“Masculinizing my body through movement”: hypertrophy and strength as gender-affirming care in transmasculine adults

Background Gender-affirming care and physical activity are two strategies to address the elevated mental and physical health challenges faced by transgender people. What we are calling “gender-affirming exercise” combines these methods, with similar effects. Many transmasculine people use resistance training to align their bodies with their gender identities and improve their quality of life. The practice has previously been explored by Farber and has been mentioned in other studies; however, previous research is very limited.Aims This study is the first to explore the characteristics and effects of a gender-affirming exercise program, providing a foundation for future research and changes in the fitness industry.Methods Transmasculine lifters were interviewed about their experiences with gender-affirming resistance training. The interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify the goals and effects of these exercise programs.Results & Conclusions Participants were motivated by aesthetic changes and strength increases (Theme 1). They experienced several benefits to their wellbeing as a result of their training (Theme 2). Training was also seen to interact with gender-affirming hormone therapy and surgery (Theme 3). Developing gender-affirming exercise programs will help transgender people create bodies they feel at home in and nurture the strength of the 2SLGBTQ + community.