Your Fitness Journey Starts Here
1. Check your motives
Too often, people set out on a fitness journey with the goal of changing how they look- usually, to lose weight. But in Islam, our bodies are an amanah, a trust from Allah (SWT), and we are encouraged to look after them with care and gratitude. Exercise should be an act of appreciation for what our bodies are capable of, not punishment.
Instead of chasing a smaller body, look at how far you can run or how much you can lift. Shifting your focus from aesthetics to performance will make you more likely to find the joy in movement, allowing you to make it a long-term habit. Many of us struggled to “commit” to it previously because we were doing it for the wrong reasons.
Personally, I exercise for the endorphins; for the active lifestyle; for the headspace it gives me. I don’t put any pressure on it. Exercise should be fun, and the moment you truly grasp that concept is when you will find consistency.
2. Finding (modest) activewear
It can feel overwhelming to start something new when you’re also facing added barriers, like finding modest clothing, but you don’t need to buy a whole new wardrobe. Layering is your best friend: try an oversized t-shirt over a long sleeve top, paired with joggers. For lifting, opt for flat trainers like converse to maintain stability and for running, look for a well-cushioned shoe. You don’t need to spend loads of money, you can start with what you have now.
3. Technical tips
One common misconception about running is that you need to be fast to be “good” at it. Running intentionally slow- slower than you think- is actually one of the best ways to build aerobic fitness and truly learn to enjoy the sport. Easy, “zone 2” runs should make up most of your training: they promote recovery, reduce injury risk, and improve overall performance.
If you’re new to the gym, don’t feel pressured to lift heavy or do complex routines. Compound exercises like squats, deadlifts and bench presses are a great way of simultaneously targeting different muscle groups. Begin with a light weight (even just the barbell) and focus on perfecting form. This will help activate the right muscles and protect you from injury as you progress.
These tips might feel a little slow-paced at first, but they’ll lay the foundation for real, lasting progress and more importantly, a positive relationship with movement.
4. Nutrition
As you begin to move more, your body will naturally need more fuel, and it’s important to honour that. Undereating can drain your energy, affect your mood, and hold you back from reaching your potential. Focus on adding nourishing foods like carbs, protein, and water, rather than restricting. Despite what diet culture says, carbohydrates are essential — they’re your body’s main source of energy during exercise. Protein is used for the for growth and repair of your muscles and water is a non-negotiable, especially when sweating during intense workouts. When you fuel your body with care, you give it the power to thrive, allowing yourself to reap the rewards of the hard work you've contributed.
I hope this post provides you with a fresh perspective on fitness and helps alleviate fears surrounding starting out, or even returning, to exercise. You are about to embark on an incredible journey and I am thrilled to have played a small part in getting you to the starting line. There is so much ahead of you and you do not need to know it all - just start.
