Prep Work

[Ashley_C]

I just went on my first run. I hate running for the sake of running but I did it. I had to. I didn't feel like going to my normal Saturday (co-ed) football game but it was too perfect to stay indoors all day. So off I went on a 3+ mile run/walk.

I started thinking about why I was doing this and that led me to really start thinking about all the little things we have to do just to prep for transition.

I went running because I have a bit of a belly that could be lost easily if I just get more active. Running a few miles every other day should do that. I want to be tone by the end of the summer which is when I am planning on starting HRT. I used my transition as motivation and it worked. I went for an extra mile for good measure.

Many people think that all you need to do is take hormones, grow hair out, wear feminine clothing and make up and that's all. Obviously I know that to be false.

Of all the little things we do in prepping for transition, this is the first time I've done something that I previously hated doing. It'll be worth it though.

[JennX]

Great post. I agree completely.

I also despise running... I hated it years ago in gym class... and still loathe it to this day. I love biking, walking, swimming, and just about any other physical activity, except for running. Anywho... I'm somewhat of a fitness nut, and had a couple of stubborn pounds to knock off, and I've found running 5 miles, 3 times per week was the last piece of the puzzle for me. Now I do follow my runs with a 15 mile up-hill bike ride  ... but the running alone is great cardio all on its own.

And trust me... the results are soooooo worth it.   

[Ashley_C]

Great post. I agree completely.

I also despise running... I hated it years ago in gym class... and still loathe it to this day. I love biking, walking, swimming, and just about any other physical activity, except for running. Anywho... I'm somewhat of a fitness nut, and had a couple of stubborn pounds to knock off, and I've found running 5 miles, 3 times per week was the last piece of the puzzle for me. Now I do follow my runs with a 15 mile up-hill bike ride  ... but the running alone is great cardio all on its own.

And trust me... the results are soooooo worth it.   

The worst is how great I feel right now. I go all out when I play football and my whole body hurts so good but now I just feel good getting my blood pumping. It's feelings like this that are going to make me want to do it some more.

[Andarta]

Been doing the same for about a month now to knock off some belly fat caused by prednisone I was taking for my sciatica last year, I can only do slow bursts of running before my legs start locking up so mostly I just do some vigorous fast walking, been eating mostly rice, veggies an fruit too an washing it all down with nothing but water. The entire motivation came from knowing that I will be starting HRT soon too, other than a little pod in the belly i'm quite lean; not sure how true it is(correct me if i'm wrong) but doesn't HRT help burn off a little bit of the male fat pattern after some time? I've read cases where some women lost quite a bit of weight after a while on HRT yet on the flip side have read some gained more, guess genetics play a big part in it all? 

[Ashley_C]

Been doing the same for about a month now to knock off some belly fat caused by prednisone I was taking for my sciatica last year, I can only do slow bursts of running before my legs start locking up so mostly I just do some vigorous fast walking, been eating mostly rice, veggies an fruit too an washing it all down with nothing but water. The entire motivation came from knowing that I will be starting HRT soon too, other than a little pod in the belly i'm quite lean; not sure how true it is(correct me if i'm wrong) but doesn't HRT help burn off a little bit of the male fat pattern after some time? I've read cases where some women lost quite a bit of weight after a while on HRT yet on the flip side have read some gained more, guess genetics play a big part in it all? 

I've heard that the male fat is harder to burn away when on HRT and fat gained while on HRT would be deposited in more female areas like butt and hips. Fat redistribution will take time and a male belly can help get you clocked.

[Andarta]

I've heard that the male fat is harder to burn away when on HRT and fat gained while on HRT would be deposited in more female areas like butt and hips. Fat redistribution will take time and a male belly can help get you clocked.

Yikes! I need to work a little harder then, less than a month before I start hrt.

What are some good exercises other than running an walking to burn belly fat? Like I mentioned I have sciatica from a bulging l5/s1 disc in my lower back that I don't want to upset with crunches and sit ups, I wish I had a swimming hole nearby I know swimming is a good one to burn it off...

[Ashley_C]

Yikes! I need to work a little harder then, less than a month before I start hrt.

What are some good exercises other than running an walking to burn belly fat? Like I mentioned I have sciatica from a bulging l5/s1 disc in my lower back that I don't want to upset with crunches and sit ups, I wish I had a swimming hole nearby I know swimming is a good one to burn it off...

I had that a few years ago, no fun at all when I couldn't even step off a curb. Are you going to a physical therapist? When I did, they just did what they could to strengthen my core. You can ask them. I had to give up on the gym until I got the OK from them, by that point I lost my motivation and never able to get back into it. I wasn't doing a lot of lifting, mostly cardio and fat burning. I was in my best shape since HS. Oh, laments...

Running, swimming and diet are the best I think. I can't imagine being able to do crunches when I was unable to sit up properly in bed.

