Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hey guys, not sure if a thread like this already exists. I did a quick search anyway and couldn't find one so apologies if one does exist already. Also the reason I didn't put this in the Fitness section is because I've kind of been finding myself wanting to talk with other transguys about gym/exercise related stuff, and it seems most of us stick mainly to the FTM section and plus the it seems mostly just transwomen use the Fitness section. I don't know many other transguys irl who workout regularly, so thought it could be nice to have somewhere to chat about it with other guys even if its just small talk or whatever. Hope its ok.

Anyways, to start things off. Basically I'm back in the weight room again after not exercising consistently for about a year. Used to train regularly before but just all sorts of reasons for not doing so in the last year or so. Main thing I'm trying to get more courage to do is use the pool at the YMCA where I workout. I've had top surgery but I guess part of me is a bit worried that the lifeguard or someone will clock me and turn it into an embarrassing situation. Also I'm feeling a bit insecure about the change room situation. Currently when I go to the gym I get there already dressed to workout, but obviously if I'm going to swim I have to use a change room. The guy that originally gave me a tour of the whole facility took me into the men's change room without me having to say anything/him having to ask as a part of the tour. Was basically having a heart attack the whole time, because even though I'm usually fine in the men's washroom, change rooms are a whole other ball game. Anyways, I'm a bit unsure about what to do if I decide to go swim. They have a Family/Gender Neutral change room that I was planning to use, but its right across from the women's change room, while the men's is on the complete other side. So I'm kind of paranoid that if the guy that gave my tour sees me go towards the Family washroom he'll either think I'm going to the women's or that something's up or whatever. Blah. Anyways, that's one of my main exercise related worries at the moment, heh.

Maybe if you're worried about going into the change room, eliminate it completely. If you're going to lift and swim in the same day, wear swim trunks and a t shirt to the gym. Whenever you're done lifting, just go straight to the pool, take off your shirt, and jump in. Lifeguard probably won't be paying much attention unless you're in actual need of help. Plus, in the water, no ones going to be able to see your scars if that's what you're worried about.

True, but I'm not sure how comfortable my swim trunks will be for working out without underwear on unless I wear underwear to swim which could feel a bit strange lol Funny enough my main worry body-wise isn't even the scars. It's more that I gained a bit of weight in the last year, and while I've definitely lost a bit since I started working out again, it's still not entirely gone, so I'm worried about fat distribution around my hips giving me away. Part of me just wants to say **** it and go for it, but still a bit anxious.

Quote from: Berserk on August 07, 2014, 08:30:20 PM
True, but I'm not sure how comfortable my swim trunks will be for working out without underwear on unless I wear underwear to swim which could feel a bit strange lol Funny enough my main worry body-wise isn't even the scars. It's more that I gained a bit of weight in the last year, and while I've definitely lost a bit since I started working out again, it's still not entirely gone, so I'm worried about fat distribution around my hips giving me away. Part of me just wants to say **** it and go for it, but still a bit anxious.

Wrap your waist in a towel until you get to the edge of the pool.

lol there's always that ;D

The more I think about it, though, the more I don't think I'll be able to avoid the change rooms since I also always have my membership card, keys and such in my pockets when I'm working out. Not going to just leave them by the pool side and the lockers are all in the change rooms. So will have to decide at some point whether to chance the men's or just duck into the family washroom and hope no one thinks I'm going to the women's instead since those two are the only rooms down that hallway.

Quote from: Berserk on August 07, 2014, 08:43:50 PM
lol there's always that ;D

The more I think about it, though, the more I don't think I'll be able to avoid the change rooms since I also always have my membership card, keys and such in my pockets when I'm working out. Not going to just leave them by the pool side and the lockers are all in the change rooms. So will have to decide at some point whether to chance the men's or just duck into the family washroom and hope no one thinks I'm going to the women's instead since those two are the only rooms down that hallway.

If someone stops and questions you walking down the hallway tell them to mind their own business.

I'm not a fan of changing rooms either. Whenever I use them I just change in a stall, worry-free.

My brother is a cis male, pretty good looking, ripped dude and I remember when he was on his swim team he would always change in the stalls. I always wondered why, because if I had the body he did, I would change in the open all day and night.
Never was he questioned or looked at weird . . in fact a few other guys on his team changed in stalls as well. It's quite common actually. My point is that no one will think your strange or anything for using a stall, so it's always an option versus changing in the open.

It took a while to get adjusted to the social atmosphere of changing rooms . . if you know what I mean. It's a bit different than using the restroom. As long as you aren't staring down any of your fellow change-ers, you will be fine. But of course, being able to walk in with ease will take practice. Good luck!

p.s: Dudes swimming is underwear isn't as unusual as you may believe. It's also quite comfy.

