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:

To this:

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.



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! 

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! 

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.     
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.