Time to Get Active! – Shock Absorber “Multi Sports Support Bra” in 32G

It’s the same story each year – people make new year’s resolutions to be more active and eat more healthily this year. I have always detested such resolutions as they show up as a peak in gym attendances but fiddle away somewhere mid-February. I don’t mean to be depressing, but I do believe more in a lifestyle change that lasts longer than two months – or even the whole year. What about making a resolution that this year, you will take on exercising the way that next new year you don’t have to make such resolutions anymore?

I am a big fan of doing sports myself but I never liked it when I was in school. I hated doing stuff “because I had to” so I did the absolute minimal and decided that I was just not built for sports – which is absolute bull since all people need to and most can do it when they find the right way. When I did get into running though on my second year of high school, I was left with another problem after finding my motivation – what should I do about these big ol’ boobs of mine? I first started working out with a regular bra and after a few runs with 30E boobs, I decided that I needed something sturdier. My mom took me to a local department store and so I got my first size 32D Shock Absorber bra (which was a bit of a wrong size for me but it worked for the time being).

I loved my Shock Absorber bras dearly for a few years but after starting this blog, I waved them goodbye and swapped almost completely to Panache Sports bra. Recently I was in contact with an online store called Knicker Locker who are running a sports bra campaign this month – get £5 off your Shock Absorber bra (use the code 5OFFSHOCK) – and I knew this would be the perfect time to revisit my old love. Knicker Locker was kind enough to send me a Shock Absorber Multi Sports Support bra for a review so let’s see how I liked it after all these years!

Design: As it has been two and half years since I last tried this particular bra, there has been some minor changes to the style. The style is more simplistic than what it used to be with just some contrasting trimming going around the bra instead of full-on colour-blocking. I spy some new rad prints on the SA website though so that is also something that I haven’t seen them doing before. This season’s colourway is a lovely coral pink shade that I personally really like.

Also the shape of the bra is a bit better than before – it is a bit more rounded and uplifted instead of just a squished mono-boob. I enjoy this feature as I hated how flat the old version of this bra looked on me. I know you are not supposed to go “showing off” at the gym but I still want look nice as it makes me feel better even when sweating like a pig. The inside of the bra is still lined with a layer of boob-separating fabric which is supposed to keep cleavage sweat to minimum. The back part of the bra features two hook and eye closures: this makes the bra a bit like a racerback and supports the bust in a best way possible.

Fit: Knicker Locker carries the Multi Sports bra up to UK G-cup so I went for 32G which I believed to be my correct size. I remembered from my past experience with the bra that it would run tight in the band and big-ish in the cup and I had remembered right: the 32G fitted like a dream. I was actually a bit worried that the band would come up too small as I used to wear a 32 with it even when being two dress sizes smaller than now. However, in the G-cup the band fitted me just right – very snugly yet not uncomfortably tight.

Also the cup size estimation was spot-on as this brand usually runs about a cup size big – at least in the larger cups. I usually wear a pretty solid 30H at the moment so I would definitely recommend sizing down a cup size to get the best support you can. Sports bras are meant to squish your boobs down a bit to keep them against the body and thus they cannot be loose in any way to work as they are supposed to. As this particular style does not have any underwires it is called a compression-style sports bra which is something I have been leaning towards to recently. It’s not that I don’t like the Panache Sports bra anymore – it’s just that I don’t always need the wiring and a compression style feels a bit lighter when putting on.

Comfort: So this is definitely the most important aspect of a sports bra – how it feels on and supports you through a workout. I have tested the SA Multi Sports during multiple group workouts – as that’s what I mainly do. These sports have included dance lessons, Pilates, BodyPump etc and I have found it to work as well as it did a couple of years back. There is almost no bounce at all – with my boobs completely no bounce is impossible – and it does not leave my upper body feeling sore after a intense session of jumping, running and dancing. I love the upper hook and eye closure of the bra as it keeps the straps in place and the back of the bra really sturdy. Even though the band is very snug in general, I don’t find it so tight I couldn’t breath so that’s definitely a plus!

The materials are very high-quality for such an affordable (£33 before the discount!) sports bra and they don’t get nasty-looking after a few months like some other sports bras do. This sports bra will be worth the £££ to be sure! It also wicks moist from your skin which makes it comfortable to wear through the sweatiest of workouts.

If you would like to try the Shock Absorber Multi Sports bra, do check it out on the Knicker Locker e-commerce shop. The bra is sold in 30-40 E-G so the size range is pretty good and after the discount, it’s a steal for £28.

What was your favourite sports bra of 2015? Any sports goals for this year? Let me know in the comments below! xx

PS. I am really weirded out by how I look without my hair done and minimum makeup so the pics are are a bit “meh” in my opinion. But since I am never doing my hair to go to the gym, why fake it!

