Chi Discussion Forum

Am new to running (chi or otherwise). Have started reading the Chi Running book and practicing the forms as I run. I understand that a major part of chi running is finding your natural balance and wonder if there is any info or advice on this issue that’s specific to women.

Am starting out on a walk/run programme and find that I feel quite unbalanced in the ‘forward lean’ position because I am slim, but quite top-heavy at 32E (nature’s decision, not mine BTW). Leaning forward as the photos suggest seems to put more strain on my stomach muscles and back than I feel in a more upright position.

Another related issue is freedom of breathing. I have found that wearing 2 good compression type sports bras at the same time completely eliminates any bounce and makes running much more comfortable but this also has the effect of restricting my breathing.

Maybe this is an often visited topic but, as a newbie, I would really appreciate some women-focused info.
The Chi Running book, sadly, does not directly address this issue at all so I’ll be grateful if anyone can give any tips or point me in the right direction for more advice on Chi running for women with boobs. 

Many thanks

Laurel, I feel your pain. Literally, in my back. lol The first step is to stop using two sports bras and get just one really good one. The best by far that I’ve found is the Juno from Moving Comfort. I wear a 38DD and I don’t feel any stress from my chest. Nor am I compressed, so my breathing is fine. Though you should be breathing from your gut, not your chest - that will also help.

When you go to the moving comfort site, talk to someone. They have a live chat option. They’ll help you figure out the right size. When you get one, the trick to getting it on is to put it all together as if it were a normal pullover sports bra. I shorten the straps, but leave the back clasp more loose. That works for me. Then pull it over and finagle myself into it. lol After, then you undo the straps and clasp and reverse the dance to get it off. It’s not bad once you figure it out, and they really are amazing sports bras.

Another trick I’ve learned is to focus on lengthening my spine when running. I’m still not sure how much to lean (but I’m seeing a coach next month). When I feel my back start to hurt I remember to lengthen and take the pressure off the back and hips, stretching it out through the spine and muscles.

I hope this helps (eve though this is from June).

Jackie (and Laurel) -

Wise words indeed. I’m the opposite - small in the top - but I whole heartedly agree that Moving Comfort is probably your best bet. Title Nine also has the best catalog of bras I’ve ever seen (it could be a book) and they are rated by the number of dumb bells - more means more support. There are different brands in and amongst those, so if MC doesn’t work, there are others.

I’ve had several clients who are large breasted and oddly, the only issue that has come up for them is checking their shoe laces in the final step of the posture set up. In that case, I tell them to use a mirror. Or, something I just learned, see where your upper arms fall. If you are aligned correctly, they should fall in line right along your ribs, under your armpits. Lean your upper body back and they fall behind that line, and too far forward, they fall ahead.

Keep working on lengthening your spine, as Jackie says, and that should help. And keep us posted -apologies for not seeing this until now! I was offline part of June, but should have picked it up! In any case, let us know how it goes!

Laura Houston
Certified Chi Running and Chi Walking Instructor
Seattle WA