For years, exercise was the thing I always meant to start “next month.” