Are you Wearing the Wrong Bra?

A new study* has shown we’ve been underestimating the number of women who wear the wrong bra. The new research shows 85% of Australian women wearing the wrong bra size compared to the 70% initially reported.

Wearing the wrong bra can be uncomfortable but wearing the wrong bra while running or exercising can cause damage to breast tissue, pain and even inhibit your ability to participate in physical activity.

Researcher Dr Deirdre McGhee from the University of Wollongong in New South Wales says this need not be a barrier as all women can be physically active irrespective of breast size, but must learn how to fit themselves correctly.

“Research has found that a correctly fitting, supportive bra can alleviate up to 85% of pain symptoms, allowing women to exercise in greater comfort, possibly removing the need for breast reduction surgery,” Dr McGhee says.

“As only a small number of people use professional fitting services, all women need to be educated about bra fitting criteria to improve their bra fit. They need to learn professional fitting criteria so they can tell if the cup, the band and the underwire fits.

“By women being able to fit their own bras correctly by themselves, this will assist with the promotion of physical activity and prevent the development or progression of musculoskeletal disorders associated with poor bra fit,” said Dr McGhee.

Need a new sports bra or want to make sure you're wearing the right size? Pop into your nearest Sports Fever store and we'd be more than happy to help. We carry a large range of sports bras from the Moving Comfort range.

* The study was based on 104 women with an average age of 43 and an average bra size of 12DD and featured in the November 2010 issue of The Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport (JSAMS), published by Sports Medicine Australia. 

Walking still the Aussie favourite

Approximately two thirds (64%) of Australians aged 15 and over participated in at least one sport or physical recreational activity in the last twelve months, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Unfortunately this participation rate has fallen from 66% when the survey was last undertaken in 2005-2006.

The three most popular sport or physical recreational activities participated in by Australians were walking for exercise (23%); aerobics, fitness and gym activities (14%); and swimming and/or diving (7%). Women reported higher participation rates in each of these activities than men. Walking for exercise was also reported to be the most popular activity when the survey was last conducted in 2005-06.

Participation rates for residents in the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory were the highest of all Australian states and territories, with participation rates of 77% and 72% respectively.

Overall, the most popular facilities used for participating in sport and physical recreational activities were parks, beaches and walking trails, with 58% of participants using these facilities.

Further information is available in Participation in Sport and Physical Recreation, Australia 2009-10 at http://www.abs.gov.au. If you want to find out if you're wearing the right shoes for walking for fitness, pop into your local Sports Fever stores and we will help fit you for the right shoes.

Meet Alice Coakley

At Sports Fever we know our quality staff members are our biggest asset. We’re really proud of our people and their achievements and we’d like to introduce you to some of our team here on our blog.

Today we’re introducing you to 19-year-old Alice Coakley!

Alice has been working for Sports Fever since August 2009 and as well as working in our Subiaco store she competes in state netball.

“I first got involved in netball in year two, when I started playing Netta for Rosalie Primary School down at Matthews Netball Centre,” Alice says.

“My greatest sporting achievement within netball would be playing in the Australian Netball League and being on a WAIS scholarship for netball. I still see some of my younger years as important achievements when I was playing State Soccer, netball and being in the Development WAIS Program for Rowing as well - it pushed me to choose the one sport and fully commit to it.”

At the moment Alice is in pre-season with WAIS, but she still commits plenty of time to her sport and her fitness. “Monday is either an on court session or conditioning, Tuesday morning weights and ball work, Wednesday conditioning as well as on court work, Thursday morning weights and ball work, Friday morning swim session, Saturday morning conditioning and weights,” she says.

“As pre-season winds up we continue our training with WAIS as well as training with our Club team in the State League. Later in the year we also have additional training with State Teams and Australian Netball League.”

Make sure you say hi to Alice when you’re next in the store and if anyone has any questions about netball gear, don’t hesitate to give her a call. We also wish her all the best with the upcoming season.

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East Freo seeks Coach

The EFWFC (East Fremantle Women’s Football Club) is seeking applicants to fill the positions of Head Coach and Division Two Coach for the 2011 WAWFL season. The successful candidates will be fully complemented by a passionate committee and members of the club.

Previous coaching experience an advantage with the ability to inspire, lead and coach a must. Please phone Kylie Fuller (President) on 0418 930 894 or register your interest via email marieandtony@iinet.net.au. If you want to know more head over to www.effc.com.au for details.

