How to "Workout" for the First Time *Trans Mental Health Edition
Hey there! I'm Colton, Executive Director of CAKE. Before working in the nonprofit space, I use to be a full time personal trainer and group fitness instructor. Something that always stood out to me though, was there was no "easy way" for trans and/or queer folx to learn the basics of working out without putting themselves in an "umcomfy" environment. That's why I started this amazing company we have today! This intro blog is meant to guide you not only for "what to do" but "how to do it". I mean that in an emotional and mental health way.
This guide will set you up to sustain happy and health habits from day one! Let's get to it.
Tip #1 - Forgive yourself, and get ready to start fresh!
This means every time in the past that you've made a decision that wasn't in your best interest, or every time you may stray away from your goals. Forgiving yourself and being consistent requires more strength than the heaviest weight in the gym.
Without consistency, and without loving yourself, working out will not be enjoyable or a part of your life.
Bonus: Even if that means a 3-7 day break, get back to it once you're ready!
Tip #2 - Create a Trans Workout Environment that is ENJOYABLE.
You heard me. That means begin your process from day one with a foundational environment that encourages you! You want your atmosphere to match the mood you are trying to create. Hang flags, get your gender-affirming super hero, heroine, awesome savior of the movie out, roll out a gender-affirming yoga mat, put on some Cher or Miley or idk maybe TikTok Banger! You know what is going to positively reinforce your habits best! So make whatever space you're working out in an enjoyable zone that will motivate you to come back.
Ideas for areas to workout:
Bedroom
Hallway
Basement
Park
Yard
Attic
"Hang flags, get your gender-affirming super hero or heroine out, roll out a gender-affirming yoga mat, put on some Cher or Miley or idk maybe TikTok Banger! "– Colton, Zumba Instructor
Tip #3 - Put it on an APP or on your Calendar
In addition to doing advocacy for the trans community, I am also a person who proudly lives with diagnosed ADHD. That means it is very easy for me to forget about something if it's not upfront and center. If I don't have notifications or an app telling me I need to do something, it might fall off the schedule until I remember way later!
For those who are beginning to workout, in order to build this habit, make actions that will embed it into your day!
Tip #4 - Find other Trans/Queer/LGBTQ+ friends to go along your journey with you
There's so many amazing people in your life who are here to cheer you on! If you're able to have just one of them be your supporter, workout buddy, cheerleader etc. you are guaranteed to stick to whatever plan or goals you have set out.
Rather make friends who are in your same shoes? Looking for other Transgender, Gender-Expansive or Queer people who like fitness?
Look no further! That's why we're here! Join our discord server to meet others! Just introduce yourself and ask if anyone needs a workout buddy!
Join here: https://www.cakesocietyco.org/virtual-open-gym
Tip #5 - Do not compare yourself to the Instagram Trans Fitfluencer's Journeys
I bet you've heard (if not me), but someone else say this before. You may already be on your phone scrolling through insta looking at all of these trans fitness influencers thinking "wow that will never be me". YOU'RE RIGHT. That person has their entire own life and journey and you my friend have your own beautiful, amazing, personalized, individual journey too! What the universe will bring you will be 100% unique to you, and that is what makes you who you are. The health, wellness or fitness journey that you have is special and unique.
The people you see online have different HRT plans, different surgery plans, different ideas of what being transgender or queer means to them. Which means they have different bodies and different goals and a whole different journey.
YOU ARE AMAZING, AND YOUR JOURNEY WILL BE TOO.
Don't forget where we started these tips together, forgiveness and willing to build the right space to encourage you to stay in the game. Join our discord server today to connect with others starting their journeys! If you found this advice helpful, or you have other advice for your trans family leave a comment below the post.
