Working out

[rootgrowth]

Working out and building muscle is a great way to let off steam and feel better about yourself. I thought I'd give my advice since I've been working out and am really happy with my results.

 

Let me start by saying if you aren't on testosterone, you may not get the exact results your looking for, but you can still get really fit. If you are on testosterone then great because this sh*t is basically like anabolic steroids and it isn't hard to get jacked for a lot of people.

 

- My biggest piece of advice is GET IN THE HABIT. I never got in the habit and I'm half as big as I could be for it. Not only is it good to have a ritual, but working out daily is the quickest way to make it happen.

 

- Don't exhaust yourself. Working out lightly multiple times per day > really hard once per day. A good starting point is let's say you can do 10 pushups before you're winded and you have to quit. Do 8 pushups 3 times a day until that's easy, then increase the amount of pushups you're doing until you can do more and more. Do that with any workout.

 

- With workouts, if you're training to pass then you want to focus on your trapezius, back, pecs, and arms. Building pectoral muscle sounds contradictory but can really help with passing because it makes it more like you're just fit rather than there's something up under that shirt.

 

~Really good workouts for this are Skullcrushers, bicep curls, hammer curls, farmer's carry, lateral raises and chest presses

*boldened my favorites

 

- Legs are important but not as much if you're simply trying to pass better. You'll look way better if you work your legs but plenty of guys have chicken legs and whatnot. So don't stress over that too much unless you're trying to bodybuild

 

- Focus less on your biceps and more on your forearms and deltoids, and triceps. This will make your arm look wider and therefore stronger than just built biceps. 

 

- YOU DO NOT NEED PREWORKOUT, CREATINE, NONE OF THAT. It might help, but you do not by any means need it to get results. All you need is hard work.

 

- Your core should be 2nd priority. If you like girls, chances are they like abs. Plus it feels really good to have them, just that extra boost of confidence. Helps with dysphoria as well. Beyond that, having a strong core is simply important because your core is responsible for holding you upright, speaking and breathing

 

- PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR POSTURE. Stand up straight, boy! Not slouching and hunching over can actually lay the groundwork for muscle to build. Pay attention to how you're holding yourself and pay attention when you are exercising. It's really important. You can seriously injure yourself if you don't have proper posture when exercising. Never lift with your back, ever.

 

Finally, if you're working out in a binder then be very careful. Personally I run and do light weightlifting in my binder with no issues but you need to pay extra close attention. It's very easy to black out and it's almost happened to me before. Drink plenty of water and don't bite off more than you can chew. Most of all, believe in yourself. It's corny but it's half the battle. You can do this

 

Good luck

 

[rootgrowth]

One more thing. Invest in home workout stuff. Great deals on craigslist or you can head down to walmart to get a barbell and some plates for about $50. You'll feel more comfortable in your own house and feel less pressure to bind which really is not very safe and should be avoided.

 

Again on the binding... If you feel comfortable then please just wear a sports bra. It isn't worth potential lung damage. If you can, use an older binder that's stretched out. Nothing is worth collapsing over and it seriously is easy for it to happen. 

[awkward-yet-sweet]

Good stuff.

 

I've gotten back to working out regularly.  The only testosterone I take is a mild dose in cream form, for localized anatomical effect.  I've never taken creatine or protein powder, just eat a relatively healthy diet.  Never had to worry about bras or binders, since I'm absolutely flatchested.  I've gone shirtless in warm weather for years. 

 

I run each morning, and I do some strength training with weights as well as bodyweight exercises.  General farm work is also good if that's available.  We have a gas powered log splitter, but I split some by hand with an axe just because...it is amazing how tiring that can be.  And of course lifting, dragging, carrying, digging, weeding...anything to stay active. 

 

My favorite exercise is swimming.  I used to go to an all-female gym when I was in my girl form.  They had a huge pool.  I stopped going when they closed because of Covid, and I haven't been back.  When it is warm, I jump in our pond or go to the river which is a short drive.  Nice thing about the pond is I don't have to bother with clothes. 

 

And for the 18+ crowd, sex is good exercise 😉

[Russ Fenrisson]

This is some really good advice. Staying consistent is definitely key.

 

Never heard of skullcrushers or farmer's carry, but they sound like good exercises. Just carrying something for a bit or holding a position until you feel that stretch in your muscle is really underrated. It does require patience, though.  I'm constantly changing my routine and what I do on any given day so I can work on specific muscles.

 

Definitely working out at home decreases the pressure to push oneself in a way that might not be healthy. I just work at my own pace and add or decrease as I feel necessary.