Triathlon Pink winds up
Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Triathlete and Beijing Olympian Erin Densham was Berlei’s ambassador at the event, offering competitors training tips while raising awareness for women's health issues.
Currently, two out of three women are wearing the wrong size bra. The Berlei Bus tours all around Australia to raise awareness about how important it is for women to wear a bra that is right for them.
Berlei General Manager, Sally Berkeley, said, “It is now well accepted that wearing the right size bra is essential to breast health, and that reducing bounce minimises damage to the soft tissue known as Cooper’s ligaments.”
Erin’s appearance with the Berlei Bus was part of an ongoing relationship between Berlei and the AIS, which endeavours to actively support women’s participation in sport in all senses of the word.
Ms Berkeley said, “Women are more likely to exercise if they feel totally supported and secure. This means wearing a bra that is the correct cup size, and in a style that is suitable for the activities they are participating in.”
Berlei also works closely with the AIS Biomechanics Unit to measure breast bounce and how varying bra designs can minimise its occurrence. The AIS Biomechanics team have been testing sports bras for Berlei since 1996, during which time the technology had evolved significantly.
Ms Berkeley said, “Events like today’s triathlon are high impact sports that take their toll on a woman’s body. The AIS research has revealed that an unsupported 12B bust can bounce up to 8cm and a 16DD bust to 19cm during high impact exercise.
“To ensure total comfort and support, women should get fitted at least once a year and choose a bra that meets their needs. For example, if you have a larger bust and/or train at a high level, you will need to look for a better engineered bra. It is also recommended that women replace their sports bra at least every 6 months, depending on how often the bra is worn.”
On average, the Berlei Bus will fit 73 women a day on tour. This record was broken with the Berlei team fitting over 100 women on the morning of the Ramsay Health Care Triathlon Pink. In addition, Berlei donated $5 from every bra sold at the event to the Breast Cancer Network of Australia.