Fit & Active October – How To Find Your Fitness Motivation

Hiya everyone! Last year in September we had an Fit & Active theme month with my fellow Bosom Bloggers and as I came to realise this September, my weight had gone up and my waist measurement was not where I wanted it to be. This may sound silly to you, as I am not overweight and I should have nothing to worry. But somehow, I was not feeling the best and wanted to take up the challenge of Fit & Active October and also challenge my fellow bloggers to do the same. Now, I want to update you on how I’m doing fitness-wise (is that even a word?) and tell you what motivates me when it comes to doing sports.

I remember that I was quite concerned about my eating disorder last year, when we first started the project. I was worried my anorexia would come creeping back so being fit was kind of a task for me to overcome without becoming a bit too fit and looks-orientated. I admit it – I am good at losing weight, no matter how depressing it sounds but I can lose weight if I want to and it’s rather easy to me. This is why slipping back to old habits is such a terrifying vision to me – cause it simply is quite likely. I am also terrible at finding the golden middle and tend to be either all-in or nothing at all, if you know what I mean.

A month ago I realised I had gained quite a lot of weight – not dangerously so but still a bit too much for it to be healthy. I don’t go on the scale as it’s a trigger for me, but I do use the tape measure to check my vital stats. In a year or so I had went from my 28″ waist to a 30″ which is not something I find too healthy –  excess fat on one’s mid riff is always a risk, a one that I don’t want to take.

Well, as I started off my Fit & Active October, my waist was 30″ and guess what it’s now? Already down to 28,5″! I am so proud of myself so I just want to share with you what motivated me and what still keeps me going.

Sounds a girly way to start off my fitness regime but I actually went and bought some new sportswear as I hadn’t done that in a long time. I did invest in a new Panache Sports Bra in the summer but as it was steaming hot and I would have had to cycle 10 km to the gym, I wasn’t really making the most of it. Now? Well, I think I just might need another one as it’s the only sports bra I own at the moment.

Anyways, I did buy something for this autumn especially and snatched up a couple of running shorts and a sports tee from Adidas at my local sports store. I have previously been pretty exclusive in my relationship with Nike, but as I have developed more womanly curves on my butt, the Adidas shorts are a bit more forgiving and well-fitting. They also look super cute! The sports tee I bought is a really cute one too, so sorry I couldn’t find a picture of it. However, I do fit my boobs  easily into a size Small so I would say their sports tops are pretty boob-friendly!

There are plenty of other products I am super eager to test this autumn and one of them is the Panache Sport Wireless which is supposed to be a wireless version of their classic best-selling sports bra. I also adore the new colourways for this AW14 season; lime is my absolute favourite colour for sportswear (alongside pink of course) and I strangely also dig the 80’s kind-of geometric print. The range also includes a wicked sports tank with an in-built bra – an option I would love but am yet to explore.

However, doing sports and being fit is not about the sports gear or the clothes you wear, although they do motivate you to keep on track. I don’t have a miracle recipe for dropping the inches, but I did make some concrete choices that weren’t too bad to live with. First off, I dropped the alcohol to minimum (though I still think a glass of wine never hurt nobody) and then planned my meals so that there wouldn’t be too many surprises (=junkfood) on the way. I have been adding more veggies to my diet and also cutting the sweets though I do still eat chocolate now and then and yesterday shared a piece of cheesecake with my loved one. So not sweating too much with the diet here!

Though experts say that losing weight is all about 80% diet changes and 20% exercise I do beg to differ as people are different and exercise affects people differently. I would call myself someone who progresses quite quickly so I do find that regular exercise affects my appearance more than 20%. I was no able to hit the gym as often as I wanted last summer but picked up the pace really quickly after we moved about 2 km away from my gym. Now I have taking Zumba, Bodyjam, Sh’bam and BodyPump three to five times a week and it’s starting to show. I think the key is to find the things you like to do the most – my strength is dance based exercise so that’s what I do most of the week.

Also, don’t be afraid to try something new. We had something called “Well-Being Week” in my Uni this week and we had been arranged a few free sports classes to go to and me and my best friend Jo took the advantage of the offering. On Tuesday we went to a fencing class which was so much fun, on Wednesday we went jogging together across the islands surrounding our city centre ( I know, sounds weird), yesterday tried Mixed Martial Arts and Thai-Boxing and today we’ll take a Zumba class together.

So verdict; if you want to lose some inches and don’t feel particularly motivated, try the following.

• Drop the alcohol. This will help tremendously as alcohol prevents the fat from burning and adds extra calories to your otherwise healthy diet.
• Eat smaller portions and plan your meals so you won’t get super hungry and eat all the kitchen doors after an intense workout.
• Try new things. You might like something that you first think would be awful. For example, I am starting a Mixed Martial Arts course in January and really look forward to it.
• Take a friend with you. When you have a workout date arranged, you are less likely to stay on the couch or give up when you feel less motivated.

Nothing too special, probably nothing that you didn’t know, but I tell you – it works!

