Perhaps you have seen fitness as a chore that cannot be swept off of your to-do list. Maybe fitness is the holy grail of your goals, but you don’t believe in yourself enough to pursue it. Maybe, just maybe, you do not see this lifestyle as worth your time. 

Put aside these beliefs, as I’m here to help you change them. 

I am a fifteen year-old high school student from Canada who is eager to share my bond with fitness and living a healthy lifestyle. I have always dreamed of making a positive impact in the fitness community, and I hope to share that motivation and insight through my posts. 

My fitness journey was, truthfully, a mess of wires— until I learned how to untangle them. The first step is to set clear, achievable goals, and commit to a schedule that you won’t be dreading every day. I know it sounds difficult, but there is a trick: when you are crafting your routine, make it tailored to your own needs and favorite forms. For example, if you are a beginner looking to increase your stamina, recognize where your weaknesses are and start there; that could include walking longer distances and playing competitive sports. I myself am a passionate basketball player who had to follow the same steps. I practiced regularly and, to this day, focus on my weaker areas to be a well-rounded player. After all, success comes with a strong foundation. 

When I began working out, I felt new and exposed, like a newly hatched bird. I didn’t know where to start or how to stay consistent. This is because I used methods that worked for others rather than myself. I came to realize that another approach could be taken – rather than basing your journey off of someone else’s, ask people who have more experience, or search for exercises tailored to your strength level, body type, and goals. 

I am often asked why I work out. Why would I invest my energy in something that takes so much time and effort? I believe that the quality of life increases when you have a healthy lifestyle. Today, we live in a society that puts instant gratification on a silver platter. It hides the benefit of hard work, and traps people in an endless cycle of scrolling and laziness. I work out because it elevates my lifestyle, increases my focus, betters my mood, and strengthens my body in ways I never thought possible. For example, I became noticeably fitter after months of effort and my confidence increased as a result. In the beginning, exercise can feel like scraping yourself after a fall. It is daunting, and I understand that. However, bandaging the wound feels rewarding, because it reminds you of who you are and what you are capable of. 

As people of Islam, we are taught to live with purpose. Every action must, in some way, serve the divine. Through working out, we can strengthen our God-given bodies. If fitness is something that you believe can strengthen your deen and connection to Allah (SWT), it is all the better to pursue. 

All in all, fitness is not a chore. Fitness is not a temporary challenge. Fitness is a lifestyle, one that you have the power to create. 

It is time to become the fittest version of yourself!