I have REALLY let myself go....

[Guest Robin Winter]

So I've mentioned before that I was giving thought to military service... Well, I DID finally manage to make it to the recruiting office, where I discovered that all applications must be online now, but at least they gave me some information and talked it over with me. I didn't disclose that I'm a transgirl, but I suppose there's no question that I'll have to if I actually apply, since I can't hide from the medical tests

Anyway, one of the things I was particularly interested in are the physical fitness requirements. I really really really don't think I meet them. I tried doing push ups the other day and I discovered that I can't even do 10!!!!

The requirements for women are lower, and I suspect that the fact that I've been on hormones for over a year would be taken into account (I hope), but even if I do the 9 required pushups(womens requirement), there's no way I can meet the endurance requirements

I really need to find some motivation for getting in shape.. Well, no, what I really need is I way I can get into shape in my own home, I have no desire to exercise in public........

Any ideas for something that I can do just to ease myself into exercising slowly? I have some fitness videos for when I'm better acquainted with physical activity, but I'd like something a little less....aggressive...for starting out.

[Guest Jade T]

Hi Shilo as a former Army vet and Drill Sergeant, I have seen quite a bit of people trying getting into shape. No offense intended .

One of the easiest ways to improve PT that I advised to future and my soldiers was to do push-ups and sit-ups on the hour, every hour during your waking hours on weekdays. Right now, if you can only do 9 push-ups, try doing 5 push-ups every hour Monday's - Friday. You may be very sore by the end of the week. Next week on Monday try to see how many you can do non-stop. After that, try for half of that every hour on the hour. During the periods of exercise, if you are unable to continue, try doing them on your knees. It will help ease some of the load off of you. But remember, push-ups on your knees do not count in the PT test. Continue doing this and you will definitely see significant results in about a month =). I remember I did this method when I was in service to hit my goal of 100+ push ups to compete in a unit push-up competition. I still lost to someone who did 121 push ups lol.

I definitely understand what you mean about the hormones. I have ceased all weight lifting and upper body exercise about a year ago and started on hormones recently. Oh boy do I get tired so fast! However, if you out yourself as transgender in the military, it is grounds for a Chapter (getting kicked out) or a bar for enlistement. During my time in service, I did not have any bloodwork done that EVER tested my hormone level of any type. If you do decide to join the military, I doubt they would notice anything amiss if you chose to not share that information. You probably would want to stop taking the estrogen though to prepare for Basic Training. Though it is not as hard as it use to be, if your body is not use physical exercises and demands, it can be excruciating to some. If you get fit before you go to Basic, then the rest will be a cake walk. You just have to do what the Drill Sergeants tell you and you will be golden Hope that helps some

Hugs,

Jade

[Guest Elizabeth K]

My understanding - if you have that penis, you are considered a man in the military (IN THE USA). You need to verify that in Canada.

The military will literally mold you into a new person physically, if you pass the minimum standards to get in. It will probably be pretty brutal but it will get you where you want to be, I am assuming.

I am glad my days are over for that kind of thing (boot camp - US Army - summer of 1968 - Ft. Sill Oklahoma). I now fight my battles for a proper weight and physical conditioning in a gym. A gym is really not what you think - nobody sees you - everyone does their own thing. Perhaps you are thinking about a class or something as a group. THOSE are more public.

My suggestion? Find a gym - and start out on the treadmills, maybe the bike type exercisers - get your resistance to pain up so you understand about 'second wind' (that point AFTER you feel you cant go anymore). THEN work in an 'abs' machine (instead of the physical old fashioned sit ups) When you get your numbers and endurance up on he machine THEN do actual sit ups.

Baby steps.

And I assure you again? Nobody will really see you or even care. Get a set of earplugs and an IPod - tune out the world - do your reps - go back home and chill! Go every other day (and off Sunday) and always go w/o EVER thinking you will skip 'just this time.' Work on the heart rate (pulse rate) as much as on a losing of weight. Weight will come off naturally if you do right at 30 minutes. Don't do over an hour when you work up that high -you won't need it. Exercise combined with a reasonable diet - but the best part? You will start loving yourself again.