[Andarta]

I had that a few years ago, no fun at all when I couldn't even step off a curb. Are you going to a physical therapist? When I did, they just did what they could to strengthen my core. You can ask them. I had to give up on the gym until I got the OK from them, by that point I lost my motivation and never able to get back into it. I wasn't doing a lot of lifting, mostly cardio and fat burning. I was in my best shape since HS. Oh, laments...

Running, swimming and diet are the best I think. I can't imagine being able to do crunches when I was unable to sit up properly in bed.

I'm without transportation an living by myself at the moment so i'm doing light PT at home trying to recuperate, i'm about 85% now i'd say... for about 6-8 months last year I was nearly bed ridden unable to extend my left leg without excruciating pain an sitting up was impossible(had to roll out of bed lol), right now i'm just avoiding anything that rounds my back. How are you doing now have you gotten better? an do you have any tips that could help me avoid further injury?

[Ashley_C]

I'm without transportation an living by myself at the moment so i'm doing light PT at home trying to recuperate, i'm about 85% now i'd say... for about 6-8 months last year I was nearly bed ridden unable to extend my left leg without excruciating pain an sitting up was impossible(had to roll out of bed lol), right now i'm just avoiding anything that rounds my back. How are you doing now have you gotten better? an do you have any tips that could help me avoid further injury?

Yeah, I'm 100% better. It took about 5 months of steroids, PT and one doctor who thought I was just looking for pain medicine and told me I should take 9 ibuprofen a day. I should have reported him for negligence when I went back a week later and got a proper diagnosis.

I invested in new gym shoes. Asics Gels were recommended to me by my doctor and the 2 PTs I was meeting with. We did a lot of work with core strengthening and used those workout balls. I went from barely being able to walk to gradually being able to run again and then was able to start playing sports again.

Now, I just have to pay attention when I exert myself. I take 2 ibuprofen after I play sports to make sure there is no swelling around the nerve.

[Andarta]

Yeah, I'm 100% better. It took about 5 months of steroids, PT and one doctor who thought I was just looking for pain medicine and told me I should take 9 ibuprofen a day. I should have reported him for negligence when I went back a week later and got a proper diagnosis.

I invested in new gym shoes. Asics Gels were recommended to me by my doctor and the 2 PTs I was meeting with. We did a lot of work with core strengthening and used those workout balls. I went from barely being able to walk to gradually being able to run again and then was able to start playing sports again.

Now, I just have to pay attention when I exert myself. I take 2 ibuprofen after I play sports to make sure there is no swelling around the nerve.

I was told to take about the same amount of ibuprofens an within 2 months had a developing ulcer so I quit all the pain meds an went all natural, hurt like hell but I persevered; the worst were the percocet withdrawal symptoms never again will I accept a prescription for any type of narcotic. The the doc wanted me to take muscle relaxants an they just made the situation worse, I mean you would think that's the worst thing to recommend as a doctor considering the entire purpose is to build up your core muscles to support the injured area lol 

[A]

Ashley, I'd tend to think that unless one is really a fan of it, or has a really nice nature spot they absolutely love and don't get tired of... Running tends to be boring. And just like many people with workout centres, people would eventually grow tired of it and stop altogether.

The point to my post is that I'd suggest that instead of going running (since you even mentionned that you don't like it), you find an activity or sport that you like and will be able to practice with little to no will effort. If you don't like being around other people too much as male like me, perhaps you could try buying Dance Dance Revolution, which is what I do when I have the time/energy/motivation to exercise. It's fun, and I think with the newer versions, you can add songs, so you can't even get bored with all the same things. There are other home video games that can be a nice combination of fun and exercise, too, with the Wii, Playstation Move and Xbox 360 Kinect.

[Ashley_C]

I was told to take about the same amount of ibuprofens an within 2 months had a developing ulcer so I quit all the pain meds an went all natural, hurt like hell but I persevered; the worst were the percocet withdrawal symptoms never again will I accept a prescription for any type of narcotic. The the doc wanted me to take muscle relaxants an they just made the situation worse, I mean you would think that's the worst thing to recommend as a doctor considering the entire purpose is to build up your core muscles to support the injured area lol

I stopped taking the ibuprofen after a day. I didn't get or seek any pain meds for my back, just a week of steroids which really helped get the swelling down before I started PT.

[Ashley_C]

Ashley, I'd tend to think that unless one is really a fan of it, or has a really nice nature spot they absolutely love and don't get tired of... Running tends to be boring. And just like many people with workout centres, people would eventually grow tired of it and stop altogether.

The point to my post is that I'd suggest that instead of going running (since you even mentionned that you don't like it), you find an activity or sport that you like and will be able to practice with little to no will effort. If you don't like being around other people too much as male like me, perhaps you could try buying Dance Dance Revolution, which is what I do when I have the time/energy/motivation to exercise. It's fun, and I think with the newer versions, you can add songs, so you can't even get bored with all the same things. There are other home video games that can be a nice combination of fun and exercise, too, with the Wii, Playstation Move and Xbox 360 Kinect.

