Problems With Running in Just a Sports Bra

If the weather is hot, you might find yourself running in just a sports bra with no shirt covering your torso. The more skin exposed, the cooler your body will be. The sweat will be able to evaporate and cool your skin immediately. However, running in your sports bra can have its share of complications and problems. You must weigh the pros and cons for yourself to make the best decision.

  1. Support

    • Running in just a sports bra might not offer you the support you are used to receiving. If you normally wear reinforced tank tops or tight fitting shirts while running, these are offering an extra level of support. Without these extra articles, your breasts might move more, causing pain, distraction or general discomfort.

    Irritation

    • Shirts put an extra piece of fabric between your sports bra and your arm. This prevents chaffing and rashes due to the repeated motion of your arm in that area. When the shirt is removed, the hem in the sports bra will rub more, causing irritation on your upper inner arms. Apply petroleum jelly or sports glide to help with excessive rubbing.

    Attention

    • Running in a sports bra means that your arms, stomach, back and most of your chest are exposed. This will warrant extra attention from pedestrians and other passersby. It is best to ignore "cat calls" or whistles. Responding to the comments encourages the person to continue to speak out in the future. Responding will also break the focus of your run, potentially throwing off your pace and breathing.

    Visibility

    • Runners should be well marked while running to avoid accidents with pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles. Reflective material is often sewn into running shirts and bottoms, but not usually bras. If you enjoy running at night in your sports bra, wear something reflective so that others may see you coming. There is great variety in running clothing, including reflective straps you can secure around your torso, reflective wrist and ankle bands and headlamps.