Thanks for your response, conformer. Yeah was thinking that maybe I could just use the stalls. The more I've been thinking about it, I think the best thing might be to actually try to brave the men's change room. Mainly because I work out there fairly often and often see a lot of the same people around. So I feel like people would wonder if one day they glimpse me going into the Family change room and another day the men's. I'm thinking I'll just try to go really early in the morning if I'm planning on swimming. Also, I know in a lot of men's washrooms often the locks on the stalls don't work very well or don't exist to begin with. Have you noticed that be as prevalent in change rooms as in washrooms? And you're probably right about being able to walk in there feeling at ease. Think my main problem is having the guts to walk in there to begin with.

I really think you'll be fine. It sounds like it's a matter of confidence. And if you start watching you'll be amazed at how many guys have hips. Just google "men hips" and see all the stuff that comes up.

Yep I've def noticed the broken locks in most mens restrooms. I wonder why?? Hah, it's the oddest thing ever. I've yet to see a broken lock in change rooms though, luckily.

Going in the morning is actually a pretty good idea. There shouldn't be many people there and if there are, it's pretty much always an older more mature crowd. The first few time are gonna be a little nerve racking. It should slowly begin to come more naturally to you though. Personally, for me it was "Just go in do your business, then get out." - at first. Then I gradually became more comfortable with lingering in the change rooms and taking my time.

You got this  ;) .

Quote from: christopher on August 08, 2014, 08:36:43 PM
I really think you'll be fine. It sounds like it's a matter of confidence. And if you start watching you'll be amazed at how many guys have hips. Just google "men hips" and see all the stuff that comes up.

Haha, actually did just google that after I read your post. Was nice to see so many results ;D

@conformer, good to hear about the locks, lol. Fingers crossed its the same at my gym, the Y does seem pretty legit when it comes to upkeep, though, so probably a good sign. Just get in and get out will probably going to be my approach I imagine. Can see myself trying hard not to run to the stalls like a weirdo haha. Think I will try it out this upcoming week.

Thanks a lot for your responses, guys!

I guess it depends how confident you are in your passing. I had an experience recently where I had to use the changeroom, I was with two guys who don't know I'm trans. I asked in passing if there were any private stalls and the guy was like "Nope." LOL. So I was concerned to say the least. The guys I was with were really considerate and went to the other side because they sensed that I wanted privacy, so what I did was I faced the lockers to hide my lack of "package" and I had planned aheead by wearing a t shirt under my regular shirt, so I didn't have to reveal the straps of my bra (I don't bind, but I would have had similar concerns with the binder).

@birkin, that was really nice of them to do :) I'm not sure I'd have the courage myself to change out in the open if there weren't stalls, so kudos to you for that! Yeah my confidence is really the main thing. I know the change rooms at least have washroom stalls in them though since I was in the change room once before with the guy who gave me the tour.

Just thought I'd bump this. Didn't mean it to be only a thread about me and my problems lol But just a general place to talk about workouts, gym experiences etc.

Anyone else currently working out regularly, and if so what does your programme look like?

Currently I'm on a 5/3/1 programme

I'm pretty lucky. we have a small gym where I work. I've been working out there pretty regularly. I don't have a specific program, just focusing on weight training, especially the upper body. And then I do rowing machine for cardio if I haven't gotten cardio through my normal activities.

so how are things going for you, Beserk?

I've been having pretty good experience with the p90x program.

it's really hard to get started on it and some workouts i still can't complete in full but it has made a difference
the disks take about am hour to do which is kinda lengthy but it's also pretty minimal on equipment and you can get results without much dietary change.

i eat horribly to be honest but i've seen a big difference in my muscle mass

i do p90 about 2-3 days a week and run the other days to try and slim down but alas i just keep gaining weight so =n=

HIIT 3 days per week, then cardio 30 mins post-weights.  Upper body focus at the moment, but will soon be incorporating legs.

I'm recently getting back into shape....many moons ago I was lean and fit but having a baby, a back injury, a knee injury and surgery have left me rather podgy and weak. I have a month until I'm going under the knife again (hysto) and I want to do as much as I can before then to offset the inevitable backwards slide while I'm in recovery.

As I just mentioned...I am falling apart :P I have to be really careful not to put too much stress on my back or my knees. I used to run, but my knees can no longer cope with it :( so I now have a mini exercise bike and I HIGHLY recommend them for anyone who has a desk job or otherwise tends to sit around all day, I'm on it right now, it's so easy to get in several hours of exercise without even thinking about it because I have the computer or the TV to distract me while I peddle away.

