If you have a larger bust, cardio can quickly turn into cardi-no. Jumping around is painful! Even with the highest impact sports bra, it’s so easy to get irritated skin, breast pain, and upper back pain from a cardio workout.
For my busty girls out there, I feel your pain- literally. And the moment we complain about our struggle, we’re met with comments like “You’re so lucky to be that size though! I wish I looked like that!” or “The pain can’t be that bad.” No matter how we feel about the way our body looks does not change the way it feels. Jumping really hurts!
Don’t even get me started on sports bras. Some high impact bras are too tight and it’s hard to breathe. Other bras are gentler but risk the girls popping out mid-workout. Hunting for the perfect one takes ages.
As a fitness instructor, I’ve taught my fair share of jumpy workouts. Not only do I feel physically uncomfortable, but I’m mentally uncomfortable as well. I start wondering, are people staring at my chest? Do I look weird? Is my sports bra effective enough? Is it even worth doing this workout?
Thankfully, there are plenty of cardio moves that get your heart pumping without you ever having to take both feet off the ground at the same time. This is a busty-beauty friendly workout!
No-Jump Cardio
10 alternating lunges
10 squats with bicep curls
10 squat oblique twists
10 plank jacks
Repeat this circuit 3-5 times. Try not to take rests in between moves and rest for 1 minute after each circuit.
Tips for your workout!
Be sure to do both the right and left leg for the move to count as a rep. You’re encouraged to hold light weights, although this move is effective without them!
You’re more than welcome to choose a traditional squat or a sumo squat. Whatever helps you feel the strongest. If you opt to use weights for this move, I recommend you stick with 10 pounds or less to avoid straining. Heavier weights are great for strength training, but for this cardio workout, we want our movements to be a bit quicker.
Really squeeze your core! Be sure you do both the right and left side for the rep to count. No weights are necessary for this move.
Keep your core strong and your palms spread out wide for maximum stability. You don’t need weights for this one either.
Grab your favorite workout gear, your water bottle, and get moving! You’ll break a fantastic sweat without worrying about any chest irritation.
Have a great workout!