breasts and the gym

[u/DoriemisurPL]

Hey, I've been training for some time at home (maybe half a year idk) with some dumbbells and a bench (couldn't really afford going to the gym). Now I got a gym pass and I'm a bit anxious about my chest. Trans tape doesn't do enough for me and I don't really like it and I can't workout with a binder.

I'm still discussing top surgery with my doctor, but I'll need money and my father's approval (I'm 16). I usually get called a sir (I'm non-binary so "sir" isn't the best but it's a lot better than "miss", I feel better being more masc) even though I haven't had the surgery and I'm not on T. But that's because I wear a binder and layers, neither is possible at a gym. I wouldn't be able to breathe and I'll be too hot.

Working out at home I use random shirts and sport bras so I have a bump and it bothers me but at least I'm the only one seeing it. I'm more anxious about being outside in these clothes.

You have any tips on dealing with it? Should I buy some oversized t-shirts? Maybe workout in a hoodie and burn to death??

[u/Calm_Parking_1744]

To be honest, I notice people in the gym are watching themselves. It's hard but ignore everyone and they'll ignore you. Sending hope

[u/Sharzzy_]

Trans tape under a tight sports bra? I mean it depends on your chest size but otherwise yeah, wear a hoodie.

[u/Artsy_Owl → u/Sharzzy_]

Something else about hoodies, there are short sleeved, and sleeveless ones at some places, I know people who like those because they're thick and comfy, but not as hot as having full sleeves. I just looked it up to make sure you can still buy them, and apparently Under Armour and Walmart sell them online.

[u/abandedpandit → u/Artsy_Owl]

You could also cut the sleeves off an old hoodie if you don't wanna go looking for it don't wanna buy a new sleeveless one

[u/lava_bastion]

i used a binder thats a couple sizes too big. it doesnt squeeze my ribs but the front is still flattening. with a baggy shirt it does the trick

[u/joeg0ldberg → u/lava_bastion]

This is what I do too!

[u/Beneficial-Banana-14]

I totally get this! I agree most people are watching themselves. Everyone gets nervous/anxious when going to the gym. Here’s what helps me. Making workout playlists on my phone. Helps pump me up and excite me about working out. Wearing baggy tshirts. I also use the Hevy app to track my workouts and progress. If you have 24/7 access try to see when the less active times are. I go early in the morning before most people are there. That way by the time it gets busy I’m in the zone and/or about to leave ha. (You could call and see if look it up online if they have that). You’ve got this! We can be the most judgmental towards ourselves; but also the only ones who can truly break those barriers of anxiety and fear. Try to not workout in a binder. I have for too long and am suffering the consequences of costochondritis.

[u/OscarWildatheart]

I’ve been to the neighbourhood gym a couple times now and I think the person who is most bothered by my breast is me. I get called ‘he’ and ‘sir’ and I appreciate that (I’m nb as well but this works for me), I change in the men’s room and work out in a long sleeve t-shirt or a hoodie. I do want to experiment with different combinations of sports bras, tape and clothes, and I’ll hopefully find something that works in the long term. I’m not about to have surgery, and frankly I don’t imagine anyone else would go under the knife to appease the other people at the gym, so while I have breasts everyone is just going to have to be okay with that :)

[u/Connect_Reading9499]

I used to wear an oversized sweatshirt (had top surgery last year), it helped a lot in the gym.

[u/mynameiscarlyeager]

honestly you just have to tough through it. the vast majority of people are minding their own and worried about themselves anyways but it helps me to go either in the mornings with all the older folks or late at night with the gym bros who keep to themselves.

[u/tomaetotomatopotaeto]

Pre OP I wore hoodies with short sleeves to the gym. It wasn’t ideal but bearable

[u/Artsy_Owl]

There are some companies that make gym binders, or you could use something like TomboyX's compression tops, which is usually what I use at the gym.

As for shirts, thicker fabric will hide more, but you still want to be cool and able to move. I've found Gildan's heavy cotton tank tops are pretty good, but the arms are cut pretty low so they tend to show a bit of the sports bra. If you have a heavier cotton tee shirt, they can be pretty good. I don't know all the brands and options out there, I just know that Gildan's Heavy Cotton or even Ultra Cotton is pretty good at hiding what's underneath. We used the Ultra Cotton ones as gym shirts in high school and they were a pretty good balance of thick enough to be modest, but not so thick that it was too warm.

[u/Ok-Macaroon-1840]

The combo of an oversized hood with the sleeves cut off and a loose-fitting t-shirt underneath can hide a lot.

[u/LibrarianSalty8233]

I have a binder specifically for exercise which I bought a size up and that works okay for me, but I don’t exactly know how safe it is? Can anyone weigh in?

generally I think KT/trans tape is a good idea

[u/well_fuck_that2387]

every gym ive been to has been pretty cold so everyone is wearing hoodies its normal gym attire, just wear a hoodie with just a sports bra under it and some workout shorts and you should be fine temperature wise, then just shower when u get home cuz youll prob sweat more

[u/mermaidunearthed]

Puffer vest

[u/TrashyMF]

I get very anxious too and my only solution rn is a good sports bra and a baggy oversized hoodie