The Importance of Lacing

So you know it is important you buy the right type of shoes for your feet, but did you know how important it is to lace them up properly? Everybody’s foot type is so different whether you foot is narrow or wide, has a high instep or narrow heel the lacing on your shoe needs to be different.

Here at Sports Fever we do not recommend elastic laces, unless you are wearing them in rare specific shoes (ask us when you make a purchase). Elastic laces will not hold the foot in the shoe and offer the support the shoe is built for, this is even more so for orthotic wearers.

Always lace and unlace your shoes when taking them off or putting them on, not only will this help with the wear and tear of the shoes but ensure you’re getting the best fit because your foot is being properly held (and it’s nice to be held).

If you’re not sure you are lacing your shoe properly, pop in to your local Sports Fever store and ask us for help – that’s what we are here for! If you buy a new shoe from us, our staff will show you how to lace it properly to suit your foot.

Don’t Let Injury Stop you

Safety precautions should play part in New Year ‘get fit’ resolutions to avoid injury, advises Sports Medicine Australia.

During January, many enthusiasts start new exercise regimes to get fit and lose weight gained over the festive season. However, without taking suitable safety precautions before starting activities, injuries can occur – postponing any fitness benefits.

Each year one in 17 Australians is sidelined as result of a sports injury, making injuries one of the major barriers to participation.

Sports Medicine Australia spokesperson, Dr David Bolzonello says this need not be the case, as up to half of all sporting injuries are able to be prevented.

“At the start of every year, many people dive into their New Year’s resolution of physical activity without good preparation and suffer injuries that restrict their steady progress toward their fitness goal,” Dr Bolzonello says.

“The risk of injuries should not deter people’s enthusiasm and motivation to get fit and healthy. All they need to remember is to undertake some simple measures before, during and after physical activity.

“This preparation should reduce the likelihood of getting injured and increase the chances of a happily fulfilled New Year resolution.”

To assist in achieving an injury-free New Year resolution, Sports Medicine Australia offers the following timely advice:

• Avoid doing too much too soon. Start at a level and pace you’re comfortable with. Gradually increase your workload over a series of sessions. 
• Always warm up and cool down when undertaking activity. Warming up prepares you both mentally and physically for performance and decreases your risk of being injured. To warm up, simply start your chosen activity at a slower pace. Also remember to cool down after activity sessions to help reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. 
• Take care when exercising in hot conditions, which are common in January. During activity, try to rest in the shade whenever possible and protect yourself by wearing light clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. 
• Always drink fluids (water or a sports drink) before, during and after activity. Drink at least 2 cups (500ml) an hour before exercise, 150ml every 15 minutes during exercise and enough to fully re-hydrate yourself after exercise. 
• Wear protective equipment such as helmets, padding and/or mouthguards, where required. Good quality footwear are also a must as a number of studies have found a relationship between the type of footwear worn and the incidence of injuries to the lower limb. 
• Know what to do if an injury occurs, especially if you have suffered an injury in the last 12 months. Injury statistics have found previous injury increases the risk of further injury by 57%. Use RICER – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral. 

What steps are you taking to prevent injury this year? Hit comment below and share your thoughts with other readers!

News from East Freo

Sports Fever are proud partners of the East Fremantle Football Club and we’re excited to share the news that former Brisbane Lions Premiership player and Carlton midfielder Richard Hadley has committed to the East Fremantle Football Club for the next three seasons.


East Freo Football Club football operations manager Damien Gaspar says Richard, who was drafted from East Fremantle in 2000, is highly regarded for his leadership and selfless approach.

“Richard’s career has been hindered by injury; however he has played consistent football in the last two years, managing 66 AFL games in total, his most recent game being a solid performance for Carlton vs Sydney Swans in the 2010 elimination final.

 “Richard is a tough tall inside midfielder who can also play forward and back.
Richard displays all the qualities that are important at the East Fremantle Football Club including loyalty and a passion to offer his services to the club that provided him with the opportunity to succeed at AFL level.”

Need a Podiatrist?

Do your wear orthotics or a corrective device? Or are you finding you get pain in your feet, knees or back when you run?

We all need a good podiatrist, physiotherapist and sports trainer in our life, even if it is a one off visit. Some people’s feet need more than a good shoe; some injuries need the advice of a good physiotherapist or sports doctor.

The Sports Fever staff can and will direct you to the best people in your area, importantly they see a lot of customers who are already wearing corrective devices / orthotics and so have the ability to fit the correct footwear without over correcting. A properly fitted shoe does make a difference!

Give us a call or pop into a store and we will help you find the right person. Or post a comment below or visit us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/sportsfever