Two such fitness clubs launched in the Twin Cities last summer and another is on the horizon to meet the needs of Muslim women who want spaces where they can work out with or without a hijab.
As a teen growing up in Maryland and New York, Fatma Sheekh played soccer and tennis. Later on, her uncle introduced her to the art of boxing. Working out as a young adult gave her “consistency and clarity,” she says.
After the death of her uncle, Sheekh reintroduced herself to a fitness regime in 2022, starting with memberships at Life Time Fitness and Title Boxing Club in Edina. She was energized by this fresh beginning but felt out of place.
“I was like, this is it. I’m going to work out. I’m going to get healthy and get myself back on track, mentally and physically. I went to Life Time, and for the first time in my life, I was completely lost. I didn’t know where to begin,” Sheekh says.