Lizzy

Oh girl exercises? Butterfly machine for muscles under your breasts, and abs (pulling in that girl tummy fat) and not much more except to tone any flab. I avoid almost all the leg muscle machines and especially the upper body exercise machines - guy stuff!

[Guest otter-girl]

Get a book on yoga. its such a good allround system. Start with wall pressups. Stand facing wall take a large step back and do them against wall. Seems easy at first but try 20. It wakes the muscles and soon youll be doing floor ones starting with one on day one only, then 2 on day two etc etc. If get strained rest. That way you actually proceed faster. Thats how i started years ago when doing martial arts.

Hugs

Rachel

[JJ]

You like gaming right? If you set an exercise bike up in front of the tv and rife it while gaming it can help you go longer faster. A good boss fight can cause me to pedal at top speed before I know it.

Don't game much right now because I really prefer hiking to gaming and have to chose but back when I was keeping in shape it worked well.

You have to find something you like and that makes you feel good in order for it to really work I believe,

I was just reading articles and stories about large weight loss and keeping it off and one thing I saw across the board was that those who continued an exercise they enjoyed to the same level after dieting-and the most common was walking-kept the weight off for years while those who dropped the exercise didn't. It's the most important thing I think,

Hope you find something you like that works for you

Johnny

[Guest Robin Winter]

However, if you out yourself as transgender in the military, it is grounds for a Chapter (getting kicked out) or a bar for enlistement.

I don't think that's necessarily true in Canada, though I imagine it would depend to some degree on the personal views of the people directly involved at the time. I do know that if you're in the military and you come out as a trans person, you are then kitted and treated as a member of your "target gender" (their terms), so I assume that they would consider me a woman in all respects when possible. The question I haven't yet been able to get a clear answer on is of course, whether or not disclosure prior to enlistment will have a negative impact on whether or not I'll be admitted. I just really can't see how I could get away with not sharing the information. I mean, I'm not porn star material of course, but I do have some rather noticeable breast development....and going off estrogen is simply not an option for me at this point, I won't do it.

My GT's opinion is that I should be up front and honest, because if they don't want me as I really am, it's probably not a good place for me anyway, and she's probably right.

[Guest Donna Jean]

My GT's opinion is that I should be up front and honest, because if they don't want me as I really am, it's probably not a good place for me anyway, and she's probably right.

Dang good point!

Dee Jay

[Guest Elizabeth K]

However, if you out yourself as transgender in the military, it is grounds for a Chapter (getting kicked out) or a bar for enlistement.

I don't think that's necessarily true in Canada, though I imagine it would depend to some degree on the personal views of the people directly involved at the time. I do know that if you're in the military and you come out as a trans person, you are then kitted and treated as a member of your "target gender" (their terms), so I assume that they would consider me a woman in all respects when possible. The question I haven't yet been able to get a clear answer on is of course, whether or not disclosure prior to enlistment will have a negative impact on whether or not I'll be admitted. I just really can't see how I could get away with not sharing the information. I mean, I'm not porn star material of course, but I do have some rather noticeable breast development....and going off estrogen is simply not an option for me at this point, I won't do it.

My GT's opinion is that I should be up front and honest, because if they don't want me as I really am, it's probably not a good place for me anyway, and she's probably right.

I agree - i seems being up front is the way to go.

Liz

[Guest Robin Winter]

You like gaming right? If you set an exercise bike up in front of the tv and rife it while gaming it can help you go longer faster. A good boss fight can cause me to pedal at top speed before I know it.

Don't game much right now because I really prefer hiking to gaming and have to chose but back when I was keeping in shape it worked well.

You have to find something you like and that makes you feel good in order for it to really work I believe,

I was just reading articles and stories about large weight loss and keeping it off and one thing I saw across the board was that those who continued an exercise they enjoyed to the same level after dieting-and the most common was walking-kept the weight off for years while those who dropped the exercise didn't. It's the most important thing I think,

Hope you find something you like that works for you

Johnny

The problem there is that I can't afford the equipment. I *wanted* to get an elliptical, I think I could enjoy that with my mp3 player, but I wasn't able to convince my wife it was a good idea, which is unfortunate, because we can get one disgustingly cheap if we get a refurb from the guy that services our building's gym equipment. Although, her reasoning at the time was that she wanted to get a new computer, and we have done that already....hmmm, might have to look into that again.

