These American Women Are Rocking Their Fitness Careers While Wearing a Hijab

Have you faced stereotypes in the sports industry?

N.S. I've never experienced criticism from anyone directly through my (Muslim) community. However, I do experience backlash about being veiled through my online platform. Such as comments about me working out with my hijab and the many online trolls lingering on social media. I do have experience at the gym where I was stereotyped for wearing my hijab. A lot of the time when I walk into the weight room, I never know what to expect as a response from the people around me. One time I had been waiting for a squat rack when a man jumped in front of me and was aware that I had been waiting.

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Have you faced stereotypes in the sports industry?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. Plenty, but I always take advantage of these opportunities to educate people and stand out as an individual. The hijab forced me to stand out, so I figured why not make the most of it? One of the best ways to represent the Muslim community, in my opinion, is to live life and practice my religion simultaneously. I've had a man stand inches from my face and yell at the top of his lungs, as to why he believes I should take off the hijab. Within a few minutes, he gave me his phone number and asked to keep in touch.

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How do you deal with it?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

N.S. That time with that man at the gym, I decided to deadlift instead. As I began to load on the heavy weights and lift, he walked over to me and apologized (saying) he wasn't aware that I really needed to do a workout. Coming off as his workout was worthier than mine.

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How do you deal with it?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. If someone gives me a dirty look or rude remark, I just laugh it off. It's hard to stay mad at someone who's smiling or laughing. I've had multiple encounters, but not once did it end on bad terms. I've found that it's hard for people to continue to be rude, if I'm showing them nothing but kindness. That being said, I always make sure I'm aware of my surroundings – safety first.

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Aside from peoples own perception of you, has being veiled in this field held you back, sports-wise?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

N.S. No, being covered has motivated me more to get involved in sports and has been my motivation to keep going on my fitness journey.

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Aside from peoples own perception of you, has being veiled in this field held you back, sports-wise?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. Yes and no. Being covered, in and of itself, has not, but the proper gear has. That's why I've been working on my own apparel line. I don't believe in giving up and I don't like to give myself any excuses for not being the best version of myself. I like to push myself passed my limits. I'm working on athletic gear that is designed to handle all sorts of sports and perfect for those who like to cover up. I never want to sacrifice comfort and movement for modesty.

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Do you think being veiled and athletic could make you a role model for women who want to get into fitness?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

N.S. I hope I can be of inspiration and a role model to women around. We are so often used to breaking one another down or having others break us down, and the least I can do is make a path for women to live a healthy lifestyle and learn to love their bodies and selves.

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Do you think being veiled and athletic could make you a role model for women who want to get into fitness?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. I've been humbled by those who have reached out to me to tell me that my
videos have inspired them to wear or continue to wear the hijab. I was blessed with role models that inspired me to wear the hijab as an athlete. I think it's easier to see yourself wearing it when you see someone wearing it and doing the same activity you love.

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Is what you wear a big consideration for you when working out?

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N.S. Yes, definitely! I love stylish, modest, and colorful clothing. When I have a cute workout outfit on, it not only makes me feel good, but my workouts turn out to be 100 percent more intense.

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Is what you wear a big consideration for you when working out?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. Believe it or not, I have outfits for different moods, muscle groups, exercise types, and traveling. When I'm not in the mood to go to the gym, I wear my favorite outfits to give me that extra boost of motivation. When it's leg day, I avoid wearing thick leggings, so that I don't have any restrictions when I'm moving around. If I'm traveling, I try to pack as light as possible. I'll usually stick to hoodies, one cap, and leggings.

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Where do you find cute but modest sportswear? And does the Nike Pro Hijab fit into this?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

N.S. I love the [inclusive path] that Nike has paved for other big companies to hopefully follow. It gives Muslim women a space in recognizing their identity and that they are appreciated. However, there are far more Muslim-owned companies that have led this way for us and should be getting just as much recognition by the Muslim community – such as Mumine Activewear, and Bella Hijab, and Veil Garments.

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Where do you find cute but modest sportswear? And does the Nike Pro Hijab fit into this?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. While I still haven't tried the Nike hijab myself, I think the Nike team is heading in the right direction. It's important that we get represented. When I first decided to wear a hijab, there were only a few sport hijabs available. The
more options hijabis have, the less time we have to spend worrying about the logistics and the more time we would have to practice what we love.

I'm working on athletic gear that is designed to handle all sorts of sports and perfect for those who like to cover up. I never want to sacrifice comfort and movement for modesty. I've been working on these designs for over three years, but I'm looking forward to sharing the products with everyone before the end of 2018.

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What are your favorite sports clothing brands?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

N.S. Nike and Adidas.

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What are your favorite sports clothing brands?

Image Source: Instagram user yazfitpt

Y.K. Under Armour and Nike are my two favorite brands, but, as I've mentioned, I've been working on my own athletic apparel that focuses on modest fitness for athletes. There is a lot of design and trial-and-error when it comes to athletic apparel that is modest without restricting movement.

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