New Balance Backs High-Intensity Exercise with Full Support RC Bra & 4-Way Stretch Sleek Leggings
If you’re a runner, you’ve no doubt dedicated time to research the best running shoes to suit you. It makes sense; running shoes can make or break your running experience and for most people the cost of running shoes is a sizeable investment. But, have you ever put that level of thought and consideration into the spots bra you wear?
After your running shoes, a sports bra is probably the most technical (and critical) piece of running gear you can invest in. If you’ve ever worn an ill-fitting, poorly constructed sports bra during a run or workout then you’ll appreciate just how important a good sports bra is to performance. For such an important piece of exercise gear, the sports bra doesn’t get nearly enough emphasis placed on research and development and as a result we’re left with promises of ‘high impact’ garments that, more often than not, just don’t cut it.
Fortunately New Balance is here to change that with a new sports bra that is almost too good to be true. Say hello to the NB RC Bra, a full support sports bra engineered for performance during high-intensity exercise. But New Balance didn’t stop there (because the best things come in pairs), to go along with this new high-tech bra you can also pick up a matching pair of high-tech NB Sleek Leggings, designed to keep up with you… And your fancy new bra.
Both garments have been designed to help you tackle sweaty workouts, like running and high-intensity training, without skipping a beat. I put this duo to the test on a few runs as well as in a few F45 hybrid training and cardio classes to see if the garments could keep up.
NB RC Bra
The RC Bra (R1,499) pairs best-in-class materials to offer full support during high-intensity activities. But, this bra isn’t just a new go-to for high intensity activity; it’s a new standard in comfort, fit, and support for sports bras in general.
We’ve all tried so-called high-impact bras and been disappointed in their performance. That’s not to say there are no good high-impact bras on the market currently, there are plenty of great options but more often than not sports bras fall short on fit and function. For this innovative bra, New Balance went further than high-impact to offer a full support sports bra that truly delivers.
According to New Balance, the bra has been specifically engineered to meet the demands of high-bounce activities such as runs and sprints of all distances. Built-in padding inside the cups provides encapsulation for full support while you’re breaking a sweat. The bra has a fitted silhouette that is form-fitting and designed to feel snug against the body without being too tight. Even better, you can find the exact right size for you as the size range for the RC bra has been engineered to support A-G cup sizes.
I put the bra to the test in a few F45 in a classes and was shocked at how much support the bra provided even while executing box jumps, skipping, and even burpees. The RC Bra did not budge and kept me feeling comfortable and supported throughout the workout. Running is also a far more comfortable experience wearing this bra, it hugs you just the right amount to ensure nothing is moving around without permission. This is a seriously structured bra that looks like a crop top, which means you can quite comfortably wear it on its own with leggings or shorts on a hot summer day.
In addition to the incredible support, the bra is constructed using NB Dry, New Balance’s premium fast-drying technology that works to wick away moisture from your body. Plus, channeled cup construction helps move moisture away from the body helping to ensure there is no overheating as well as no chaffing or rubbing of any kind.
The fit of this bra is just exceptional. It’s got an adjustable bottom band with hook-and-eye closure at the back for a customised fit every time, plus, the adjustable padded shoulder straps are convertible and can be worn criss-crossed or straight, giving you even more options for support. I did find the criss-crossed strap set up gave the most support so if you have larger breast, then I’d recommend that strap configuration. Finally, the wide bottom band provides even more support without feeling too restrictive, and bonded, clean finished seams help to further prevent chafing.
The bra is made from NB Sleek material, a 4-way stretch fabric designed to fit your shape during high-intensity workouts and runs. It’s 71% recycled polyester and 29% Lycra, which explains how this garment is able to sit tight while still moving with your body during your session. It keeps everything in place without the usual compression squash. It doesn’t slip, rub, or slide no matter what you throw at it!
New Balance Sleek Leggings
For the perfect set, pair the RC Bra with a pair of matching NB Sleek Leggings (R1,299). Designed to support a distraction-free high-intensity workout session, these leggings are supremely comfortable. The high-rise waist band fits just right, so it doesn’t squeeze your stomach and there’s an internal infinity drawcord to ensure they don’t slip down while you’re running or jumping. Side drop-in pockets provide enough storage for your phone, car key, or fuel while you’re running and hints of reflectivity added to the bottom hem keep you safe in early morning or evening runs.
The leggings also feature NB Dry fast-drying technology to wick away moisture from your body, so you always feel at ease working out in them. The 4-way stretch NB Sleek material used to construct these leggings ensures that they gently hug your shape, for freedom of movement during high-intensity workouts and runs.
The fit of these leggings is on point. They feel super soft against your skin and they have a form-fitting silhouette without feeling too tight. There’s no too-tight feeling in these where your stomach eventually starts to ache from the band wrapping too tightly around your tummy. They fit just right and they don’t twist, bunch up, or move around, saving you from having to tug at them during a workout. These performed so well in my F45 classes and running in them is an absolute dream. The little reflective strips on the bottom hem is a simple, yet genius little touch that I adore.
If you’re looking for new gym gear to motivate you to get moving then this high performance duo is well worth the investment. Both garments are so versatile and can fit any workout scenario you throw at them.
