Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Someone on 4chan told me this, and I thought I'd check with you guys to see if it's true

I really want to become fit, but I want to become "woman fit". However that guy seems to be implying that because I was born male, my muscles will always be in a male configuration, and if I bulked up I'd look like a dude.

True or not?

What about Chris? She's a body builder and she's still pretty girly.

Chris? Are you thinking of the same person I am?

it's possible since genetically we are male, that's why i tend to stay away from bulking up and simply just try to stay trim

I dunno, but I can't remember the screen name ;~;

Men's and women's muscles are attached the same. Don't trust everything you read on 4chan ;)

The "male" bulk has to do with increased testosterone, not with muscle biology. You give a female steroids and she'll bulk up like a man. Alternatively, being on E for over a year will mean that it's much harder to put on muscle (i.e., just like it is for women!).

Quote from: rachl on March 11, 2012, 04:32:08 PM
Men's and women's muscles are attached the same. Don't trust everything you read on 4chan ;)

The "male" bulk has to do with increased testosterone, not with muscle biology. You give a female steroids and she'll bulk up like a man. Alternatively, being on E for over a year will mean that it's much harder to put on muscle (i.e., just like it is for women!).

+ 1
    I have a friend who is a personal trainer with his own gym and thats the conclusion he came up with as well regarding the situation. however, depending on how much you developed as a male, adding muscle might make things stick out more, such as wider than normal shoulders. i feel like my shoulders are wider than they should be and if mass was added to that, it might make it stick out more. but if youve been on E for a while, you wont build up like a man would.

Once again for MtF's and FtM's alike, those on estrogens use very light weights and a lot of reps for nice tone only, those on testosterones use heavy weights on alternate days only for bulky muscles and take hi protein supplements.

Oh my expertise... as some of you may know, I was body builder from age 17-22 before transitioning.  Basically, here it goes.  If you heavy lift and work out with the boys, you'll develop like them.  However, with lack of T and high levels of estrogen, you probably won't become as cut or veiny as them.  Also, your muscles won't develop as large because of the T blocker... you'll have to try a lot harder to get them bigger
Trust me... I went from this:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2F2vd49pe.jpg&hash=2d796546941d5337ad70e576dca897c005bfc3c1)
To this:
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi41.tinypic.com%2F160wjfo.jpg&hash=3883e0ac25a4fb89766fd4c533c92c46207a77b5)

Okay, so, How do I go about losing some of this muscle mass? It doesn't seem to be coming off as easily as putting it on was.
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi688.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv246%2FKeairaElisabeth%2FImage031.jpg&hash=36365f28a546453c5302aadd8d7c035de8e4718b)
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi118.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fo98%2FMiriTekker%2Fcandid%2520pics%2FHPIM0179.jpg&hash=ea2e8cbb3a545d94439b39a173339a177c3b0775)

What would be a good exercise routine to go with? Sit-up? push-ups?

It actually takes a long time. E and lack of exercising THOSE areas will do it. Also, doing exercise that uses those areas only as stabilizing muscles can help. So, for example, doing a lot of riding a bike while in the drop position (hands forward, leaning forward - i.e., the time trial position) will reduce the bulk.

Push-ups would ADD to the bulk! Doing core exercises like the front and side plank would be much better.

Well then I'm screwed. Thanks to my fork lift injury, I can't run. I can cycle though.

Quote from: Keaira on March 12, 2012, 01:02:29 AM
Well then I'm screwed. Thanks to my fork lift injury, I can't run. I can cycle though.

I lifted my fork too often and got a fat gut because of it!  :o

Quote from: Keaira on March 12, 2012, 01:02:29 AM
Well then I'm screwed. Thanks to my fork lift injury, I can't run. I can cycle though.

Cycling is perfectly fine. It's my preferred mode of cardio.

Muscle attachments (tendons), joints (mostly), muscle structure is all the same regardless of biological gender, race, etc. Biggest difference is bone structure. For muscle, the difference is in how it is built, what hormones are acting within the body, and distribution of other items within the body.

