What is the best exercise for firming up breasts

asks djtaz:
A. Breasts are composed of fatty tissue, not muscle. Their only natural supports are Cooper's ligaments - finger-like ligaments that project horizontally from the breast wall. If stretched during exercise or dancing without a bra, for example, these ligaments are pulled and stretched and lose their elasticity.

Q. So I should always wear a bra
A. Absolutely. A well-fitting, supportive bra is a vital fashion accessory for any female - even if she's only an A-cup. You need to go to a specialist lingerie shop or department where you can be properly measured. According to one leading bra manufacturer, nine out of ten women wear badly-fitting bras.

If you exercise, you need a good sports bra - a recent study showed only 23% of women bother to wear a sports bra when exercising, although experts stress it is vital to wear decent support during any form of exercise. If you have small breasts, choose a compression bra; those with a C-cup or over need an 'encapsulation' bra that supports each breast separately.

Q. Supposing I have a good sports bra, which exercises should I follow
A. You can do exercises that firm up the pectoral (chest) muscles, which helps the whole area to become firmer:

• swimming - especially the crawl, backstroke and breaststroke
• lifting weights
• push-ups.
• Try this pectoral exercise:
  Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Hold a tin of soup in each hand. With your arms by your side, raise your forearms into the air, until they are vertical, but keep your elbows on the floor. From this position push the 'weights' up until your arms are over your shoulders, with your palms facing away from you. Don't lock your elbows or lift your shoulder blades off the floor. Pull in your stomach muscles and tilt your chin toward your chest.
  Hold, then lower the 'weights' until your elbows are back on the floor.
  Do this ten times every day.

Q. Are bust creams any good
A. Although manufacturers of special bust creams quote scientific evidence that they help to lift and firm, many beauty experts believe that massaging in your usual face or body moisturiser would be just as effective. However, take care when massaging moisturiser into your cleavage as this can stretch the Cooper's ligaments, too.

Q. Anything else I can do to make them look better
A. You can help improve the tone of your skin by splashing your breasts with cold water for a few seconds each morning, and eating vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, kiwis, berries and peppers.

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By Sheena Miller