Why Do Muslim Women Workout and How?

Workout is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle, and Muslim women are no exception. Whether they wear a hijab or not during their workout is a personal choice. Personally, I always wear my hijab during my workouts, ensuring my hair remains in place and I feel comfortable.

The Question of Accessibility

The question often arises, why would Muslim women go to the gym? To suggest that they should stay at home and spend all day eating is unnecessary and disingenuous. Just because a woman is Muslim does not mean she cannot enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. However, the gym environment presents some unique challenges for Muslim women who adhere to modesty practices.

Ladies Only Gyms: A Necessity

To address these challenges, many Muslim women opt for ladies only gyms. The gym environment must be such that these women feel safe and respected, especially when around other men. The presence of other men in this setting can be distracting, leading to temptation and potential harassment. This is a reality that needs to be acknowledged.

Men at the Gym: Not Just Workout Fans

Let's be clear: there are men who genuinely go to the gym to work out and improve their health. However, the gym can also serve as a dating ground or a screen to hit on potential partners. For Muslim women, this is not a desirable or acceptable atmosphere.

Take Control of Your Health

As a Muslimah, I have tremendous respect for the importance of health and fitness in my life. In the past, I struggled with poor eating habits due to a busy schedule. I made a conscious decision to prioritize my health and my body. This was a significant lifestyle change involving a better diet and the commitment to take care of my body.

Unisex Gyms: A Big Mistake

Initially, I had a membership at a unisex gym and it was a big mistake. The environment was too distracting, with sweaty and muscular men watching me workout or asking inappropriate questions. I found it impossible to focus on my workout when I had to contend with unwanted distractions. Instead of continuing to deal with these issues, I decided to move to a ladies only gym where I could prioritize my workout without the added stress of potential harassment.

When I'm in a ladies only gym, I don't wear a hijab. I prefer to put my hair up in a ponytail, allowing me to breathe and feel comfortable. Heat and exertion from exercising can be intense without proper ventilation. If I work out at home, I am in complete control of my environment and can focus solely on my workout without any unwanted distractions.

Home Gyms: A Convenient Solution

I absolutely love my home gym because it provides everything I need to get a good workout. The advantage of a home gym is that I can work out whenever I feel like it, without the need to commute or spend money on a gym membership. It's fast, convenient, and allows me to stay focused without any external interruptions.

Encouragement for All Women

My encouragement is not limited to Muslim women. All women should take care of their health and well-being, whether that means going to a ladies only gym if accessible or working out at home. Achieving personal health goals and milestones is important, and everyone should feel empowered to do so in a safe and supportive environment.