Ask a Member: Anti-Discrimination and LGBTQ Inclusive Education

Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in conservative religious communities is not new, but in recent months protests that claim to “stand against gender confusion, sexual orientation, and the indoctrination of children in schools” have focused attention on the role of public education in teaching meaningful inclusivity. Parents and communities who fear a conflict between the contents of the…

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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…

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A Cautionary Tale for Women: My 8-week Experiment with Steroids

Words by Fatima Lee Garsi This sounds scary already! What kind of steroids did you take FLG? Tell me.  About five years ago, I was rear-ended in a car accident. I suffered from whiplash, a spinal fracture, a tear between my vertebrae, and a concussion. I had to stop exercising for some time afterwards, especially…

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Ask a Member: How Does Sister Fit Measure Up to Similar Gyms? 

Words by Raida C.  Hi everyone! My name is Raida. I am a member of Sister Fit whenever I’m in Toronto, and I also attend 9Round, a gym specializing in kickboxing fitness, when I’m out of the city. As I’ve attended both gyms regularly, I thought I’d outline my personal experiences at each space.  So,…

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Putting Skin in the Game: Invest – Commit – Conquer

Words by Fatima Lee Garsi Happy New Year! Well, Happy February! Do you like making New Year’s resolutions or goals?  I do, but not the typical goal that demands upheaval and a complete lifestyle makeover – which is the kind of goal that often grabs our attention. As years pass, I am more realistic; I…

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Fine Ideals: Body Positivity vs. Body Neutrality

Words by Hollay Ghadery There’s this picture of me I posted on Instagram: I’m wearing high-waisted jeans and a blue and red houndstooth cardigan tied in a tight knot over my belly button. The bottom of the picture cuts off mid-thigh, the top, around my shoulders, so you can’t see my face. I took this…

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