WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
5
FASHION & BEAUTY VALLEY LIVING
THE COMOX VALLEY RECORD
Finally, Fashionable Fashion and Function Toning Footwear BREAST HEALTH
Health matters. We think about it every time we pop an apple into our children’s lunch, but our own is just as important. And now that the kids are going back to school, we can get back to our own healthy routines at the gym, tennis court, golf course or hiking trail. But as we go about our healthy activities, it’s important to remember another area of our health too – the health of our breasts. It’s something we don’t really think about, but as we walk, stride, jump or paddle, our breasts move far more than we do. They don’t just bounce up and down, but side to side and front to back movement can be forceful as well. And this isn’t exclusive to large-breasted women – no matter what size the breast, this delicate tissue ends up absorbing a lot of force. This is where a quality sports bra comes in. A quality undergarment, supporting the breasts in all directions, can protect a woman from pain and sagging. And we’re pleased to say, gone are the days when the only option was a tube of Lycra pulled over the head and then tugged down to compress our shape into the dreaded uniboob. Now, women can enjoy both beauty and comfort while moving any way we please. Modern sports lingerie has rewritten the rulebook on sports bras. The first main change has been the addition of an underwire. We can understand if at first blush this just sounds like a good way to jab yourself on the court; but rest-assured, modern sports bras don’t allow this.
Modern sports lingerie has rewritten the rulebook on sports bras. And well-designed bras don’t make you hot either, as they are made of high-tech microfibres that contain hundreds of microscopic holes designed to wick sweat away from you, working just like your skin. And straps that dig in or slip down your shoulders are a thing of the past too. We recommend the Intense by Marie Jo for your active needs. This sports bra boasts engineering from a university lab. The Intense includes an underwire wrapped in three kinds of shock absorbing padding to ensure it’s never felt,
With all the celebrityendorsements and the promise of sculpted legs, toning footwear has probably caught your eye at some point by now. Studies have shown that certain shoes and sandals can increase the level of muscle activity in your legs and bottom while reducing the strain on your hips and knees by offering an unstable walking surface. Not to mention that these shoes can also improve your posture, absorb more shock, and increase your balance. All sounds great, right? It did until you saw what the typical toning shoe looked like. When toning footwear first hit the shoe scene a few years ago the choices were, let’s just say limited. The thick, rounded rubber soles paired with a style-challenged, athletic upper doesn’t make the most fabulous fashion statement. You might have been able to pull them off when out for a power walk, but they’re the last thing you’d want to pair with a summery dress and cute purse. But all of that is changing. With the growing popularity of toning footwear, we’re seeing some really fantastic options hit the market. Now you can tone your leg muscles
and improve your posture while wearing flip flops glamorized with sequins or metallic sandals embellished with jewels. When was the last time you wore shoes that looked good, felt good, and were good for you? With all the toning footwear styles available today, the truth behind your sculpted legs and comfy feet can remain your little fashion secret.
Shoebiz • 250-871-7677 478A – 5th Street, Courtenay, BC www.shoebiz.ca
and its design protects the breast from all planes of movement. The Intense makes fashion a priority too, creating a natural, round shape rivaling any non-sport lingerie. So while you’re out buying new hockey pads to protect your child during practice, don’t forget to drop by Secret Drawers Lingerie and do the same thing for your breasts – they deserve it too.
Secret Drawers Lingerie 250.897.7488 431 5th Street, Downtown Courtenay
Same Great Women’s Show as in Nanaimo since 1999.
PureElegance worth the wait. visit our blog underwear matters
underwearmatters.blogspot.com 431 Fifth Street, ❦ Downtown Courtenay ❦ 250-897-7488