I have a few question for those of you who do sports

[Everyone]

Can you wear a binder while doing sports? I've heard that it's bad, but is it really that bad? Are there other alternatives to wearing a binder so that your chest still looks and feels flat? Also, do you have prove you're a biological guy to join a guy's sports team?

[Dylan Michael]

I don't wear one for hockey just cuz I think it's annoying and cuz I'm wearing equipment over it anyways. And I play on a girls team so I would know sorry

[Sharky]

It depends on your body. I couldn't comfortably wear a binder for long sitting still, let alone running around. If you are smaller chested you might be able to. No alternatives short of surgery. How easy it will be to be stealth would depend on the league, club, whatever.

[Sean]

I have gone snowboarding in a binder - didn't really affect me. I have played ice hockey in a binder - I wasn't playing at a highly competitive level at the time, so I can't say if my performance was different or if it was harder to take deep breaths. I didn't notice much of a difference, though. More of an issue with wearing too many layers and overheating. No one can tell under the equipment anyway - it was more of a concern about lockerroom issues.

I have tried the tight sports bra (like the Frog bra), but it doesn't get me flat enough for passing right now. I don't lift weights or run in a binder, though, because I do feel like I'm restricted in a binder. I've ordered a different kind of binder than my usual to see if there is any difference.

Whether you have to prove your age and sex for a team depends on what kind of team and level you're talking about. In some cases, you may not have to prove age/sex to anyone, but lockerroom is near impossible to avoid. And even in sports where you don't have lockerroom issues, you probably would want to have SOMEONE know (like a coach), in case you are injured & need medical attention.

[Make_It_Good]

I did kickboxing for awhile, always wore a binder ofcourse. And I used the male changing room, there were only a couple females, I was completely accepted as male (but I was on T).
  I have always found binders extremely uncomfortable. The worst bit being putting it on, but  I think 80% of the discomfort is the hate!

I also go to the gym, and I find that I can develop chest pains. I can be short of breath even though my fitness level is very good (Im fine doing stuff without a binder, I dont get the pains or breathlessness. I can pass fine without a binder, wearing a shirt or hoody etc but prefer a tshirt for sports obviously :p). Ive unfortunately reduced the amount of times I go to the gym recently, because of the discomfort. I just start to overheat (and I HATE being too warm :p ) and it feels like my ribcage is being pushed together in the centre, where my breastbone is.

I have heard that you can develop problems through binding and physical activity, but then again, this is just stuff I have heard. Id say youre fine to do sports, and no you dont have to prove you are biologically male to join a guys sports team (just beware of any "initiations" say, at uni, I know the rugby team has guys streak!) and you shouldnt develop problems. I think the main problem I have that I let effect me, is that I get too hot, therefore, I get miserable!! Haha.

And Happy Christmas everyone!! (I know it wont be Christmas yet for everyone, but it is here in England )