Access at Fitness Clubs/Gyms

[kat69]

I was wondering what everyone's experience has been with access at fitness clubs or gyms while transitioning.  I know that some facilities have "family" areas and some  have "women's only" areas. 

Obviously it will depend how far along one is in their physical transition.  The more passable one is the easier it will be to use the proper facilities.  Personally I'm at a phase right now that without a wig and makeup I look rather masculine, yet at the same time I've had some initial breast development. 

Personally I don't want to use any of the male facilities, yet I don't want to make other women uncomfortable.  I guess using the fitness equipment is fine as I can wear shorts and a t-shirt, but due to other health concerns I would like to use the pool to swim and exercise.  Most men swim shirtless and I can't see myself swimming in a t-shirt to cover my breasts.  I know it might seem like a stretch, but I would much rather try wearing a women's swimsuit with shorts and swim in the women's only pool.

I guess I just don't know how these kind of facilities react or deal with situations like this.

Any experiences other wish to share?

[RobynD]

Fairly early into my transition i asked the management at my club and they said "of course you can use the women's one. If anyone gives you any trouble, send them to us" . This is not a chain club but a fairly upscale independent one, not sure if that makes a difference or not.

They also had a lockable family one if i preferred that and I did use it at times, but it was often pretty busy. Like you, i did not feel comfortable being in with the guys (more for their own comfort than mine, i have used coed facilities in Europe a lot and was not scarred for life)

I swim in a swim shirt and bikini bottoms or in a tankini type of two-piece. I have never had an issue changing and showering in the women's facilities, other than maybe a sideways glance or two.  I'm respectful of course and friendly to anyone that talks to me in there. It also should be noted how little nudity is actually in most locker rooms.

[elkie-t]

There's nothing wrong swimming in a t-shirt in a common swim pool in either in M or F mode. If you don't want make other ladies uncomfortable, and there's no family changing room, then this is probably your easiest option. I've done it in M mode in our town school swimming pool (I didn't want to show my boobie buttons, or just felt like not showing them) and never had any questions asked.

Although it's 21st century and in most places we are quite acceptable if being mentally strong and have thick skin, and if you have to have swimming for health reasons and the swimming facility can offer you only male changing room, don't take it negative. Just use it, you can be discreet and change behind shower curtain or in the back row of locker room. Think of Europe, medieval times or difficult circumstances when both genders have to survive together. 

[FTMax]

No issues at Planet Fitness before or after transitioning. No issues at Gold's after transitioning.

[Jacqueline]

There's nothing wrong swimming in a t-shirt in a common swim pool in either in M or F mode. If you don't want make other ladies uncomfortable, and there's no family changing room, then this is probably your easiest option. I've done it in M mode in our town school swimming pool (I didn't want to show my boobie buttons, or just felt like not showing them) and never had any questions asked.

Although it's 21st century and in most places we are quite acceptable if being mentally strong and have thick skin, and if you have to have swimming for health reasons and the swimming facility can offer you only male changing room, don't take it negative. Just use it, you can be discreet and change behind shower curtain or in the back row of locker room. Think of Europe, medieval times or difficult circumstances when both genders have to survive together.

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