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Supportive Fathers:  Empower Their Daughters' Athletic Journeys

Supportive Fathers:  Empower Their Daughters' Athletic Journeys


Father’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the dads who show up, cheer loud, and help their daughters chase their athletic dreams. For many girls—especially those with full busts—sports can come with unique challenges. Having a supportive father can make all the difference, both on and off the field. It is important for fathers to support their daughters—especially during the formative, sometimes challenging, maturing stages of their athletic journey.


1. 🌱💪The Early Years: Planting Seeds of Confidence

Encouraging participation in sports from a young age can be very impactful. Dads as role models show up, cheer, and make sports fun, helping daughters build self-esteem and resilience early on.

“Believe in yourself”-Marcus, father to 12 year old daughter. 

2. 🫂Navigating the Maturing Stages: Understanding Her Changing Needs

As girls grow, changes in their bodies can impact confidence, especially in sports. Fathers who approach these changes with empathy help normalize the experience of growing. Recognizing the physical and emotional changes during puberty requires open conversations about body changes, growth spurts, and the need for new gear (ahem…a sports bra). A judgement-free zone is key during this time.

“I wanted to make sure she felt okay with the changes”-Mathias, father to daughter in her thirties, coach of 3D Elite Track Club. 

3. The Right Support—Literally and Figuratively

Support means making sure she has what she needs—like a sports bra that actually fits and supports her. This isn’t just about comfort; it’s about performance and health. The importance of proper athletic gear for comfort, health, and confidence cannot be overstated. Helping daughters shop and choose the right sports bra (did someone say Bounceless Control™ Sports Bra?) and supporting her in advocating for her needs with coaches and peers are vital.

“My baby is not wearing that tight stuff [uniform]”.-Mathias

“I hated it [uniform]. My mother told me to relax. I still think of you as 8 or 9 years old”.-Richard, father of 40 year old, Chantelle, owner of Bounceless.

4.❤️ Emotional Support: Beyond the Game

Sometimes, the best support is simply listening. Encourage your daughter to talk about

her experiences, wins, and struggles. Dads should listen to her concerns about fitting in, body image, or performance, celebrating effort, not just results. Encouraging self-care, rest, and balance is also essential.


“It’s important to be aware of the changes”.-Mathias

“Preparation is key, especially mentally”.-Marcus

5. 🤝Creating Lasting Memories Together

Attending games, practices, or training sessions creates lasting memories. Shared rituals, such as pre-game pep talks, post-game treats, or even shopping for gear together (yes, even sports bras) can strengthen the bond.

“I loved your drive and wanted to workout with you. That’s why we went to Rice [University] to run the stadiums”.-Richard

6. Practical Ways Dads Can Support

  • Help find and purchase quality sports gear (like the Bounceless Control™ Sports Bra).

  • Encourage healthy routines: sleep, nutrition, and rest days.

  • Celebrate milestones—big and small.

  • Be open to conversations about body changes and needs.

  • Stay informed about her sports and gear needs.

  • Foster open communication about her changing body and evolving needs.

“[as a track coach], I noticed a change in her mechanics [how she ran]. We had to figure some things out and deal with the changes. We had to focus on the mechanics”-Mathias

This Father’s Day, let’s recognize the dads who are more than just fans—they’re partners in their daughters’ journeys, helping them feel strong, confident, and unstoppable. Celebrate the unique father-daughter bond and its lifelong impact by encouraging dads to be proactive, empathetic, and involved at every stage.

Encouragement from fathers to their daughters:

“Believe in yourself. Value yourself. Love yourself. Keep trying even when it gets hard. Don’t give up.”-Marcus

“Live out 3D: Determination, Dedication, and Desire”.-Mathias

“You’re a fantastic mother. Keep being who you are.”-Richard

Share your father-daughter moment by commenting below. We’d love to celebrate those precious memories with you. 

 

Harnessing the Power of Your Cycle: Tailoring Workouts to Your Menstrual Phases.

Harnessing the Power of Your Cycle: Tailoring Workouts to Your Menstrual Phases.

Not feeling like working out, especially during that time of the month? You are not alone. It’s completely natural for your motivation and physical energy to fluctuate due to the hormonal changes that occur throughout your menstrual cycle. Understanding these changes and syncing your workouts accordingly can make a remarkable difference in how you feel and perform during exercise.

In this blog post, we’ll break down what is happening within your body with hormones, provide an overview of the menstrual cycle, and suggest workouts for each phase of the cycle. 

The Hormonal Roller Coaster 

roller coaster

Two key hormones, estrogen and progesterone, play pivotal roles in your menstrual cycle. Estrogen tends to rise during the follicular phase, contributing to positive moods and increased energy levels. As you approach ovulation, estrogen peaks, ushering in a phase where you might feel more invigorated and ready to take on higher intensity workouts. 

On the other side, during the luteal phase, progesterone dominates, potentially leading to a decrease in energy levels if conception doesn’t occur. This phase might bring about premenstrual symptoms (PMS), leaving you feeling fatigued and not your typical self. Finally, menstruation arrives, often accompanied by a dip in energy. 

Syncing Workouts to Your Cycle

calendar

Understanding these hormonal shifts can help tailor your workouts for maximum efficiency and comfort. 

  • Follicular Phase: You are feeling good. As estrogen levels rise, embrace workouts like dance classes (Zumba, hip-hop), HIIT (high intensity interval training), or Crossfit. Your increased energy levels can be utilized for high-intensity exercises during this phase. 

  • Ovulation: With energy at its peak, this phase is ideal for pushing boundaries. Take advantage of this by engaging in more challenging workouts or pushing for personal bests. 

