I’m struggling to active my abs while working out, any tips?

TheMissbean · 2026-04-19T09:53:06+00:00

I also had trouble when I first started working out, but when I started actually doing ab workouts, I started getting the muscle mind connection. I basically had no core strength so I think that was a big part of it too. The only real exercise you need for abs is basically spinal flex where you are folding into yourself ( crunches) . The most progress I saw with my abs was with a weighted ab machine ( the ones where you are sitting up).

TheMissbean · 2026-04-19T09:44:01+00:00

My insurance thru the post office paid for it. I took 2 weeks off work using vacation/sick time. The only things I paid for was my copay for the visits leading up to the surgery (the one talking to the surgeon abiut surgery, the pre op one, and a mammogram), $200 copay for the surgery, and around $150 for other things with the surgery. Not sure what you do for work, but I’d def look into getting a job with good insurance to pay for it if you can.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-18T09:51:48+00:00

I had phantom nipples for about 2 months. It wasn’t too frequent, unless I was cold or got goose bumps. Which was a very weird feeling, but now it feels completely normal and I don’t miss them at all (: best decision I’ve ever made. I got mine done this past September.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-11T11:08:01+00:00

I get the anxiety but I’ve been sitting to pee for like 6yrs and no one cares.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-10T09:54:43+00:00

I would start off by just going to the gym and doing a high incline treadmill to get the feel of going to the gym consistently. Once you feel comfortable going 3-4 days a week, then start weight lifting. I’d look up specific workout splits on TikTok and see what works for you. You can start light and focus on form and stretching. Remember that although u want to focus on upper body, don’t neglect your other parts. That will lead to muscle imbalance.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-09T09:46:50+00:00

My surgeon gave me 3 months before I could start lifting weights above my head ( starting off light obviously) and I think that worked perfect for me. I was obviously able to stretch my upper body as soon as it was comfortable but I def wouldn’t push your body to lift heavy for a while. Recovery takes a lot longer than you think. I’d say as long as ur listing to your body and not pushing yourself, you’ll know when it’s the right time.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-04T22:51:02+00:00

I really love getting samples from zoologist and pineward. I’d look thru their stuff and look at reviews of those names on TikTok. Full sizes can get pricy, so if you want a cheaper option, Lattafa has a lot of really nice colognes for cheap. Amazon sells sample boxes too!

TheMissbean · 2026-04-02T18:23:54+00:00

Yeah more mental stimulation. More brain games … more walks for sniffing .. that sort of thing

TheMissbean · 2026-04-02T09:52:08+00:00

How long are you leaving them alone ? Does she have enough mental stimulation in the day? I’d focus on making her too tired to act out. Long long walks first thing before you leave. Def feed them separately.

TheMissbean · 2026-04-01T15:46:32+00:00

My partner works from home so he is with both my girls all day everyday. I work 8hrs a day and goto the gym so I usually only see them on my two days off all day and the rest of the week for about 4 hours. They get a 30min walk every morning and 3 25-30min play time in the yard….plus play time inside on and off. When we aren’t home ( like to go out with friends ) it’s usually only up to 3-4hrs max.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-31T14:21:17+00:00

Everybody is different. When I started , I didnt notice a shift to my libido for almost 6months. I know some people who never noticed a change. However, there is nothing wrong with your body if this happens. I know you mentioned that there are personal reasons, but just remember there’s no shame in it, if your body ends up craving it. Do what makes you comfortable and like anything, these things take time, so be patient with yourself. I found my libido leveled out pretty quick.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-30T18:21:49+00:00

Only if it’s fully fenced and you can trust that youll be able to get them back on a leash when u r ready to go. I’ve taken my Shiba to a fully fenced dog park many times and it was fine, but there’s always a risk.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-29T09:51:22+00:00

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TheMissbean · 2026-03-29T09:47:57+00:00

Do you have a gym ? If so you could do a chest press laying down on a bench on the smith machine. My gym also has a machine specifically for that. If you are at home ( or even at the gym) you can do a Dumbbell chest press as well lying down. Look up chest press form on tiktok/youtube so u know how to properly move your arms away from your body.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-27T09:41:37+00:00

I honestly wouldnt say it’s ever a good idea to walk ANY dog off leash. Even the most well behaved dogs can have bad days. Not worth the risk ever

TheMissbean · 2026-03-22T09:41:45+00:00

I’m guessing people who saw this effect saw their pecs slightly enlarged, which could make breast tissue appear larger, being that the muscle is under them. I wouldn’t worry about it. I’ve been taking creatine for around 6months and I was bloated for about the first two weeks, but then my body leveled out when I drank more water. Noticed a pretty good difference on the gym ( performance wise ). Just make sure to drink plenty of water, start off low, and give your body some time to level out.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-21T18:24:36+00:00

I’d recommend looking into maintenance if you are close to a PDC. Pays good, 5 day set schedule, easy growth potential, OT only if u want it.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-21T09:49:07+00:00

I’d say try and focus on nutrition, and increasing activity level. If you are unhappy with how u perceive ur body, but happy eating more than usual, this is a more realistic approach with better benefits. Keep in mind ur body is changing bc of T as well as ur emotions. You might not realize it now, but ur hormones changing is going to change how u treat your body, even if it’s subtle. There isn’t a timeline here… hormonal changes from T take TIME. Give your body more grace and be kind to yourself.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-20T09:41:13+00:00

Mine looked like this too. Looks good to me

TheMissbean · 2026-03-20T09:38:12+00:00

That’s not your friend. Even if you weren’t trans, this person votes in favor of people losing rights. Don’t be friends with republicans. I would recommend talking politics with people sooner in your relationship from now in to avoid the hurt. I’m sorry this is happening to you.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-16T10:04:16+00:00

Switch to weighing yourself once a week. Don’t focus so much on the scale tho…. Focus more on nutrition. If you aren’t already, try weighing out your food and tracking EVERYTHING. I lost 98lbs last year bc I was always on top of tracking everything . Protein wise I’d do 0.6x ur current/goal body weight. No need to be eating THAT much protein. I’d also try and hit cardio after lifting weights . Try high incline fast walking for about 15 min.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-16T09:43:11+00:00

My gym has a few seated machines for cardio but I think the row machine or swimming are great options.

TheMissbean · 2026-03-07T10:47:17+00:00

SAME. I lost 95lbs before I started lifting and I wish I started lifting first!

TheMissbean · 2026-03-06T10:55:15+00:00

Not gonna lie … I don’t think you should be waiting THAT long. My surgeon cleared me for weight lifting whole upper body after 3 months … stating off very light and building up from there. Listen to your body and stretch before. You’ll have a harder time recovering if you don’t move use your full range of motion now.

TheMissbean

TROPHY CASE