I also lift weights, mostly focusing on the upper body....it's a shame I can't do squats or lunges or anything like that due to my injuries but hey ho you work with what you got!

If anybody is interested, I come up with healthy recipes using Protein Powder and post them on my blog (shakes are boooring) which I prefer not to directly link so it's harder for people to google my stuff and end up here xD you can PM me for the info if you want to take a look. Here's a pic of my latest creation:

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1130.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm528%2FJeatyn%2Fbananamuffinpile_zpsea66ef00.jpg&hash=8c0d0f97a2eac704628f847eaf06b175442443d7)

Each muffin has: 153 Cals / 2g Fat / 12g Carbs / 2g Fiber / 22g Protein

Those cupcakes look enticing :D Mind if you could PM me that recipe? I can't wait til I'm in the US and have a modern oven at my disposal... I wanna make my own low-carb pizzas and stuff. *_* Yum.


On a side note, I'm beginning Krav Maga either at the end of this month or the beginning of the next.. Super stoked and I've never done something so fitness-related before so I know I'm gonna get my butt kicked the first few times. Anyone else do some sort of martial art?

In the summers it's very hot I go already dressed for the gym (surf shorts t-shirts) just to avoid the change room. As for swimming, (I am pre-op) at public pools I'm a bit apprehensive. In lakes and beaches I wear a black undershirt ( I am very small chested, I just tape my nipples ) but I think a tank/undershirt would just draw attention in a public pool since I'd likely be the only one with a top. In the winters' bitter cold, I've found a gym with smaller lockers outside of the change rooms just big enough for a bag and coat. I wear my shorts under my sweats, a jacket and I just stuff it all in. Find a rec centre with this type set up and yer laughing. I'm mainly focused on bodybuilding but instead of swimming but running/jogging is another cardio option...I do HIIT 3 times a week instead of swimming.
Also for martial arts, Maleth, I'm considering getting back into kickboxing/MMA but I really want to wait until I pass a little better (5 weeks on T) and get my legal name change so I can train with guys use their change rooms etc. It sucks to wait but I think it's a better choice for me at least.

Anyone got any updates to share? ;D

I've lost 7lbs since the last post and doubled the amount of weight I lift. (it wasn't a whole lot to begin with :P but progress is always good) Only 18 days to go before I'll be on bed rest for a few weeks

Been at a few krav classes. Feeling great and have learned new techniques. My muscles seem a bit bigger too :D

I've finally been able to get back on a regular lifting schedule since the beginning of august and that also got me back on track with eating healthier. My clothes are fitting different/better and my face also seems to have slimmed down a bit.

Sure, why not. I've been working out most days (have missed a few days here and there). I do push ups, planks, various other stuff, and free weights. Also walking. I keep my diet clean (that is whole grains, veggies, fruit, olive oil and extra virgin coconut oil, lean proteins, and minimum on the sugars). Pretty much been doing this since March this year. (Actually earlier but I had top surgery and took a long hiatus.)

I'm not trying to get huge muscles at my age, as I think it's dubious, but trying to keep tone and have gotten some baby pecs. So I am more working with lighter weights (8 lbs) and more repetitions. 

I lost a little weight earlier, but I don't really need to lose weight anymore.

--Jay

I work out with a PT 3 times a week, doing 20 min cardio and then 40 mins on weights (upper body/lower body) lost a fair bit of weight and muscles are coming on nicely. Especially in my arms. Also do a 40 min cardio session on my own once a week and go swimming once a week.

Unfortunately i have a massive chest that will not be hidden whilst swimming so i have to use female changing rooms and i wear a swimming costume with swimming shorts. Its not fun, but i feel its unavoidable really.

Swimming would probably be a great workout for me with all my injuries but even after top surgery I don't feel comfortable with the idea at all.

I used to go to a trans swimming group but they met really late at night, really far away from my house so it wasn't a good long term solution and was costing me a fortune in travel costs.

I have decided to start working with a PT to start gaining some weight and muscles. It's going to be tough though - I'm a hardgainer even by female-body standards, and I'm underweight. It's going to be quite a challenge.

I'm pre-everything and I swim once or twice a week (45 mins of technical training every week and sometimes an additional 2000-3000 meters with a pull buoy). It's weird, but for me this actually tends to diminish dysphoria a little because I have noticed that my shoulders have gotten wider and once I'm in the water I normally feel quite well because I know I work out that area.

But I don't pass at all, so it's not like this was a bigger concern at the pool than normal >:(