Quote from: Myself on September 02, 2010, 12:42:43 PM
The chances to be attacked is so low I am not sure why strength is even an issue for this.

Its an issue because while the chances of attack are low, having the strength to fight off an attacker gives you peace of mind.  Typically people dont attack strong targets, and instead go for weaker ones.  If you appear weak it makes you more of a target.  It does happen btw, my friend got her purse snatched, shes gg, another friend had attempted rape.  Just because your chances are low doesnt mean it wont happen.  Without strength there is a worry of what you will do if your overpowered in that situation, a worry that i never had before.  We tend to dwell on new experiences for a time....

Also an attack can happen in other ways, domestic violence, date rape, etc...  and those are much more common but just as scary to deal with.

Quote from: Janet Lynn on September 01, 2010, 02:34:26 PM
Scar Zone works good for scars.  Or try Vitamin E.  Just pick the capsule and spread the oil on.

Cool thanks Janet! I'll try those

This thread scares me a bit, but thinking on it, I am not sure why. I am pre-HRT, but there is no way I am fighting anyone off as is. I struggle alot with lifting heavy things, and it isn't like I am not active, I am but, it just doesn't seem to help all that much. I guess once I start HRT I will exercise even more, but I already put a fair bit into it and don't see much in the way of strength or muscle size (for that one I am thankful), even with heavier weights and fewer reps it doesn't seem to make that much of an impact on strength only on my weight, appearance, and stamina.

I have a .45 so I suppose as long as I am strong enough to deal with the recoil I will have some peace of mind. Still If I wanted to carry it with me everywhere I think I would have to get something smaller... But, luckily I don't usually feel scared unless I am doing something stupid like walking alone at night, so hopefully I can avoid fear through good common sense.

oh come on, we're now talking about guns here? I wouldn't feel safe with a .45, on the contrary, I'd be shaking all day to have something constantly in arm's reach which can actually KILL people. If you have a gun you're going to use it someday.

Attackers usually always have the upper hand because they have the determination and they're prepared for everything and sometimes, they're organized (ie. don't come alone). I couldn't defend myself even if I had all the muscles I used to have. I'm a good runner tough 🙂 Having muscles won't save you from anything, these situations rarely get to the point when you actually have to measure up your strength against someone other's. They wanna take my purse? Take it. Attempted rape? Those don't happen in broad daylight on busy streets.

As was said many times before, avoidance and prevention is always the best solution.

And to qoute something from the Pythons: "-Are you a pacifist? -No sir, I'm a coward." 🙂 Well I'm both a pacifist AND a coward and I'm proud of it

g

I don't care so much about losing strength as losing muscle mass. I can't wait to lose the muscle. My arms and shoulders are too veiny and muscular. Not that I'm "buff" really, I just have too much of a masculine body. I don't live in a particularly dangerous city. However, as Warren Farrell wrote, "Men's weakness is their facade of strength, and women's strength is their facade of weakness." I think he hit the nail on the head with that. Also, statistically speaking, men are almost twice as likely to be victims of a violent crime as women, and that's even when including rape figures. Men are also three times as likely to be murdered as women. The difference, though, is that our society cares more when women are victims of violent crimes. Of course, those of us who are not 100% passable are far more likely to be victims of a violent crime than "bio-women."

I have lost about 75% of my muscle mass. I used to have bulky arms, and a 6 pack. Now, I have skinny arms, no muscles and I cant even open up a jar of Jam! I know exactly how you feel, however I am not too worried, because I do know martial arts, even though I cannot use it very well, due to the loss of my strength, in some cases, it's not a matter of strength, hence why it is called martial "arts" everything matters on technique. If you are worried or scared about your strength and being able to protect yourself, then learn martial arts.

This thread made me laugh  I've been on HRT for going on 6 months now, and I am definitely noticing a sharp decline in strength. My wrists are noticeably (to me) slimmer, and my upper arms are smaller. I've spent the better part of my working life having to lift move and carry heavy objects, so I have always been able to lift move and carry things that "average" people would marvel at "how can someone as tiny as you lift so much?"

Now, however, I am beginning to find that things I once lifted with relative ease are getting heavier. I struggle more trying to move things. I'm really fascinated by it, to be honest. I actually love every part of the feminization process, even the occasional bitchiness 😉

I too, have some martial arts training, having gotten to blue belt in American Kenpo Karate, and because of that, I have a pretty forceful kick, and my elbows can do some damage too 😉 I'm sure it's not as it once was, but I don't know of many people that could shrug off an elbow to the face, or a strong front kick to the midsection.... of course, if they are still standing after that the claws come out... hahaha.

I never was a muscle man, but over the years I have lost most of my muscle strength due to low T - to the point that I can barely open some merchant doors.  I don't try to lift anything over 25 pounds because of my back.

I used to carry a gun for a living and had to constantly be ready for possible attack, but I've found that I've become more soft, especially since questioning my gender.  I feel more vulnerable, especially around strange men.  I try to be very aware of my surroundings.  Its a different feeling knowing that a man could easily overpower me.

I headed up to campus to study up on my Japanese today and it was the first time all summer that I had lugged around my backpack with my laptop and several books inside. I had forgotten how heavy it is. I immediately thought, "Oh no, losing some of my strength is going to make it more difficult to lug this stupid thing around." Haha. That's really the only heavy lifting I do anymore. I really can't wait, though. I'm not too worried about being attacked and I don't believe in negatively stereotyping all men as dangerous simply because a minority are. I wouldn't negatively stereotype all black people as dangerous, so why would I do that to men? I don't agree with our society's acceptance and promotion of misandry. Then again, like I said before, I don't live in a particularly dangerous town. At least, not compared to wear I used to live, anyway.