Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I'm a transgender girl, currently unable to present as female most of the time because of a non-supportive family, and i'm currently having trouble with my body. I'm generally not a very active person, but i really want to get into daily exercise so i have a healthier body, but a big struggle for me is my arms. I love running, and that is generally my go to activity, but i want to expand my exercise regime a little, without making my arms look any more muscular than they do now. I don't exactly have large arms (other than in length  :P) but they are still reasonably defined, and look masculine enough to make me extremely self-conscious about them. I was wondering if there were any exercise routines i could do that would help me to become more fit and healthy, without making my problems with my arms more bulky and masculine.

Hi :D, for keeping your upper body fit without adding bulk, try using very light weights... 3-5 pounds, and many reps, upwards of 50 per set. It will help your aerobic capacity without stressing the muscle enough to grow very much. BTW, I am by no means an expert, so feel free to seek 2nd/3rd/4th opinions :D

I do a lot of biking.  It builds core and a little arm. Give it a try.


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Quote from: Denise on October 02, 2018, 09:46:08 PM
I do a lot of biking.  It builds core and a little arm. Give it a try.


Sent from my LG-H910 using Tapatalk

Some years ago their was a new trend of Aerobic Walking....  a quick and brisk pace with exaggerated arm movements...  done correctly, it is a very low impact exercise that targets just about every muscle group in our bodies.
The good point is that it can be done just about anywhere without the need for a gym, gym equipment or a running track. 
At the quick and brisk pace of 15 to 17 minute miles calorie burn can approach 900 - 1000 calories per hour and the resultant increased heart rate provides excellent cardio and pulmonary benefits with a minimum walk of 25 to 30 minutes.

Danielle

Quote from: lills01 on October 02, 2018, 09:13:40 PM
I'm a transgender girl, currently unable to present as female most of the time because of a non-supportive family, and i'm currently having trouble with my body. I'm generally not a very active person, but i really want to get into daily exercise so i have a healthier body, but a big struggle for me is my arms. I love running, and that is generally my go to activity, but i want to expand my exercise regime a little, without making my arms look any more muscular than they do now. I don't exactly have large arms (other than in length  :P) but they are still reasonably defined, and look masculine enough to make me extremely self-conscious about them. I was wondering if there were any exercise routines i could do that would help me to become more fit and healthy, without making my problems with my arms more bulky and masculine.

Hi, Lills!

Welcome to Susan's Place.

I am not quite sure what kind of exercise routine you are looking for.  Running will be good for not giving you excess arm development.  A weight or aerobic routine that focused on legs and butt would also avoid excess upper body development.  I am sure that the other members who have replied know more about such things than I do.   :D

Please feel free to stop by the Introductions forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) to tell the members about yourself.  Here is some information that we like to share with new members:

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IMO, avoid upper body training as it will all stimulate your arms. I'm not on any hrt for a variety of reasons and am actively trying to loose a bit of upper body and I've found all work hits arms.

Avoid much cardio too as it's likely to keep body fat really low and by the sounds of your arm definition this isn't a area you need to work on. If anything being a tiny bit softer would be a good thing so to reduce visibility of arm definition.

Work your Glutes heavy. A bigger butt will femininize your silhouette. Hip thrusts, abduction exercises and glute Kickbacks.. Those are all great.
Squats are only good if you want bigger legs too.... They don't actually do that much for glutes.

Quote from: lills01 on October 02, 2018, 09:13:40 PM
I'm a transgender girl, currently unable to present as female most of the time because of a non-supportive family, and i'm currently having trouble with my body. I'm generally not a very active person, but i really want to get into daily exercise so i have a healthier body, but a big struggle for me is my arms. I love running, and that is generally my go to activity, but i want to expand my exercise regime a little, without making my arms look any more muscular than they do now. I don't exactly have large arms (other than in length  :P) but they are still reasonably defined, and look masculine enough to make me extremely self-conscious about them. I was wondering if there were any exercise routines i could do that would help me to become more fit and healthy, without making my problems with my arms more bulky and masculine.

Hi there, Lills.

I really think maybe I can add here to help. ^_^

I would recommend doing lighter exercises meant to define feminine shape forms and muscle groups. 'Slim In 6' by Beach Body is a great one. (It's pretty cheesy in dialogue so youll want to play your own music after you get it down once or twice to follow enough without listening)

Avoid push-ups, pull-ups, pull-down bars (workout machines) chest flies, or any other arm and chest oriented exercise that can increase  a masculine definition in your upper torso, shoulders, and neck.

I apologize if you already know this, but just in case it helps; When you present as your real self, try pushing your chest out like one would as a male, but with your shoulders back nice and far, and arms relaxed and loose at your side/ a little behind you. You might be surprised what it does for your shape while you recalibrate. ;)

About your family, you're not alone. Some of us have faced a great deal of unacceptance and persecution before we could really spread our wings. Keep your spirits up, girl. You'll get there. ^_^

Quote from: lills01 on October 02, 2018, 09:13:40 PM
I'm a transgender girl, currently unable to present as female most of the time because of a non-supportive family, and i'm currently having trouble with my body. I'm generally not a very active person, but i really want to get into daily exercise so i have a healthier body, but a big struggle for me is my arms. I love running, and that is generally my go to activity, but i want to expand my exercise regime a little, without making my arms look any more muscular than they do now. I don't exactly have large arms (other than in length  :P) but they are still reasonably defined, and look masculine enough to make me extremely self-conscious about them. I was wondering if there were any exercise routines i could do that would help me to become more fit and healthy, without making my problems with my arms more bulky and masculine.

@lills01
Dear Lills:
Thank you for coming and writing your interesting first posting.... you have already recieved lots of replies and shared thoughts regarding your stated question about "Exercising pre hrt"  .... always feel free to ask questions and state your concerns.   Also, please know that you are always welcome here.  Many of our members will now be aware of your arrival to the Forums and will be able to share with you and you with them regarding your questions and comments.

I see that you have already been Officially Welcomed to Susan's Place
by our lovely member @KathyLauren ...

Please allow me to also give your a warm Welcome to Susan's Place.
I am thinking that you may have lots more questions and concerns, this is the right place for you to be to find out what others have done that may have been in your circumstances.
Be aware that there are a lot of members here that can identify with your situation..
 
You will find this a safe and friendly place to share with others  and to read about others similar trials, tribulations, and successes.  When frustrated or if you have successes you can share it here on the Forums if you wish and receive support from others and offer support to others. ....

***It's a very good chance that you might find that you will make some new friends here. 
Please come in and continue to be involved at your own pace. 

In her Welcome Message  KathyLauren  included Important LINKS that will tell you about Susan's Place.  Included there is information about the site that will help you navigate around and best utilize the features here.   
Please look closely at the LINKS in RED, answers are there to many questions that new members ask.   

Please don't be a stranger, we want to share postings and thoughts with you.

Again, Welcome to Susan's Place.
Danielle

***NOTE:   Also, as KathyLauren suggested and provided the LINK for you
please be certain to go to the  Introductions Forum (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/board,8.0.html) to tell the members about yourself thus allowing more members here to be aware of your arrival on the Forums which allows much more two-way inteaction with your postings and comments.

Thank you everybody so much for being so helpful, i'm definitely going to be putting a lot of this into practice  :D  and i will definitely be hopping over to that introductions page when i get the chance  :)