Talk to me about exercise. And boobs.

[Runningonempty84]

So I exercise a lot. Mainly running and cycling. As a result I've lost a fair bit of weight and, combined with bfing 2 DC, my boobs are now empty and saggy. Which is a sad sight.

So. I'd be interested to hear how others have dealt with this. Is it just something to accept if you do a lot of exercise and have fairly low body fat? I'm presuming results of a breast lift wouldn't be great, or last long, given the exercise I do - though I could be wrong.

It does get me down sometimes as, even though I look fine in clothes, my boobs are hideous without a bra Would really like to hear from others who have experienced the same.

[lljkk]

How low is your body fat?

[Runningonempty84]

I don't know in terms of body fat percentages as I've never had it measured, but I'm skinny-ish, especially on my top half.
BMI of 20, but I carry my weight on my glutes and thighs as I run up hills a lot.

[ShinyGiratina]

Pregnancy & BFing saw me go from 34B to 34F then back again (and repeat).
After nearly 5 years of near continuous pregnancy and feeding, they did feel quite deflated after stopping, but after about 6 months, bodied up a little more.

It's worth being patient for a while to see how things settle longer term.

[Runningonempty84]

Thanks @ShinyGiratina but things have definitely settled- it's 4 years since I stopped bfing, so I doubt a resurgence is on the cards!

[alittleprivacy]

While there isn't a lot you can do for your breasts themselves, you could focus on building your pectoral muscles which would act as a natural breast lift. It's not going to give you the pert boobs of a mid-sized 19yo but increasing your pecs will fill the area and lift the skin, so you won't have the same 'sudden drop' effect that can come from losing weight/pregancy-breastfeeding.

[Spodge]

alittleprivacy has beaten me to it. Definitely try some pectoral exercises.

[Strandliv]

Are you sure you’re wearing a well fitted sports bra... and replacing it often? A good sports bra can protect the Cooper’s ligaments (apparently). Google ‘sports bra’ and ‘cooper’s ligaments’ to find a technical reason that exercise might be causing sagging of breast tissue.

[actiongirl1978]

I didn't know you were supposed to replace sports bras - mine are still tight when I put them on, been wearing them for 5 years (I wear the racer back ones that go over the head).

What are the signs you need a new one?

[actiongirl1978]

And thanks for the pec recommendations - I have one lower than the other, put it down to running and lots of press ups and age..

[Strandliv]

@actiongirl1978 they recommend you change after so many washes because the fabric isn’t doing what it needs to do in the parts it needs to do it. I don’t think it is just a case of feeling right. Might be a marketing gimmick to make you but regular sports bras but I don’t like to take the chance. Google ‘how often should I replace my sports bra’.

[actiongirl1978]

Thanks will do!!

[Runningonempty84]

Yes, I have a well fitted sports bra - well, a few of them - and replace them regularly.