I always meet a jogger on my way to work in the morning. All sorts of things jump out at me. Does jogging actually damage the bust?

One thing is clear: the more the breasts move when jogging, the more uncomfortable it is. For most women - according to surveys, this applies to around 56 percent of female athletes - physical activity is associated with pain in the breasts. It is therefore clearly noticeable that jogging affects the fat, glandular and connective tissue of the breast in some way. To clarify how harmful this influence is, we turn to an expert.

Totally indignant

"No matter how young or small, the female breast does not have its own support structure," explains Ulrike Korsten-Reck from the German Society for Sports Medicine and Prevention. This is the reason why the breasts swing up and to the sides unchecked when running and jumping. And this movement does not tighten the connective tissue. "There are always forces at work that can wear out the chest," warns Korsten-Reck.

Of course, women don't have to do without jogging. The expert recommends a sports bra. "The perfect bra," she specifies, "fits snugly but isn't constricting. It's important that each breast is isolated and supported in every direction, including laterally."

For better wearing comfort, the straps should be non-slip, elastic and not too narrow. Wide straps – they are usually designed in a Y or X shape on the back – distribute the pressure and withstand the weight forces better.

Quality for beautiful breasts

When purchasing, it is worth investing in quality. Because, as the private lecturer from Freiburg explains, high-quality sports bras are made from innovative, strong and at the same time breathable microfibre. This is good for the bosom. And the nipples too, by the way.

Petra Platen, Professor at the Chair of Sports Medicine and Sports Nutrition at the University of Bochum, refers to the so-called runner's nipple in connection with jogging. "This is inflammation or hypersensitivity of the nipple caused by the nipple rubbing against the tricot fabric," Platen said. Open wounds, abrasions and swelling can result. The runner's nipple occurs particularly in cold weather when the nipple contracts due to the cold stimulus. But a well-fitting sports bra can also help here. Alternatively, it is possible to cover the nipple with tape or plaster. "And Vaseline," adds the sports doctor, "is a good tool for reducing skin friction."

By the way: there are special heart rate sports bras for athletes who want to control their heart rate. The heart rate transmitter is pushed into the lower edge of the bra. This allows the chest strap to be worn comfortably. It cannot chafe or slip and skin irritations from the bra are also avoided.