Leadership
Time to Get Skinny: How Words Connect Us
If any of you know me, you know I would NEVER say that it’s “time to get skinny” as a way to motivate you to do your exercises. But, I did indeed use this phrase with a group of Somali women when I was hired to teach a group fitness class for the teachers at…
Read More4 Bad B Life Lessons with Cynthia Roulston
Jamaidian Kettlebell Lady: Bad B Cynthia Roulston Our Jamaican Jerk kettlebell workshop was a real success on September the 25th with Bad B, Cynthia Roulston. It’s not often I give people the title of Bad B! I even introduce Cynthia as Bad B to new members at the gym – she’s someone who has walked…
Read MoreSPECIAL EVENT | Jamaican Jerk: An Introduction to Kettlebell Sport with Cynthia Roulston
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Read MoreSPECIAL EVENT | Pain to Power: Finding Calm in the Chaos of Identity Body Image and Disordered Eating
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Read MoreA Brand Change for Sister Fit
By Fatima Lee Garsi Since its inception, Sister Fit has been a space open and affirming of diverse identities. Recently, you may have noticed that we have made a deliberate shift in our branding and services to more clearly and consciously include LGBTQ+ people and diverse women, in addition to Muslim women. Some Muslims have…
Read MorePersonal. Political. Powerhouse. Meet Lina Khalifeh from SheFighter!
Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Photography by Keemya Parsa Meet Lina Khalifeh! I’ll always remember the first time Lina came into Sister Fit. When she saw me, her eyes widened in surprise. She wasn’t shy to tell me that she expected me to be a conserative looking Muslim woman from Pakistan. Instead, she was met…
Read MoreBuilding 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…
Read MoreMainstream 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,…
Read MoreLeadership 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…
Read MoreLeadership 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…
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