Choosing the Right Sports Bra for You

We have all seen those cute little sports bras that look more like something you may want to sleep in vs. something you could actually break a sweat in. They look adorable and for a moment, you may consider them, but will they really give you the support you need to really kick your workout up a notch?

Cup Size REALLY does matter! (Okay, only in the world of buying bras people!) Take this guide along next time you go shopping for a sports bra.

How to Choose the Right Sports Bra

A-B Cups

Smaller chested women can really wear any sports bra, however, the activity type will be one of the most important factors here. Compression-type sports bras are ideal for women with A or B cups - either scoop back or racer back. Bear in mind that you will have more support with a racer back and thicker straps. So if you are running, you may opt for a racer back with larger straps vs. a cute thin-strapped scoop back bra for Pilates or barre class.

Compression Scoop Back Sports Bras
Compression Racer Back Sports Bras

C-D Cups

Ladies that are a little bustier than their A-B friends, will need to pay more attention to the coverage area that their sports bra provides. Women that are a little bustier may benefit from a combination compression and encapsulation sports bra. Again, function is everything when you are thinking about sports bras - wear your most movement minimizing bra for higher impact workouts like HIIT or step aerobics. Keep the lower-coverage bras for lifting weights or yoga.

Compression/Encapsulation Combination Sports Bras

 DD+ Cups

If you are bustier, you may have a hard time finding a bra that actually minimizes your movement no matter what activity you are participating in. For women with larger D or DD and larger cup sizes, the key to your sports bra is encapsulation! You need a sports bra in a high performance fabric that's actually made similarly to your everyday bras - with two molded cups and thick, dependable straps.

Encapsulation Sports Bras

Need a little extra help with incorporating strength training with your runs? Don't want to think about your workouts? Let us be your personal trainers with our She Sweats 12-week Run Builder and increase your mile time. It guides your workout each day and has everything you need! Find out more!

No-Sew Cotton T-Shirt Redo

Each Wednesday, starting today (yay!) we are going to highlight some of our favorite ways to sweat in style!

For today, go in your closet and pull out a cotton t-shirt that isn't necessarily your favorite to wear - let's make it cute without a sewing machine! It's a stitchless, no-sew cotton t-shirt redo. You can do this on your own in about 20-30 minutes at home, although we do recommend having a friend with you so that you can try on, measure and have fun hacking up some shirts! Finally, a way to make those free t-shirts worth holding on to!

What you will need:

• T-Shirt - your size or slightly larger
• 1 yard of ribbon of your choice
• sharp scissors
• ruler
• safety pin

Optional:

• Fray Check (it protects the ribbons from fraying in the washing machine)

How to do it:

Step 1:

Try on your t-shirt to ensure the fit is okay. Note how it drapes at the sides (there is an optional step to make it more fitted) and how well the shoulders fit. This shirt is best made if the shoulders of your t-shirt are slightly larger than your shoulders.

Step 2:

Fold shirt in half lengthwise so that the arm holes line up.

Step 3:

Begin cutting approximately 3/4" below the bottom of the armhole seam and continue cutting around the seam.

Step 4:

Open the shirt and lay flat. Cut approximately 2 inches on each side to remove the neck and make the shirt an off-the-shoulder shirt.

Step 5:

Using a pencil, mark the center of the front of the shirt with a small up and down mark.

Step 6:

Begin marking 2" out on either side of the center mark across the front of the shirt.

Step 7:

At shoulder seam, mark on either side of the seam.

Step 8:

Pinch fabric and cut a hole proportionate to your ribbon on each marked notch along the front neckline of the shirt.

Step 9:

Mark and cut the back neckline of your shirt as you did for the front. Use 3" spacing.

Step 10:

Using the safety pin attached to the end of your ribbon, weave the ribbon in and out of the holes you created for the ribbon, starting on one side of a shoulder.

Step 11:

Complete the threading of the ribbon to meet at the beginning shoulder and tie in a bow.

Step 12:

Try your shirt on! It's done! Decide if you would like to do the optional steps below.

Optional:

Cinch in the waist of the t-shirt by adding 4 knots on each side.

Step 13:

Make 5 cuts on the side of the t-shirt to create 4 strings. Cut down the middle so that you can tie them together.

Step 14:

Tie and create a fitted waist.

Upload your creations to instagram and pinterest and tag us! (instagram: heandsheeatclean, pinterest: hesheeatclean)

FIT Finds :: Our Favorite Athletic Shoes

icks, Sneakers, Tennies, Trainers, Tennis Shoes, Athletic Shoes... all the same thing! Whatever you call it, you rely on these babies to support your feet and keep you feeling great through the most intense of workouts. Here are a few of our favorite shoes:

Reebok RealFlex Cross Training Shoes -

Mens - 9 color options, $79.39 - $99.99

Womens - 8 color options, $84.99 - $99.99

Childrens - 2 "glitter" color options, $59.99 - $69.99

These shoes are Jim and Tiffany's favorites for HIIT cardio and interval training. You definitely need to allow yourself some time to adjust to moving in shoes that have a flexible sole as they will be different and target different muscles in your body than harder, non-flexible shoes. Walking around in your home or doing a light workout in these shoes will help ease you into making the transition. An additional item to consider is that you may find it is hard to lift calves and some upper leg workouts in these shoes due to the flexible nature of the sole.

Nike Womens Air Pegasus+ 28 Running Shoes -

Womens - 4 color options, $78.90 - $115.00

These are Whitney's favorites for running and HIIT training in and out of the gym. These also work great for strength training and have a semi-flexible sold.

Nike Lady Air Max+ 2012 -

Womens - 10 color options, priced around $118.59

The ladies love these! With a harder sole, these are a great option for an all around training shoe. They are lightweight and allow your feet to breathe during intense cardio sessions, while giving you the stability and foundation you need for an effective weight training work out.

New Balance Minimus Trail Running and Cross Training Shoes -

Mens - 6 color options, $99.95

Womens - 6 color options, including a multi-colored sole!, $99.95

Childrens - 5 color options suitable for boys and girls, $37.97 - $59.95

Try Scott's shoes on for size! Like to train outside? No problem! With these shoes, you will be cranking up the cardio and hitting the trails like a pure champ! The offer a minimalist shoe with a more traditional look - they even have the Vibram sole!

What are your favorite shoes?

Note: These are only suggestions! There are so many shoes out there and with individual foot care needs and preferences, we can't suggest a shoe for everyone. These are just ones that we have used and LOVE! Which ever shoes you choose, try them on and get a good feel for them before you commit to a shoe! Your feet will thank you.