  • Luteal Phase: As progesterone takes the lead and energy levels potentially dip, opt for more calming exercise like yoga or Pilates. These activities can help alleviate stress and maintain movement without exhausting yourself.

  • Menstruation: You don’t want to be bothered. During this phase, give yourself permission to rest and engage in low-impact activities such as light stretching, walking, or gentle cycling or elliptical workouts. These activities keep you moving without putting excessive strain on your body. 

  • Empowering Yourself Through Cycle Syncing

    By understanding and tracking your cycle, you can harness its power to your advantage. Utilize apps or traditional methods like calendar tracking to stay in tune with your body’s changes. 

    Syncing your workouts with your menstrual cycle not only helps optimize performance, but also empowers you to feel more in control of your life. It enables you to adapt to your body’s natural rhythms and respect its needs, leading to a more balanced approach to fitness. 

    Using Your Cycle As A Reset 

    reset

    Now, this topic is not talked about along with other topics. Once you understand the power you have with cycle syncing, you will understand your body a bit more and can make adjustments as needed to your lifestyle and workouts. 

    One such adjustment is being able to reset during your menstruation. Some women notice a change in their bowel movements, which can lead to an increase in elimination. If you are such a woman, use this to your advantage. Especially after all of that bloating. This is a time when belly fat can decrease and focusing on the core is a bit more attainable. 

    This reset can happen every month, so give yourself grace when you are stress eating, PMS eating, or just living. 

    Recap

    Workouts can (and probably should) be tailored to your menstrual cycle. It’s essential to recognize that your body’s capabilities and motivation levels vary throughout the menstrual cycle. Tailoring workouts to sync with these fluctuations can significantly impact your exercise experience. By adjusting your routines accordingly and staying consistent, you allow your body to move while respecting its changing needs. Remember, a workout you weren’t initially excited about might leave you feeling better and more energetic afterward. 




    Finding Your Sports Bra Based on Breast Shape

    sports bras and breast shape

    Finding the right sports bra can be tricky, especially if you don’t know which type of support best fits your breast shape. Every body is unique, and knowing how your breast shape affects fit and support can make a world of difference in your workouts. Let’s explore common breast shapes and how they relate to the type of sports bra that will give you the best support and comfort. Shout out to Sophie Weiss for providing such valuable content on breast shape. You can find more information at Honeylove.com

    Image credit: https://www.honeylove.com/blogs/bra-talk/how-to-identify-your-breast-shape

    Asymmetric

    It’s common for many women to have one breast slightly larger than the other, a shape known as asymmetric. The key here is to look for sports bras with adjustable straps or removable padding. This allows you to balance out the support on each side, ensuring both breasts are secure and comfortable.

    Athletic

    Athletic breasts tend to be muscular with less breast tissue, often perky and firm. Women with this shape do well with compression sports bras, which press the breasts against the chest to minimize movement. These bras tend to be less structured and are perfect for high-intensity activities like running, HIIT, or cycling.

    Bell

    For bell-shaped breasts, the top is narrower, and the bottom is fuller. This shape is more common in larger busts and benefits most from combo encapsulation and compression bras. The encapsulation aspect will lift and separate, while the compression helps control bounce, providing the support needed for bigger breasts during activity.

    Round

    If you have round breasts, the volume is balanced both at the top and bottom. This shape is one of the most versatile in terms of sports bra styles, and you’re likely to find that many options work well for you. Perky and full, round breasts benefit from combo encapsulation and compression styles, which both separate and support the breasts while controlling bounce during high-impact activities.

    Close-set

    Close-set breasts sit closely together, making bras with a lot of center fabric uncomfortable. In this case, bras that offer encapsulation are ideal, especially if you have larger breasts. Look for styles with a deeper plunge or wider center panels to ensure separation and minimize chafing or discomfort.

    Conical

    Conical breasts have more breast tissue near the base and tend to point outward. This shape is typically associated with smaller breast sizes. Women with conical breasts can comfortably wear compression bras for most activities, as the tissue requires less encapsulation and structure.

    East-West

    East-west breasts sit wide on the chest, with nipples facing outward. The best sports bras for this shape are those that bring the breasts inward, offering side support to keep the breasts centered. A bra with built-in or structured cups works well to maintain a balanced fit.

    Relaxed

    Relaxed breasts have softer tissue and can sometimes have downward-facing nipples. This shape is common in larger busts or with age. For relaxed breasts, compression bras provide essential lift and control, while full-coverage options ensure support during movement.

    Side-set

    Side-set breasts are positioned further apart with forward-facing nipples. A sports bra with side support is essential to bring the breasts inward and prevent unnecessary shifting during movement. Look for bras with wide side panels or supportive side seams to help keep everything in place.

    Teardrop

    Teardrop-shaped breasts are narrow at the top with more volume at the bottom. This shape is particularly common in fuller busts. The best bras for this shape are those that provide lift and support, such as encapsulation styles that offer a structured fit to prevent discomfort and strain during high-impact activities.

    Slender

    Slender breasts are longer than they are wide, with volume distributed more vertically. Women with slender breasts often need a bit of a lift, making bras with a focus on support and upward positioning an ideal choice.

    Overlapping Shapes & Density

    It’s important to remember that breast shapes can overlap, and many women find that their breasts fit into more than one category. Additionally, breast density plays a significant role in how much support you need. Dense breasts are heavier and require stronger support, especially in high-impact sports, whereas less dense breasts can be managed with lighter styles.

    Understanding your breast shape is key to finding the best-fitting sports bra. Once you know what works for you, you'll feel more comfortable, supported, and ready to take on any workout with confidence. Whether your breasts are round, athletic, or teardrop-shaped, there’s a sports bra out there to match your needs!