Goodbye, 'Jogbra'...

May 2015: First up, though I still try to put up blog content whenever I can, it has been easier to more regularly visit the the Twitterverse. Follow me at @barethomas10 and let's keep the shirtless running flag flying. Of course, the blog still attracts very interesting comments, and good discussion. Keep it up.

Second, in the years since this venture launched, and as shirtless running among women has gone increasingly mainstream, the term "jogbra" has clearly declined in use. I will thus prefer "sportsbra" henceforth - as has already been the case on Twitter, and in recent posts here.

I continue to welcome guest posts (sent to barethomas@gmail.com) on any related topic, including from those who would discourage stripping to the waist. I am myself of course a fervent convert to the joys of running bare. But let all voices be heard!

Monday, August 15, 2011

(Guest Post) Running Shirtless And Showing What You Can Achieve


 (A guest post by Jennifer Bell)

Serious runners are running shirtless.

Have you noticed? The latest trend in running apparel is to not wear anything, and it’s one that’s catching on with serious runners everywhere.

What’s this trend all about? It’s all about being conscious of our bodies as we push ourselves to work harder and get stronger. Body consciousness obviously plays a role in physical exercise, and by running shirtless, we are exposing ourselves to the world--and to ourselves--in a greater way. It’s this willingness to “put ourselves out there” that can push us to higher levels of fitness.

Running isn’t easy. It takes time and commitment and a willingness to cross new thresholds of pain, fatigue and our own limitations as athletes. Serious athletes know, however, that pushing past our limits is what it’s all about. How can running without a shirt motivate us to work harder out on the track? For runners, it’s a question of being comfortable with taking your shirt off and having your upper body exposed as you pursue your athletic goals. Issues of confidence and self-esteem all come into play for the runner who challenges himself to run better, faster and stronger.

The cardiovascular benefits of running are well known. Running helps you burn more calories and ups your metabolism, so your body can run more efficiently. It works out the whole cardiovascular system as well as getting your legs and abs in shape. Running also increases the runner’s sense of well-being and can improve sleep.

Practically speaking, running hard - to the level of achieving a “runner’s high” - also increases perspiration, which is another reason why running shirtless is so freeing. It’s a great feeling to be cooled naturally by your sweat during a run, without having a shirt sticking to your back. The payoff in endurance this extra bit of motivation can bring is considerable.

If you’re a runner who’s just beginning a program, you may feel self-conscious about your appearance as you take on your fitness regime. For men in this situation, however, the challenge of running shirtless can stimulate the motivation to reduce belly fat and get lean. These are additional payoffs for running seriously, and the results will be obvious in a short time if you truly commit to your program. Getting in shape, looking good and running faster are all major confidence builders, to be sure. With commitment, running shirtless can give you real motivation and push you to take yourself to a higher level of athletic achievement; showing off not just “what you’ve got” but all you are able to achieve.

That’s not a small thing—not small at all.

-- This article was contributed by Jennifer Bell from Health Training Guide (http://www.healthtrainingguide.com)