I still have a half an inch to my waist goal so I will update you on this next week! In meantime, please share us YOUR tips how to keep motivated and how your autumn has started off! Any new sports you have tried and enjoyed? Let us all know as there is nothing more important than sisterly support 😉 xx

Time to work out – Panache & #supporteverymove

I know working out during January is usually “the thing” and this is the month many people step up and take on some new hobby or start to fulfill their New Year’s resolutions. I personally don’t usually make resolutions but this year I have made one significant promise to myself: never be afraid and try new things just for the heck of it. I work out regularly so making resolutions about sports didn’t really make sense but funny enough, my life in UK is now filled with working out since I got almost accidentally recruited to a dance performance for which I have to memorize a 11 minute regime in one month. Not an easy task, I assure you. However I love dancing and have decided to take up everything fun that comes in my way so I thought, why not? 

I recently had a chat with the Panache crew who are hosting a Panache Sports Event called #supporteverymove now that their AMAZING sports bra (no, I didn’t get paid to write this, I just love their sports bra) won the UK’s favourite sports bra award in UKLA 2013. The event is very extensive; it includes a competition for UK residents in which you can create the perfect Spotify workout list and also a Pinterest comp for international fans. The Pinterest competition runs until 31st of Jan so get pinning! Here are the instructions for that.

I decided to take part in Panache’s event because of my own dance project. Now I would love to share my top 10 workout tracks and tell you exactly why these have stuck with me through months and even years!

[spotify  http://open.spotify.com/track/318d3zDZXOxJGU24epWw32]

Amazing song with great rhythm. This track is great for toning your muscles and running! I personally love “angry” music during intense workouts. Some people like to take it easy which is perfectly fine but I keep it simple, high-intense and quick. No long workouts with breaks between, just pure sweat and exploding power. 

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/7yUk1rCRWuvohiSDHbpLSD]

Rihanna is one of my ultimate favourites to listen to when working out. I love her no-bullshit attitude which definitely influences my workout in a good way. This songs embodies female empowerment and self-respect. This is also the song that I listen to when everyone and everything pisses me off and I just want my brain to take a break. Excellent for running and makes a killer dance track! The moves you can come up with… Fierce.

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/1uqLxPxVgM50Dzoe6l3L00]

Yap, still in the run-your-brains-out category. However, this song has the best beat for repetitive moves such as push-ups and sit-ups. This lady and especially this song has A LOT of balls which are required to do the most boring moves (let’s face it, building muscle is not always fun). 

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/6GQuF9vzJAVs7fYN9ftBdP]

Beyonce, you melt my heart with your fierceness. This track used to be on my running playlist for A LONG time. It was always the first track which send me off to the best runs I could ever imagine – great rhythm, great lyrics to empower oneself. 

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/7kLBT8gASUHrWGc83qKYwo]

Total knock-out – the track’s name says it all. I love this song both for dancing AND boxing, which is very convenient considering what the lyrics are all about. I have took on boxing just recently and I sometimes practice the moves to this song. 

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/59K6GctkD8lWljFYa8eE6D]

Now we’ve come to the golden oldies! I have practiced with this song a lot – it’s great to lift your mood when running and I actually jump each time they say the word in the song as it’s fun and gives a great boost to your energy levels. I have also danced to this song with some kick-ass 80’s dance moves and it was a whole lot of fun.

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/3941McqnrX9blUEelPxgot]

See a theme here? Great female voices with lyrics that ooze the message of loving yourself. This track has also bumped into me a couple of times and it always delights me with it’s flirty tone. It’s also a part of my current dance project and I love the moves we’ve come up with it!

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/2yFh7Oz9g0bpHp3iis2Iu2]

I’m sorry, this is probably something each and everyone of you hate but good God this song is great for the most dirtiest dance moves I know. I have a tendency to come up with the jaw-dropping booty-shake moves and this THE perfect song for. BUT I can justify it with the amount of core work those moves require (like I need to justify my choices at all..). I actually think dance is one of the most effective forms of sports which is why I love it besides the fact that it’s amazingly fun!

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/2SxC7qSTg4MaXygjkKt5GY]

One of my fave tracks of all time. Wicked lyrics, wicked beat. This song makes me very creative when it comes to dance moves but also cheers me to run a bit faster and to be a bit more powerful. This song always reminds me that I’m equally as strong and fast as any guy out there (and even better, sometimes MUCH faster).

[spotify http://open.spotify.com/track/4YMqbFcDIFiCBd02PzUBcM]

This one never gets old, it’s pure gold. When I first heard this song I just NEEDED to dance. It’s also great to make you smile while running and rap out loud making other people look at you like you’re some freak. Well, this song just makes me so happy any workout feels like a child’s play.

Hope your New Year resolutions are still going strong and you’re feeling healthy as ever. I would also like to remind you that no matter what everyone else says, do the things you love and feel comfortable with! If sports is not your thing (it was not mine either for so many years) just try a few different things but never force yourself to go on if it doesn’t feel right! All my love to you dear readers, see ya in a bit xx