When it comes to workout clothes, there's one place where most of us can't afford to skimp: sports bras. A good sports bra that supports and feels comfortable can make all the difference during a workout. When your underwire is stabbing you, you can't breathe your bra is too constricting--or, worse yet, you can't move too fast due to a lack of support, how can you possibly be expected to reach your potential and push yourself to reach your goals?

That's why we were so excited when ActivewearUSA.com asked us to review sports bras.

(Find The Best Sports Bras for Every Size: Nearly 80% of women exercise in the wrong size sports bra. Are you one of them ? Our in-depth guide can help you determine your needs before you buy!)

We asked testers on both ends of the spectrum to try out two brands: Handful Bra and Shock Absorber.

Here's what we tried, and what we thought. And be sure to keep reading for your chance to win one of two $50 gift cards to buy your own sports bra (or any other workout gear) from ActivewearUSA.com.
 

Shock Absorber Running Bra
The Shock Absorber Running Bra was developed to provide total support and friction-free comfort during running, so you can focus on your performance.


Features:
- Support level: High
- Reduces up to 78% of bounce
- Soft, seamless inner reduces repetitive friction injury
- Wide, padded, non slip straps with advanced technology
- Reflective tape accross cups for high visibility when running outdoors
- Fully back opening for easy on & off
- Soft, non rub hook & eye
- Moisture-wicking, breathable, high performance fabrics
 

Shock Absorber Max Sports Bra Top

They say: This is our best selling sports bra. Crop top design with internal cup-sized support. Shaped, padded and adjustable straps.
 
Features:
- Support level: High
- Popular crop top design
- Internal cup sized support
- Adjustable straps
- Shaped and padded straps for comfort
- Soft wide underband for comfort
- High performance fabrics
- Moisture-wicking to keep you dry
- Breathable to keep you cool

We say: We had a nursing mom (size F) and a walker/cyclist (38C) try these bras. They liked the level of support, and the compression factors. Their breasts stayed in place and there was no discomfort during their workouts. Their only complaint? The bras aren't thick enough to fully hide nipples.

Still, these bras are great for women with larger chests, they said.


Handful Bra
They say: It's not just another ordinary sports bra, but the first and only Handful Bra made to fit your style in and out of the gym.

The Handful bra, "designed to flatter, not flatten" is versatile enough for both gym and casual wear. The Handful is specifically designed to be just as fashionable as it is functional. From workout to weekend, the Handful is a multipurpose bra that works around the clock, no matter the activity or occasion.

We say: I've worn this bra to run, practice yoga and for everyday use. It's supportive enough to keep my barely B chest comfortable during runs--and they're right when they say it doesn't flatten. The bra is comfortable enough to wear every day. (I avoid regular bras whenever I can!)

I would definitely recommend this bra to women who want something cute and not flattening. (You could wear it on its own without feeling too exposed.) It does contain padded inserts that help shape you and prevent any unwanted exposure.

Want to try these products for yourself (or anything else you like that ActivewearUSA.com sells)? Each time we review products sold on ActivewearUSA.com, we'll be giving away two $50 gift cards to two lucky readers! To enter, click here! Be sure to read the rules. This contest will end exactly one week from today!
 

Editor's Note: SparkPeople and ActivewearUSA.com are partners. ActivewearUSA and the various companies provided bloggers with products to test.