.png){kind=icon}
5 ways to enjoy a sporty summer (even if you don’t like sport)
Posted by Claire Hewitt, on July 8, 2022.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
Tennis, swimming, cricket, general jumping about…sport seems to be everywhere during summer. The days are lighter and brighter (mostly), our energy levels feel higher and a bit of outdoor exercise gets our endorphins flowing, giving us all the happy feels.
But what if you don’t consider yourself a ‘sporty person’, or find it hard to exercise when the season is filled with holidays, social occasions and childcare when school’s out? Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get some movement into your days, from learning a new sport to simply playing games with the kids. Here are five easy ways to create your own active summer – plus the best bras to jump around in…
Garden games
Take inspiration from your children or grandchildren and get moving with some garden-based games. If you like tennis, a classic swingball set is a good choice for a small garden. For flexible types, how about limbering up with garden limbo? Or you could borrow the kids’ trampoline for some aerobic fun – trampolines offer a great low-impact workout that improves balance, cardio health and bone density, as well as being a fun way to de-stress.
Just keep swimming
Everyone loves to cool off with a splash about when the temperature rises, and swimming, an exercise that can be as relaxing or aerobic as you wish, is one of the UK’s most popular activities. Find a local pool near you via social enterprise Better who manage over 150 swimming pools, from indoor pools to outdoor lidos, with family sessions and swimming lessons for all ages at subsidised prices. Or check out these stunning outdoor swimming pools, from seafront beauties to the UK’s oldest freshwater outdoor pool.
Take to the water
It’s not just about swimming – all sorts of water-based fun comes alive in summer. Whether on holiday or a daytrip, a beach or lake is a big draw on a sunny day. But instead of simply enjoying the beautiful scenery, it could be an opportunity to learn a whole new sport. Hiring a kayak or paddleboard is a great way to explore your watery surroundings, while getting a good upper-body workout. And surfing isn’t just found in Cornwall – spots all over the UK coastline provide the right conditions for great waves and possibly a surf shack offering board hire and lessons (check out Women’s Health magazine’s best surf schools).
Enjoy the fresh air
Never underestimate the power of fresh air! Long summer days are made for alfresco living so move your indoor exercise session outside and breathe better. 20% of the oxygen we breathe is used by our brains, so more fresh air means greater focus and clarity. Outdoor air is also less likely to harbour viruses and bacteria which could lead to illness. Exercise will encourage you to breathe deeper, increasing your oxygen intake and improving your whole body function, from digestion to cell renewal.
Stay safe
Don’t forget to stay safe when you’re active in the sun. The combination of an increased heartrate and hot weather could lead to dehydration and heatstroke. Drink plenty of water, stay in the shade when you can, and avoid being active during the hottest times of the day. Slap on the sunscreen (it really should be factor 50) and reapply after a swim or a sweaty sports session.
Get the right sports bra for your sporty summer
For any fitness activity you need a dedicated sports bra – your boobs will thank you for it. The average breast weighs between 250-300g and any vigorous activity will send them swinging up and down, in and out, and side to side if they’re unsupported. This movement can cause the delicate ligaments in the breast to stretch leading to irreversible damage. Even in the short term, a good sports bra can alleviate back, neck or shoulder pain by minimising breast movement.
Because we recognise that women of all shapes and sizes are into fitness we’ve created a range of workout-friendly, wirefree sports bras across the size spectrum from an A all the way to a K cup. From low to medium and high-impact bras, browse our range to find your new gym kit essential, such as…
Aerocool
The UK’s first high-impact, wirefree sports bra for G-K cups has gained rave reviews in the media. A combination of innovative fabric and clever design, this bra keeps you cool, comfortable and fully supported during high-impact activity due to its internal side slings, wide underband and high neckline which restrict vertical and horizontal bounce.
Impact Free Adjustable Fit
Especially designed for smaller frames, the Impact Free Adjustable Fit features removeable foam pads and an adjustable racer back which anchors the bra closer to the chest to provide the best fit. Available in A-D cup in both white and black.
Impact Free – Black
Especially designed for fuller cups, The Impact Free – Black gives you the support you need without compromising on comfort. A high neckline ensures full coverage of the bust to reduce vertical bounce. The underband is encased with soft cotton fabric for a comfortable fit against the skin. Available in G-K cup.