Quote from: Keaira on March 12, 2012, 01:02:29 AM
Well then I'm screwed. Thanks to my fork lift injury, I can't run. I can cycle though.

You injured your fork lift?

>:-)

Quote from: VannaSiamese on March 12, 2012, 12:06:34 AM
Lol, this answer is about to get a lot of negative looks... just to let you know, I've never chosen this path.... but I will go ahead and tell you.

Starve yourself.  I'm not talking about dieting either, I mean starve yourself.

  I was doing this for awhile but then everyone started calling me anorexic so I stopped.

  Yeah it does work though. lol

Quote from: Jamie D on March 12, 2012, 01:11:31 AM
I lifted my fork too often and got a fat gut because of it!  :o

ROFL.  Same here.  There are no differences from the start in the muscles if both sexes.  It is the larger bone structure and the androgens present in the developing male that makes the difference.  Too much androgens present, as in my case, will inhibit muscle growth.  I didn't develop much muscle mass before I went on HRT, even when I tried.  I am stronger now at age 59 than at age 18.  Some others have experienced this effect.  This is actually welcome here.  Something along with the boobs I hadn't had before!
  Joelene

I had a very attractive Lesbian tell me I was hot Saturday night.  ;D   
She was muscular, with broad shoulders and well developed biceps, but totally feminine.  Not at all masculine, and looked totally stunning, so don't worry too much.
Some guys are strongly attracted to  women who look like they can "keep up" with them too, so if you are straight it can be an asset too.
As for diet if calories in exceeds calories used, you will put on weight. It's a simple equation that most forget.

Karen.

I've lost all muscle definition in my arms since starting HRT. It all turned into blubber. I would not lift weights or anything like that. I stick to cardio; walking, running, dancing. That will keep your body fem.

Sorry Vanna, I can't see much difference in the two pics apart from your hair is longer!

wow, thanks guys! i feel much better about being fat now :)

_________________

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on March 12, 2012, 06:09:43 PM

Sorry Vanna, I can't see much difference in the two pics apart from your hair is longer!

jealousy sucks, eh?

keaira
that aint muscle its fat that is giving you the pot bellied ->-bleeped-<- look...start sucking that belly in and wear a tight belt to remind you to do so...walking is said to be one of best methods of reducing belly fat.

I'm on my feet for 8 hours a day. and I walk for most of that time. We'll see how the sit-ups do I'm putting that workout bar to use. ^_^

Quote from: Keaira on March 14, 2012, 12:36:53 AM
I'm on my feet for 8 hours a day. and I walk for most of that time. We'll see how the sit-ups do I'm putting that workout bar to use. ^_^

Keaira

Do the yoga plank position to tighten the abdominal muscles

Dozens of videos and pictures of it.  It is easy and effective.

Quote from: lilacwoman on March 13, 2012, 12:46:46 PM
keaira
that aint muscle its fat that is giving you the pot bellied ->-bleeped-<- look...start sucking that belly in and wear a tight belt to remind you to do so...walking is said to be one of best methods of reducing belly fat.

Walking won't help with belly fat! you need to do sit ups!

Quote from: Naturally Blonde on March 14, 2012, 08:21:05 AM
Walking won't help with belly fat! you need to do sit ups!

Sit-ups only work the muscles in the area: they don't target fat reduction. Cardio does that. Also, sit-ups work the muscles that make the belly stick out, unless you specifically target the transverses muscle and other 'core' muscles. Pilates >>> sit-ups. Things like the front and side plank, and the related exercises, are far better than any regimen of sit-ups.

Quote from: Heartwood (Alex) on March 11, 2012, 01:37:05 PM
Someone on 4chan told me this, and I thought I'd check with you guys to see if it's true

I really want to become fit, but I want to become "woman fit". However that guy seems to be implying that because I was born male, my muscles will always be in a male configuration, and if I bulked up I'd look like a dude.