Running is boring but I like the results. I play other sports. Like I said I play football. I also am in a dodgeball league.

[A]

Uhm, in theory, if running gives results, other endurance-based sports would do just the same..?

[Ashley_C]

Uhm, in theory, if running gives results, other endurance-based sports would do just the same..?

Of course they do but they can be different. Running is a constant motion of activity. Machines at the gym mimic this.

Playing a sport is a lot of stop and go. Especially with football which is a few seconds of go and a minute of standing around.

Running is easier because I just need to cross the street and run around the block which is almost exactly 1/2 mile around. Plus I don't have to drive to get there which I would to play other sports or endurance activities, which in LA is a big deal.

[justmeinoz]

If you like football and want to run you could try the Australian version Ashley.  Some of the professionals in the AFL typically run a half-marathon every game, and even at amateur level it demands a lot more endurance than any of the other codes.
You can still have a chance to inflict pain on men too, as there is hard tackling and, due to the amount of running involved, there is no padding in the uniform. 
Just a thought, as there are plenty of expats in LA.

Karen.

[luna nyan]

I like this thread!  I've picked up running again recently as my exercise bike is broken, and I still have to look into buying a decent road bicycle.  I don't really enjoy jogging much, but realised that I need to do some sort of weight bearing exercise to give my joints a workout (ankle muscles were weak and I wasn't too stable standing on one leg!)

As far as what's happened to date - started low dose E around the same time I started running, the belly flab is going, but the stuff around the hips/buns is sort of staying around - I think my body is a bit confused atm as to where the fat is supposed to go! *lol*  I have an appointment with the endo soon, and we might be looking at low does T blocker - that may help sort that out.

Andarta:
Ibuprofen - maximum recommended dose is 3200 mg divided over 4 doses per 24hours - this would be under medical supervision in Australia, and with the prescription 400mg tablets.  If it was 9 200 mg tablets on medium term, given the fact that it is an acidic drug, it's no surprise that you got ulcers.  I think your doc probably wanted you on muscle relaxants to get the back muscles which were in spasm to relax so you could actually move them properly and then have PT to strengthen your core but I guess he may not have explained it very well. >.<

Ashley:
Male fat loss - I would agree that weight loss would become more difficult once you've been on HRT for a while as muscle mass is lost.  If you've lost muscle mass, and you're still taking the same number of calories in a day, then it's more likely that you'll gain weight.  

I've got a pair of Asics Kayanos - they are the most comfy runners I've ever had! <3 them.

[Ashley_C]

Andarta:
Ibuprofen - maximum recommended dose is 3200 mg divided over 4 doses per 24hours - this would be under medical supervision in Australia, and with the prescription 400mg tablets.  If it was 9 200 mg tablets on medium term, given the fact that it is an acidic drug, it's no surprise that you got ulcers.  I think your doc probably wanted you on muscle relaxants to get the back muscles which were in spasm to relax so you could actually move them properly and then have PT to strengthen your core but I guess he may not have explained it very well. >.<

The problem is that the ibuprofen was OTC. He just blew me off saying take this. He didn't really give me an exam even though it was the purpose of the appointment. When I went back the following week for my scheduled yearly physical, that doctor properly diagnosed me because he (drum roll please) examined my leg and back.

Anyways, I already started losing weight from exercise this past weekend. I weigh myself every morning Mon-Fri. and I hit a new low this morning since my injury. Obviously too early for the belly to disappear but it's a good start. Physical action, even slight, is enough to kick start my metabolism which can be very quick when I'm actually in shape. So yay!!!

[A]

Oh, you meant American football. I thought you meant soccer. Yeah, I'd agree that if you want to lose weight, that sport isn't the best idea.

[Gadgett]

Hello all,

I was just reading this thread and I've bee loving what I'm reading. I've been facing the problem of stubbornness from my belly. I'm almost able to fit back into 36 *Which means I can button them, but not without assistance.* I run pretty much about 2 days of the week as my schedual seems to be a uncertain but with this new job I can finally start planning out my day. Also I've been eating relatively small amount But I can't seem to go any smaller than 36. (

I like the rice, veg, fruits, and water idea. I might have to take such drastic measures cause I REALLY want to drop below 200 before I start in a few months. I just love pasta and meats too much I guess.

My only worry is my body will switch back into starvation mode and I'll just lose muscle and none of the fat.

Glad to hear things are going better for you guys. and to answer your question about other exercises you can try you can try something called drills. were you find a easy core exercise to do and set a time for yourself like 2 minutes and then rest for 30 then 1 minute then rest 30 sec and finally 45 sec for one set. I like the plank myself where you lay down on your stomach and suspend yourself on your elbows and toes. But with your back you might want to check into some other "core" relate exercises. GL.