Medical Health Articles

As I have mentioned before, I’m not a fan of carrying anything with me on a run. However, there are certain things I need — house key, iPod, maybe my phone if I’m going a long distance, even money for really long runs that take me past a gas station. But seriously, there is no way I’m holding on to all that, and I’m pretty sure nobody wants to accept a dollar from my sweaty sock at mile five.

My friends at gracie’s gear were kind enough to send some samples of their Power Pouch sports bra and top, and I am sold. Number one, and most importantly, the bra provided excellent support — throughout a long, intense workout, there was no bouncing or chafing, and if felt phenomenal.

Secondly, the bra is cute — I have black with pink, but it comes in a bunch of other colors. And it’s not low-cut in the front, so it’s perfect for those of you who are self-conscious about showing cleavage while you work out. But these aren’t the things that set gracie’s gear apart from other sports bras.

Let’s talk about the Power Pouch. It’s a pouch in the front of the bra in which you can hold a key, phone, iPod, inhaler, sports gels … just about whatever you need, within reason. I tried holding various things in this wonder pouch, and guess what — I couldn’t feel it at all, and nothing shifted out of place. I’ll never have to try to tie my house key to my shoelace again!

Gracie’s Gear is more than just a line of products, though. They also believe in community outreach, and through the company’s “gracie gives” initiative, they support programs and foundations dedicated to improving health, enriching lives, and empowering women. Close to Gracie’s heart is cancer research, as several men in her life have battled the disease, but this year gracie’s gear has also supported 3 Peaks 3 Weeks, an all-female climbing event in Africa to raise money and awareness for the three key issues facing the country — environment, education, and health, as well as a Toronto Together for Autism event.

Additionally, Gracie has strength training tips available online and other training opportunities — she’s the National Fitness Director for Emwomen, and has training programs available for every fitness level.

How often do you find a product you love from a company you can feel great about supporting? The short bras run $33 to $36, and the long tanks run from $39 to $42, and you can purchase your own online at the gracie’s gear website.