A well-fitting and supportive bra is essential if you have a larger bust, and never more so than when you're exercising.

A recent survey by Shock Absorber found that two thirds (65%) of women frequently experience breast bounce while exercising, with 35% admitting they're embarrassed because of it, and 22% stating it inhibits their enjoyment of working out.

Certainly, jiggling all over the place not only feels humiliating, it's downright painful, plus excess strain and movement contributes to sagging and does your posture no favours - it's no wonder lots of larger busted ladies admit it puts them off exercise all together.

However, big breasts don't have to be a barrier for an enjoyable and effective work-out. Investing in a decent sports bra is a purchase you'll never regret - and it is worth spending a bit more; in my experience, cheap sports bras very rarely offer enough support and comfort if you're above a C cup.

Here's our pick of seven of the best.

:: Shock Absorber Ultimate RUN Bra, £38 (www.shockabsorber.co.uk)

Sizes: Up to 38F

Shock Absorber is the UK's bestselling sports bra range. The award-winning Ultimate RUN is designed specifically for high intensity sports including, but not exclusively, running, with the 'Infinity-8' support system promising to combat figure-of-eight movement during exercise (in other words - stops your breasts bouncing around in circular motions!). The moisture-wicking fabric is incredibly soft, which at first makes you wonder just how supportive it's going to be, but once on there's hardly any bounce at all. With padded straps and no inside seams, it's very comfortable, and the double fastening system at the back makes for supreme support, while the high fastener also pulls the shoulders back, so my posture felt better when I wore it too.

Rating: 5 out of 5

:: Freya Active Indigo Moulded Crop Top Sports Bra, £40 (www.freyalingerie.com)

Sizes: Up to 36F

Freya's lingerie range is great for larger busted ladies who want supportive but also pretty bras. One of the newest additions to their Active range, this sports bra ticks all the brand's boxes in terms of looking great. Though a 'crop top', it still has a fastener at the back as well as adjustable straps. I love the bold purple colour and am instantly impressed by how comfortable this bra feels, and the flattering shape. Of course, the real test comes when you get moving - and it doesn't disappoint. Researchers at the University of Portsmouth were involved in assessing the bra's credentials, studying strain, pain and movement across the whole of the breast during exercise; strain in the inner region of the bust was reduced to 3%, compared to 28% with everyday bras. Putting it through its paces with a very jumpy aerobics session, I felt well-supported, comfortable and confident the whole time. A firm favourite.

Rating: 5 out of 5

:: Panache Underwired Sports Bra, £34 (www.brasandhoney.com)

Sizes: Up to 40GG

Another market leader, this Panache offering promises to reduce bounce by up to 83%. It's under-wired and made with double fabric, with moulded seam-free inner cups. On first impressions, it doesn't look as though it's going to feel as flattering as some, but once on, it's great; I'm particularly impressed by the shape. The moulded cups give great uplift, and the base of the bra sits quite low on the chest which, along with the padded straps, makes it very comfortable and holds everything firmly in place. In the gym, it passes support and bounce tests with flying colours. There's the option of clipping the straps together to create a racer-back, but I find this a little fiddly and am quite happy with the support levels without it. The top of the bra doesn't sit entirely flat against my chest, so gaped a little when I was leaning over, but aside from that it's very impressive.

Rating: 4 out of 5

:: Anita Active Momentum - Sports Bra, £49 (www.anita.com)

Sizes: Up to 46H

On first appearances you may think the Anita Active Momentum is a case of style over substance. Yet while the metallic facade may impress fashionistas, this bra also shines with quality. It's incredibly supportive, in part because the straps are padded and also because there's a generous four clasps on the back to keep everything exactly where it should be, impressively minimising bounce even when running at pace. In addition, even though the fabric is relatively thin, it's made out of a breathable high-tech material so the seamless cups are great at keeping moisture at bay. However, the stretchy material under the cups, while very comfortable, gets a little damp after an arduous session.

Rating: 4 out of 5

:: Lynx Sports Bra, £45 (www.lessbounce.com)

Sizes: Unique sizing system, approx max equivalent 52K

With a unique measuring system, this sports bra may require a little effort pre-purchase, but it's certainly worth it. The Lynx Sports Bra prides itself on the fact it supports the bust from the sides, rather than the shoulder or rib cage. This means that even fuller busts won't feel the tell-tale tug on the shoulder when taking part in more intensive exercise like running. The material is soft, lightweight and the bra's easy to take on and off. The only slight downside is that the seams run through the middle of the cups and while this doesn't affect the comfort, the seams are quite noticeable through a tight T-shirt. But that tiny issue, when you consider there's no rubbing, bounce or moisture, is a very small price to pay.

Rating: 4 out of 5

:: Impact Free Original, Royce Lingerie, £30 (www.royce-lingerie.co.uk)

Sizes: Up to a 38K

Ok, this sports bra isn't the sexiest underwear you'll ever pop on, but on the basis you won't be wearing this on a date, you will be unbelievably impressed. When first trying the bra on, I'm rather sceptical: with material this thin, can it really reduce bounce? Well clearly it can! At the back, on top of the clasps there's a Velcro strap which restricts movement. Plus it features a higher neckline than other sports bras, which makes the chest feel secure. The biggest compliment that can be given to any sports bra is that you forget about it during high-impact exercise, and this is what the Royce Impact Free achieves, you simply get on with your exercise without any discomfort. Despite first impressions, this is a surprisingly good sports bra for larger busts.

Rating: 5 out of 5

:: Odlo Bra High Ultimate Fit, £45, www.odlo.com

Sizes: Up to 42E

The Odlo is clearly a high-impact bra that means business; you only have to look at the impressive design to see this. While many sports bras either come with fasteners or are pullover with stronger straps, this bra comes with both. This does require an extra few seconds to do up - and may put off those who are less flexible in their arms (i.e. if you fasten bras at the front then twist it round your body, this is impossible with this bra as the straps are already set in place - though Odlo does also have a front-fastening sports bra in its range too). If this isn't a problem for you, the Odlo offers great support under the bust and on your back. One note of caution though, try before you buy; the sizing is a little on the snug side, so don't be surprised if you need to go up a size.

Rating: 3 out of 5

TRIED AND TESTED

Abi Jackson unwinds body and mind with some luxury lavender elixir

WHAT IS IT?

Aromatherapy Associates specialises in artisan essential oil blends, creating products that are natural and luxurious. The De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil and De-Stress Muscle Gel contain lavender, ginger and black pepper which have warming qualities and boost circulation, and rosemary, also a circulation stimulant which promises to help sooth muscles and clear the mind too. The bath oil also contains softening coconut oil.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

I adore lavender; it's been used for centuries for its naturally relaxing qualities and these two products are gorgeously soothing - ideal for pre-bed bathtime. The added bonus is that they're also very effective for loosening and relaxing tense and sore muscles. Within minutes, the gel's warming effects take hold, but at the same time it feels luxurious, rather than being chemically like some muscle-relieving gels can be. While this probably isn't a remedy for acute muscle injuries, it's ideal for soothing shoulder tension or aching limbs after a work-out or long day gardening. They'd also make great gifts as they smell beautiful and the packaging's lovely.

:: De-Stress Muscle Bath & Shower Oil, £40 for 55ml, De-Stress Muscle Gel, £23 for 150ml, Aromatherapy Associates (www.aromatherapyassociates.com)