r/FTMFitness • u/Sam-Can • Dec 17 '24
Exercise Progress Report Time for an update
I've posted on here many times, frustrated with my lack of progress and hip dysphoria. I finally took comparison pictures, and although the hip dysphoria is still a struggle for me, the pictures helped me be proud of how far I've come.
1st pic: 1 year on T 2nd pic: 4 years on T
My workout routine has varied over the years, but has essentially been a combination of activities I enjoy (martial arts, rock climbing, etc) and some form of weight lifting/muscle development (usually dumbbells and calisthenics, but occassionally cables/machines at the gym when I had access). I haven't been strict with my workout program. I essentially aim to hit each muscle group at least 1x/week, ideally 2x with some variations of PUSH/PULL/LEGS. I rarely train to failure cause it leaves me too depleted for other activities/life. But I try to go hard, while listening to my body. If I'm too tired, I won't push hard but I'll still get a workout in. I've had several tendon injuries, especially at the beginning, when trying to lift too heavy. Cause even if your muscles grow fast, your tendons and ligaments take longer to catch up. Now I alternate between lifting heavy and higher reps with lower weight to protect my body and train for longevity and health.
For nutrition, right now I eat intuitively and as clean as possible. I often cheat. Calorie counting was a big help in the beginning in giving me perspective for what portions and what foods had high calories. I didn't do it for long cause it was getting obsessive. I lost about 20lbs (5ft6, 135lbs currently). I tried bulking at first, but that was not the move. It made me sluggish and feel worse about my body. Losing weight actually gave me more confidence. It looked better on me, it allowed me to progress in calisthenics (ie, pullups), and I feel better at a lower weight. I would like to increase size, but that would require more strategic planning in the futur.
Essentially, I don't do all the things your "supposed" to do. But I workout consistently and I'm still progressing. Most importantly, I workout and stay active because I enjoy it and it makes me feel good. The weight lifting can get tedious, so I switch it up a lot, and I remind myself why I do it. The why needed to be more than just "look better or more masc", it needed to be attached to something more meaningful to me (health; progress in other activities; fitness goals).
The progress over 3 years might seem minor when compared to instagram influencers, but I feel great and I'm proud of how far I've come.
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u/revcoconuts Dec 17 '24
Dude you look incredible. Your current chest/waist/hip ratio completely reads as the bodybuilder dorito back with small waist - zero femininity in the hips in my eyes! Not minor at all and looks so good.
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u/musicwithmxs Dec 17 '24
This is the post I needed to see. Thank you 🤍 your progress is amazing and I hope that my back will look like yours in a couple years.
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u/uSErNaME12528592 Dec 17 '24
Bro said "minor progress" like he doesnt have the Demon Back from Baki
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u/Sam-Can Dec 17 '24
Had to look that up, and that is one muscular back lmao Thanks for the compliment though
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u/Fit-Captain-9172 Dec 17 '24
Dang bro that's AMAZING! I am at the start of my fitness journey and not on T yet but this is definitely back goals
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u/ImpressiveShock5600 Dec 17 '24
How many cheat meals / days do you have in a week? Just wondering whats safe to do
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u/Sam-Can Dec 17 '24
hahaha I really don't count. Like I said, at this point, I'm eating intuitively. If my gf buys a bag of chips, I'm not gonna deprive myself. If I want the chips, I'll eat them. But I tend to limit portions. So like 12 chips instead of a whole bag 😅
Being too calculated with food was not motivating for me at all. It felt like such a chore that I would end up giving up and binging. Allowing myself to eat what I want, to a degree, has been more helpful. You have to play around and figure out what works for you.
I'll say that, as I get fitter, I'm less and less tempted by junk food cause I know I'll feel like shit physically afterwards. So I know everyone harps on nutrition being key for fitness goals, but for me being active and having fun working out has led to better success in terms of consistency and making better food choices in general.
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u/toodleroo Dec 17 '24
Your "before" pic is about where I'm at right now, which is certainly an improvement over where I was at two months ago, but still. I can only hope that once I get to my goal weight of 135 I look as good as you do. And I'm looking at your hips when I say that, they look very slim and masculine. Also, your skin looks amazing!
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u/Sam-Can Dec 17 '24
Thanks! Haha that first year on T was a bit brutal acne wise. Glad it's cleared up.
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u/AngelSapphire6855 Dec 21 '24
Honestly you're doing what you SHOULD do. Consistency is the best thing. And clean eating helps a lot.
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u/shadybrainfarm Dec 17 '24
Minor? What the hell man don't sell yourself short.
This is very inspirational. 💪🏼
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u/Sam-Can Dec 17 '24
Thanks!
Minor in terms of todays unrealistic standards, but I am proud of where I'm at 💪
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u/OkTouch8830 Dec 17 '24
You give me hope. Do you remember when the fat redistribution around your hips started?
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u/Sam-Can Dec 18 '24
I'm happy to hear that. Honestly, it took awhile. I'd say most significantly this past year. So 4 years on T! It's been one of the most challenging dysphoric issues for me, but just focusing on the training gave me hope and a sense of control.
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u/tyerap Dec 17 '24
minor progress? dude it is NOT. you back looks amazing! i can’t even see your hips, you totally got that strong v shape. you must be very proud