps everything in one place when you are on the jog! If Theresa wears one and can do the GNR then it should be good enough for us!

... any lacy bits??

Hi Fiona
I agree with Pippa. I have one black and one white one. (shock absorbers)
They are the best, pointy bits and all. Hey Maddona is my twin. ha ha (private joke at work)
The tag label on these bra's tell you what sport each level is for so a good guide to go on.

Also, FIONA well done on being member of the month. That was you I saw in body and soul wasn't it?
Carol

It was indeed Carol - not sure what I did to deserve it, but now I feel I have to make an extra effort to be good and fit and slim - is that what you call a perverse incentive?

Hi Fiona
Sorry no lacey bits on the bra but it does the job and gives confidence when jogging!
I agree with you I had to carry on after June when I was surprisingly Member of the Month so I am sure there is method in their choice!

can I ask the type of shock absorber you all wear. I bought one, pink and purple, level 4 but mine is definitely not pointy more bolster like and does not control me, or my bust. I notice there are different styles within level4. Would any body be able to advice which are the pointy ones you are all using as I could really do with the support. I have discivered part of my breathlessness was down to the supersupportive but obviously too restrictive enell bra I used to wear. This seems to be the reason for my lack of improvement aerobically. I would love to be able to run, breathe and not bounce - maybe I ask too much.

any help gratefully received.
thanks

As I understand it you can get two types of sports bra - encapsulation, which separate and surround each boob and hold it in place, or compression, which sort of does what it says on the tin...

If you were having trouble breathing, perhaps you had too much compression!

If you are larger chested, you really need both going on to make sure those puppies stay put!

I've had a quick look, and I can't see the ones I have, but one site did say they were going to be discontinued, so I wonder if they are still available?

Hi Ruth
I think mine are shock absorber 4 for high impact the pointy ones but they do hold you still. I got mine from www.figleaves.com

Have a look...

Debenhams have got some shock absorber bras in their sale at the moment.

Hey everyone, I got tooted/beeped three times tonight on my run. Do you think it was my POINTY ONES that did it !!!

Mind you I had my hat on so face was well hidden. Someone shouted phoaaar cute bum. Well I can tell you sod the PC world I don't care it made me feel good. They can shout all they like.

There was a traffice hold up so I had to run past loads of slow traffic.
Funny how people watching spurs you on faster.

What a great thread so much good info, I've done my homework and just ordered a new bra. Hope it fits now!!

Thanks everyone

thanks Pippa, I looked at the site Thye are definitely different from mine.I shall get a pointy one to try.

I got a Freya Active Bra today. It's amazing! There is NO movement at all when I jump around. At my size that's rare and a real bonus!

I got a Freya one the other day. They are brilliant, v similar to shock absorber but I found they came up higher and chest band was deeper so suited me better, for once I am fully enclosed and relatively bounce free, which at 34G is a result. Added bonus I can feel that I have joined pointy bra club as well oh and I can breathe which helps.

Hi Ruth
Freya is my favorite, so looked at this on figleaves. it looks just like the shock absorber. Think I will try this when I next by a new sport bra.

It's your fault I bought a lovely sexy red bra tonight!!! making me look at bra's.

Carol

Aww It's a real treat buying a nice new bra.

Please tell me you bought the sexy red knickers to go with it??!! Have to have matching sets, personally speaking!