Cardio for Well Endowed Women

My dear wife has nice lovely breasts (36C), and because of this has never enjoyed cardio type exercises, especially not running. Even with a sports bra, she complains that they bounce and it's uncomfortable. Because of this, she prefers to just walk instead. The problem is walking won't get your heart rate up, and give you a good cardio work out. What I'm looking for is a good cardio work out that we can both participate in together. I'm trying to encourage my wife to get on my fitness kick, and doing something together would really help. I could walk all day and not get much out of it, I need to run. Is there a happy compromise? Any suggestions would be welcomes. I'm looking for things we can do together. Thanks in advance.

Well how something like Gazelle glider and an exercise bike? You two could swap on and off.

Wow that's a fantastic idea Ninav. To add to how about an elliptical? Or swimming? Or speed walking?


You know Space Ghost says, "Always put your best foot forward. If you don't know which one is your best foot. Flip a coin...or better yet have your feet run a race!"

Remember to keep at it and you will find something to get her motivated. ^_^

I'd consider investing in a very good, well-constructed sports bra.  I'm a 36 C and the right sports bra really makes a difference. Some are just too flimsy.
 
SHAPE magazine recommends these for C cups: 

Under Armour "Premiere II" heatgear Sportsbra, $42, underarmour.com  (review:  felt snug, super supportive, breathable during track workout).

Asics "Harmony" Compression Bra Top, $34, asicsamerica.com (review:  provided "hold during kicking and jumping")

Hind "Energy" Bra, $35, hind.com (review:  the best no jiggle bra ever)

Adidis by Stella McCartney Climate "Gym" bra top, $70, shopadidas.com (review: fabulous, sexy waist-tye, stylish)

Also, an elliptical machine is fairly low-impact, low-jiggle.

Edited to correct magazine title.

i'm a c cup too... LOVE my underarmour.  I don't bounce AT ALL anymore, and I run all the time now.  Available at GI Joe's or online, or at REI, for starters.

Summer's coming, how about getting out the bikes?

i'm a c cup and i'm the smallest (in that area, but not in others) in my family so i've always been under the impression that a c cup isn't that well endowed.. but i don't run.. for cardio i walk as fast as i can to get my heart rate up (you can get your heart rate up from just walking!) and i love the eliptical.. but i agree with saroful.. BIKES!  great exercise and low impact!  and talk about fun!  :) 

obs, i agree, i've never thought of a c as well-endowed... i'm the smallest of my friends (well, in the endowment area, anyway) and have to compete for attention with what has been best described as a "heroic rack" at parties (not that my boobies need attention at parties, but if they did...)

Thanks for the suggestions ladies. We actually do have an elliptical machine at home. I enjoy working out on it as a supplement to running. My knees won't let me run every day. However, it's kind of a solitary exercise. Besides my wife doesn't really like the elliptical very much. Perhaps a new sports bra is the answer (or at least a start), thanks for the list secret_squirrel. I notice you women quote Self Magazine often. Do you think my wife would take offence if I purchased her a subscription? It seems to have a whole lot of helpful tips, but I fear she would take it the wrong way.

EDIT: Yes, perhaps a C isn't that large, but I sure adore my wife?s, and personally consider her "well endowed". =)

Hey, just a quick answer (i am away from home but I wanted to check on you guys!): I am DD cup and I recently found a great sport bra. If I don't forget, I'll check the brand at home when I get back. If it works for a DD it will workfor a C.

I'm a 36D, and I found THE BEST sports bra at The Sports Authority.  I used it this morning (and so I can't find the name, 'cuz its with our take-out laundry place right now), but if you go, I'm sure you'll be able to find it in the running clothes section. While its a little expense (something like $35?), it is awesome--a well constructed, comfortable underwire--it has something like a double layer of support to it, so it really keeps the sisters in check.  :)  The store has a special section dedicated to the brand, because most sports bras are not underwire...

defrog3, I bet it's the same asmine.It has aslo 2layers and I bought it in that store

I don't want to invest that much money in something that's just going to get all sweaty... any suggestions for cheaper ones that would still support a C well?

Haha, that reminds me of a funny comment I got the other day. My sister said "It must be hard for you to find bras. What are you, a DD or something??" I just started cracking up. Uhh, NO.

i actually used to wear two sport bras... i hate any bit of bounce, so i really smoosh mine! i've gone from a full c to a small c, and my new fav trick is to wear one sports bra under a stretchy tank with a built in shelf bra... your wife will know what that means... i've also found that the sports bra tanks are more supportive than the normal sports bra...

as a side note, you can actually get your heart rate up walking, but depending on your individual fitness levels, you may not be able to walk together "in zone". a heart rate monitor is a great tool to keep your heart rate in check while walking and/or running.

I have to correct you by saying yes you can get your heart rate up by walking.  Just FYI...I am a DD.  I have lost almost 30 lbs by walking 1-3 miles 5 days a week.  I purchased a heart rate monitor and I keep in pace where my heart rate is up.  I was actually surprised at what pace I needed to go to get my heart rate up.  I had that misconception too, but indeed it isn't as fast as I thought it would be.  So walking is an option, trust me on this one.  Walking is the best exercise there is no matter what and it is something the two of you can enjoy together.

hey jamster! as your fitness level improves, you'll have to work harder to stay in your zone... when i first started with a heart rate monitor, i was a little frustrated, i HAD to walk to stay in my "zone", if i ran, i was popping way out of it! now, i am running in zone, and i have to move to get in zone walking now! it's a good thing, my body is becoming more efficient at utilizing the oxygen, and clearly, my heart is getting stonger!

good for you on your 30 pound loss! i agree that walking is a great cardio workout... it is WAY less stressful on your joints!!

If you are looking for a sports bra that holds the girls down and
supports completely check out the enell sports bra. I am a 42D and it
is perfect.

i'm a 38D and wear the Under Armour sports bras and they work great. I run three days a week and now i don't have the bounce i used to with any other bras. They were about $35 but they are worth it because i can do so many more things like playing sports and running!!

I found some great, cheap sports bras at La Senza of all places. The one I bought was $26 (Canadian), and it fits perfectly! (I'm a 34D). I don't notice any discomfort at all when I'm running.

Ditto on the Enell, dude.  That bra is a miracle of construction and comfort.  Don't waste your money on cheap bras.  Enell bras hold everything firmly in place without squishing and damaging breast tissue. They are hands-down the best bras for big girls who want to run, jump, do karate, play volleyball, whatever. 

I regret it every time I buy a cheap bra. It's worth investing a bit in them

Ahbe, the subscribtion to Self is a tricky one. It would all depend on your wife. Somtimes women can be strange creatures who will take offense to even the nicest of comments or gifts. Maybe you could bring a copy home with you, one that you "found laying around".....? And see if she likes it. Its a toucy subject and I know that it seems so silly to men, but women tend to get very sesitive about their bodies and apperances. So tred lightly. Oh, and make sure to tell her how much you LOVE her boobs!!!! :)