True or not?

lol

No, this is not how it works.

Quote from: Heartwood (Alex) on March 11, 2012, 01:37:05 PM
Someone on 4chan told me this, and I thought I'd check with you guys to see if it's true

I really want to become fit, but I want to become "woman fit". However that guy seems to be implying that because I was born male, my muscles will always be in a male configuration, and if I bulked up I'd look like a dude.

True or not?

Uh no. If you're ttaking estrogen then you'd be "woman fit"

Males and females have very similar tendons at least in regards to where they connect to. The only exception might be on the hips and that's due to the bones begin in a different place.

Bear in mind there are two different classes of muscle fiber... Have you seen runners at the Olympics.

Long distance runners look like this.
http://www.ethiosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Hailie.jpg (http://www.ethiosalon.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Hailie.jpg)

But sprinters look like this.
http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/313/078/114774414_crop_650x440.jpg?1313185656 (http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/images_root/images/photos/001/313/078/114774414_crop_650x440.jpg?1313185656)

It's due to different types of muscle development Slow twitch muscle fibres vs fast twitch.
Ironically this is also what determines whether something is a Red or white meat in animals.

Fast twitch tire easily but are associated with strength as the body can multiply up the fibres easily. Thus are also associated with bulk. slow twitch are associated with endurance working for hours on end.

Of course low testosterone aspect of HRT impacts the development of both to some extent but I'm pretty sure it impacts fast twitch fibres disproportionately seeing as Anabolic steroids = Testosterone.

So while there isn't such a thing as "woman fit" which is just stupid. There are different kinds of muscle development which look different as much as anything else.

researchers all say sitting puts fat on the belly and walking takes it off...but a tight belt reminds that the muscles have to be sucked in and worked anyway.

I want a flatter stomach and have been thinking of doing leg lifts (i think that's what they are called, where you lie on your back and instead of lifting your body just lift your legs in a sit up fashion)...will that cause me muscles or gimme/keep a fem body?

Quote from: DonnaTroy on March 16, 2012, 11:20:38 AM
I want a flatter stomach and have been thinking of doing leg lifts (i think that's what they are called, where you lie on your back and instead of lifting your body just lift your legs in a sit up fashion)...will that cause me muscles or gimme/keep a fem body?

Absolutely! That's exactly the right one to flatten out the tummy below the belly button! Keep your lower back flat on the floor, straighten and raise your legs so that your heels are about a foot off the floor max. You can do a little butterfly kick if you wish. Hold it until it starts to burn and then relax. Do several sets a day gradually increasing the number and duration, your tummy will look great before long.

Quote from: Renee D on March 14, 2012, 10:46:14 AM
I advocate that most people with any weight issue stay the hell away from sodas.

Amen to that! There is a huge amount of  sodium even in diet sodas that is killing people with unwanted weight gain and high blood pressure.

Quote from: Renee D on March 14, 2012, 10:46:14 AM
And really, a small pooch bit of fat below the belly button is kind of normal if you aren't working on six pack abs or something.

I do a couple of sets of abdominal crunches at 60 per set each day, it has given me great looking abs and a lot of definition. Although I do sets of the other exercise for the lower abdomen, but it does seem as if the little girly pooch is hormonally driven and difficult to be rid of regardless.

Quote from: Renee D on March 16, 2012, 11:50:06 AM
I walk so much at work and then at home, I go up and down the stairs a lot during the day and night, also spend a bit of time playing with the dog in the yard, a bit of walking, running and bending.  I don't need to do any other exercise.

I'd say not Renee, you look very nice, quite pretty really!  ;)

I was wondering about this too.  Back in 2003-2004, I was trying to fit in with the guys I hung out with.  I was 5'4" tall and started out at 140lbs back then.  I ended up at 176lbs and only cut back my body fat to 7%.  Needless to say, I looked buff.  But, these days its almost impossible to tell that I ever set foot in a gym-to bodybuild.  My method was a lot of cycling and later, jogging.  If your diet is right and you do the right exercises at the right intensity, over a period of time, you can loose a ton of muscle. 