[Charlize]

PEACE,

and love, Charlie

[Guest Jade T]

However, if you out yourself as transgender in the military, it is grounds for a Chapter (getting kicked out) or a bar for enlistement.

I don't think that's necessarily true in Canada, though I imagine it would depend to some degree on the personal views of the people directly involved at the time. I do know that if you're in the military and you come out as a trans person, you are then kitted and treated as a member of your "target gender" (their terms), so I assume that they would consider me a woman in all respects when possible. The question I haven't yet been able to get a clear answer on is of course, whether or not disclosure prior to enlistment will have a negative impact on whether or not I'll be admitted. I just really can't see how I could get away with not sharing the information. I mean, I'm not porn star material of course, but I do have some rather noticeable breast development....and going off estrogen is simply not an option for me at this point, I won't do it.

My GT's opinion is that I should be up front and honest, because if they don't want me as I really am, it's probably not a good place for me anyway, and she's probably right.

Ah I apologize, I assumed you were in the States and did not realize you are from Canada. I should of paid more attention to that. My advice was based on my experiences with the U.S military and knowledge that transgendered servicemembers are not allowed. After reading your perspective on being honest and up front with them accepting you for who you are or it may not be good for you, it makes perfect sense. I never thought of it that way. If I had applied that philosphy, I probably would of been in a much better state than where I ended up during my time in service. Hehe maybe I should of talked to a GT years ago and saved myself all the trouble and hearthache I am going through now.

Best wishes,

Jade

[Guest Robin Winter]

No apology necessary, I still really appreciate your advice, and I'm certain the bulk of it still applies.

[JJ]

Almost every pawn shop and thrift store has exercise bikes. Much cheaper than retail, people go out and buy them and after awhile get fed up with them because they end up just gathering dust. I think you can get one for like $20 or less often-not your elliptical unless you get lucky but maybe if your wife sees that you will really use it and how much stress it will take away as well she'll change her mind and let you get the one you want. Also be sure it;s one that fits as far as seat style. People vary a lot there. Makes a real diffefrence in how long you can or will ride too. I can't just liten to music because I have to be doing something with my mind all the time and can't just zone out to music. Wish i could

Johnny

[Guest LizMarie]

I spent $800 for an industrial grade treadmill nearly 15 years ago and still use it to this day. But I frequently see gym equipment resold second hand for far less. Shop around! You might be surprised at what you find.

[Guest Valerie]

Shilo;

Look at my post 28Months HRT/ 7 months RLT.

In my reply I posted a couple of exercise routines that I have started using again on June 1st.

One uses a simple deck of playing cards and you focus on doing Sit-Ups and Push-ups.

The other one uses a Life Cycle or Exercise Bike. This one works on Cardio and also builds up your endurance.

/Love

Valerie

[Guest Valerie]

Shilo;

Let me try posting this information by cut/paste.

#1 = Start with a deck of cards. Sit on the floor or a mat. Decide which color of cards is for Push-ups and Set-ups are for the other color. (i.e. Red means Push-ups, Black means Sit-ups).

Shuffle the deck and flip over the first card. FIrst card 3 of Diamnonds. Now you do 3 push-ups, then flip the next card, Jack of Spades. Now you do 10 Sit-ups. (One push-up or sit-up for the number value of the card you flipped over. 2-9 is 2-9 push-up or sit-ups. Jack through the King are 10 each, with the Ace being 11.) This is a very good system, for it will take you a while to before you are able to go through the complete deck in one setting.

#2 = Using a Life-Cycle or something simular. Start by doing 15-20 minute sets, get off the machine and walk around for a few minutes. Then you repeat the process. Work your way up to being able to complete a one hour long set, then walk around and do another one hour set.

These are two exercise routines that I learned a very long time ago when I was in the Navy.

/Love

Valerie