New research suggests one in five women blame their breasts for their lack of physical activity but there may be a few female athletes who would beg to differ.
A study from the UK’s University of Portsmouth found that 17 per cent of the 239 women surveyed said that their busts turned them off exercising and playing sport.
While the study’s author, Emma Burnett said her research was “crucial because it shows that breasts are an important factor to consider when investigating what deters women from exercising” boobs were actually ranked fourth after lack of energy, time and health problems for discouraging a workout.
The study also suggested some women were embarrassed by the excessive breast movement while hitting the gym but there were no links made between bra size and levels of physical activity.
While some women consider their boobs a burden here are some female athletes who haven’t let their cup sizes get in the way of a successful sporting career.
Golfer Natalie Gulbis, American volleyball player Gabrielle Reece and Aussie swimmer Stephanie Rice have all excelled in their respective sports in spite of their feminine curves.
Natalie Gulbis is a professional LPGA Golfer who has won millions in prize money during her golfing career.
Gabrielle Reece is an American professional volleyball player and sports announcer.
Serena Williams is currently ranked No. 1 in women’s singles tennis and is also the face of bra brand Berlei.
Olympian Stephanie Rice has won three gold medals while representing Australia in swimming.
American swimmer Amanda Beard is a seven-time Olympic medalist and former world record holder in the 200-meter breaststroke.
Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki is a former World No. 1 on the WTA Tour having held this position for 67 weeks.
Currently ranked No. 19 in the world Florida-born Sloane Stephens is one to watch in women’s tennis.
Professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbons spends most of her time on a board in a bikini but recently she’s proved she’s not too bad with a racquet either.
Before Princess Charlene of Monaco married into the European royal family she was an Olympic swimmer for her native South Africa.
Belarusian tennis player Victoria Azarenka is currently world No. 8 in women’s tennis and is pitted as a chance to take out this year’s Wimbledon Open.
While some female athletes aren’t bothered by their breasts tennis ace Simona Halep actually underwent reduction surgery. “I don’t like them (her breasts) in my everyday life, either. I would have gone for surgery even if I hadn’t been a sportswoman,” said the Romanian at the time of her operation.