I still need to lose muscle from my arms though, my biceps and triceps are still too defined and large for me to be comfortable.

Quote from: Stephanie_b on March 17, 2012, 11:28:34 AM
I was wondering about this too.  Back in 2003-2004, I was trying to fit in with the guys I hung out with.  I was 5'4" tall and started out at 140lbs back then.  I ended up at 176lbs and only cut back my body fat to 7%.  Needless to say, I looked buff.  But, these days its almost impossible to tell that I ever set foot in a gym-to bodybuild.  My method was a lot of cycling and later, jogging.  If your diet is right and you do the right exercises at the right intensity, over a period of time, you can loose a ton of muscle. 

I still need to lose muscle from my arms though, my biceps and triceps are still too defined and large for me to be comfortable.

I'm in basically the same situation with the arms...it takes a LONG time in addition to diligence about not lifting heavy things.

Quote from: Stephanie_b on March 17, 2012, 11:28:34 AM
I was wondering about this too.  Back in 2003-2004, I was trying to fit in with the guys I hung out with.  I was 5'4" tall and started out at 140lbs back then.  I ended up at 176lbs and only cut back my body fat to 7%.  Needless to say, I looked buff.  But, these days its almost impossible to tell that I ever set foot in a gym-to bodybuild.  My method was a lot of cycling and later, jogging.  If your diet is right and you do the right exercises at the right intensity, over a period of time, you can loose a ton of muscle. 

I still need to lose muscle from my arms though, my biceps and triceps are still too defined and large for me to be comfortable.

5ft 4 wish I was that short! I suppose 5'8 aint that bad though. I still got some bicep but lost everything else now.

Quote from: rachl on March 17, 2012, 11:57:10 AM
I'm in basically the same situation with the arms...it takes a LONG time in addition to diligence about not lifting heavy things.

In that case, I may become quite lazy...sounds like fun! 
Yeah, its important to not lift heavy stuff...my arms have shrunk a lot but not enough yet.

Perhaps people will just percieve me as a tough gal?

Lol

Quote from: Stephanie_b on March 17, 2012, 12:40:57 PM
In that case, I may become quite lazy...sounds like fun! 
Yeah, its important to not lift heavy stuff...my arms have shrunk a lot but not enough yet.

Perhaps people will just percieve me as a tough gal?

Lol

Haha. I'm not advocating being lazy! Just "in need of help for lifting heavy things." I still work my butt off at the gym, but it's exclusively cardio.

Quote from: Siobhan on March 17, 2012, 12:05:23 PM
5ft 4 wish I was that short! I suppose 5'8 aint that bad though. I still got some bicep but lost everything else now.

Seems like we're in the same boat, arms slightly too big, rest is good and hormones for curves soon

Quote from: rachl on March 17, 2012, 12:41:56 PM
Haha. I'm not advocating being lazy! Just "in need of help for lifting heavy things." I still work my butt off at the gym, but it's exclusively cardio.

Roflmao
Yes, I will get help with heavy stuff, although I can lift heavy now (I will let on lime I'm weak-lol).

But I jog for about an 1.5 hours a day so I'm burning those caloreis ;)

I think regardless of muscle attachments, making your muscles bigger will make you look more manly. A lot of women get away with big muscles because their other features are extremely feminine, or at least there's "something" that makes them definitely un-misgender-able. But still, all of those would, at a 99% chance, look more womanly with less muscle.

You can be in shape and not have very big muscles, though. Depending on the effects of your HRT and your genes, maybe you can even do weight lifting and end up with super small, yet "solid" arms... But that's mostly if you're a very, very slim person to begin with.

In the end, it's still your choice. But keep in mind that with all the "little male things" most of us retain, it's quite risky to do muscular training. If you do, though, I'd suggest avoiding very masculine-looking muscles when they get large, such as calves, arms and those side-of-the-neck muscles I don't know the English name for.