TransActive Fitness: Every Body is a Riddle - A Transgender Journey

Mike: “OK, take off your shoes and hop on.”

Me: I am horrified. Think light. Float like a feather.

Mike: (pulls out a case with a device that has crab claw) “I am sorry this might be a little uncomfortable. I will go as quick as I can.”

Me: You want to pinch me where?

Mike: Great. Now we have a base line, let’s get working!

It is awkward, I am not gonna lie. Calipers hurt, though maybe not as much as my pride. I am not going to sugar coat it. What I can offer as solace is that Mike Welch makes it as painless as possible, and through this process I am reminded me that the biggest obstacle to the change I want to see is my own pride, my own mind.

I am back in the gym at Better, Stronger, Faster Fitness because I know I can speak frankly with Mike, which is probably the most essential aspect of our working relationship. That, and a commitment and willingness to learn and grow on both of our parts.  Neither of us are experts on Transgender specific fitness, there is little formal “expertise” in the field. I come into this with the expertise of knowing my own body, and my commitment to research what trans people who have come before me have found useful and challenging. MIke comes in with expertise in anatomy and physiology, nutrition and hormones, bodybuilding, body-leaning, and a clever mind who like to solve riddles. I know I am a riddle, unraveling, opening doors to my own well-being and for other trans folks interested in a similar journey.

I know there are ways I can sculpt my form that are affirming. I know there are ways I can take charge of my body with firm focus AND compassion. I know this. He knows this. He has not traversed this exact landscape before, and yet we both believe that his experience as a field guide and ability to adapt will take us through this epic journey Better, Stronger, and Faster on the other side. Off we go!