Shock Absorber - Sports Bra Review

A little while ago, I was offered the chance for my sister and myself to review a Shock Absorber Ultimate Gym bra, mine still has not arrived yet due to stock issues and my sisters review was delayed due to her having some difficulties, but we are back on track now and ready to get our asses fitter and healthier!

Below is my sisters review in her own words.

It feels magnificent. I love the look. It appears on first glance like it could go into battle and win. The material is soft and silky against my skin, and very comfortable. Sadly, that's where my praise stops. 

I asked for a 36F, which was going by my own natural size. However, it's a nightmare to do up.

At first I thought I'd misjudged the size, but honestly, it needs two people just to fasten the back. I tried front fastening which I've seen my own mum do a million times, but I'm a back fastener. I managed with the main clasps, but the second clasp - which I assume to be essential in the whole 'keeping the puppies steady' thing, just couldn't be closed. The trouble is, I'm a single parent, I live alone with my children who cringe at the sight of my socks, let alone a bra, and I would likely go to the gym alone, so who do I ask to fasten me up?

Now, please don't let this deter you, because I have to say, that despite what I consider to be small short comings, I would still recommend the bra. It's so ridiculously comfortable, I'm considering going up a size just to have one to sleep it. The best thing is that - even without the second clasp being fastened - I don't bounce about all over the place. There are no black eyes, no discomfort, and I feel totally comfortable in it. I have an exercise bike at home and I tell you, it's quite refreshing not to be jangling all over the place. I jumped up and down and there was only minor movement. 

Post pregnancy, I've been left with poor elasticity (I consider these battle scars and I'm proud!), but that can be incredibly uncomfortable in daily living, let alone during a work out, so this bra is brilliant. If I can just master putting the darn thing on, I know I'm on to a winner! My only advise is to double check the sizing. I think I'd have been better going up a back size and maybe down in a cup.

Thank you very much for the opportunity to try the bra out. I've been in a struggle with my weight and getting exercise can prove to be painful. I think the bra is really going to help in that department.

As you can see even with some minor issues she loved it and will be getting some serious use out of this bra, as soon as I get mine I will give you a full review of my experiences as well.

Mhairi and Claire

xxx

Disclaimer: Shock absorber gifted for review purposes

Freya Active - Sports Bra Review

Now  this is NOT a weight loss post, this a health post, as far as I am concerned plenty of Fat girls love to go to the gym or walk/Run, and I firmly believe a good sports bra is important to us all.

For me it is important as I have a large bust and find exercise painful if I am not correctly supported, so I have begun a quest to find my perfect sports bra.

The wonderful Katie from the Eveden group who produce the Freya, Elomi, Huit, Fauve, Fantasie and Goddess ranges offered to send me a Freya Active sports Bra to try.

Now this post has been delayed quite a while so thank you so much to Katie for being patient and allowing me time to let my back heal before I got stuck into my health kick.

Ok the one I choose to try was the Freya Active Red Underwired Sports Bra, and the Active Shorts, now a little advice, at the time I ordered I went for the 38GG but think I could really do with the 38H for a perfect fit, so if you have the opportunity, make sure you visit a decent fitter and try them on to get the perfect size for you.

The colour of the bra is beautiful, which isn't important to us all but for me I love a good colour, so this was a bonus for me.

It is a very rich red/pink colour and the black piping is a nice contrast.

It closes with a good 4 hook and eyes which is brilliant for supporting my ladies.

Little bit of detail, not the most exciting but still.

The material is nice and non scratchy which is important to me as my skin is sensitive and gets irritated quickly and while I could have done with the 38 H for better side coverage it is actually not too bad a fit, but as I find with all my freya bras, I cant get the central gore to fit flush against my chest.

I also found that it gave me a very madonna in the 80's pointed shape, which for exercising isn't a huge deal but if you really hate that shape, this wont be the bra for you.

I tried to give the bra a good testing and ran about and jumped up and down, there was some movement but it wasn't jarring or painful like I experience in a normal bra.

Over the next few weeks I will put this through its paces and give you an update on how it copes, and hopefully I might get to try some other brands out as I want the best possible bra to stop the pain and suffering :) 

Have you found a sports bra that works for you, if not I would say definitely give freya active a try but go and get fitted into it so you have the best possible support and fit. 

The Bra can be purchased from around the £30 mark and if you look here you can find a stockist near you, also if you need larger than a 40" back give elomi a try they go to a 46"back. 

Mhairi

xxx