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Compelling stories, rants, and raves!
12 Amazing Facts You Need to Know About Arnis
By Fatima Lee Garsi If you’ve ever been curious about this intriguing art, here are 12 amazing facts you need to know about arnis. I was first introduced to arnis when I was living in Taiwan in my twenties. I saw an ad on a blog for expats that said “stick fighting” and felt compelled…
Building an Authentic Identity • Asmaa Hussein from Ruqaya’s Bookshelf!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Asmaa Hussein: Ruqaya’s Bookshelf lady! That’s what I’ve been calling Asmaa since I’ve been acquainted with her through my circle of friends. I think merging her with the name of her indie publishing company reflects my impression of her. She has built a strong and…
Mainstream Fitness – Creating a Culture of Jerks
By Fatima Lee Garsi In the last ten years, I’ve ebbed and flowed through the fitness world as a certified personal trainer. Actually, it’s felt more like a battle. Many, many battles. I’ve worked for Goodlife Fitness, LA Fitness, boutique style gyms, a private women’s only studio, a physio/massage clinic, my own studio in Kitchener,…
Leadership Identity Series: Episode 3 – Unwavering Reema Gets Down to Business
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Reema Rafay: Reema Rafay is a business beast! I was first intrigued by Reema several years ago when she added me to an annoying FaceBook group about body transformations. I suppose I get annoyed with anyone who adds me to any group! Reema however, impressed…
The BEST Diet!
By Fatima Lee Garsi This is NOT clickbait! I promise! I have been studying nutrition for several years and in 2013 became a Certified Nutrition Coach with Precision Nutrition. I’m aware of all the latest diets out there…Atkins, keto, paleo, low-carb, carb-cycling, calorie counting, baby food (which my mom insisted I do when I was…
Leadership Identity Series: Episode 2 – From Canada to Barbados!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip Meet Fatimah: I am pleased to introduce you to Dr. Fatimah Jackson-Best! Fatimah Jackson-Best is indeed the best! This is a lady who is the real deal; there’s something about FJB (I hope she doesn’t mind the acronym!) that is real nice. This is someone who…
Leadership Identity Series: Episode 1 – MasterChef Canada’s Reem Ahmed “Good Mood, Good Food!”
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by James Ip I started the Leadership Identity Series – a long-term interview project featuring unique, passionate, leading Muslim women – to have meaningful conversations about what it takes to be a leader. I wanted to talk to women who had a strong sense of identity, who challenged themselves,…
The Problem with “Safe Spaces”
By Fatima Lee Garsi Whoa FLG – what on earth are you talking about? Isn’t Sister Fit a “safe space” for Muslim (and non-Muslim) women! YES! It is! Hold your horses and henchmen! Let me explain… What exactly is a “safe space?” A safe space is a place where the owner of the space can…
We Are Open…with important protocols to keep you healthy and safe.
We are very excited to welcome our members back to the gym beginning on July 1st! By adhering to government health guidelines and training protocol provided by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), we can look forward to a return to Sister Fit that will be safe for all our members as well as…
First Step: Self-education to Combat Anti-Black Racism
Do the Deep Work: When we’re not on social media, what are we doing? Awareness is important and essential – but what happens when we step away from our screens? What will happen a week from now? A month? A year? Anti-racism work is an ongoing, introspective, deeply connected process that involves a commitment to…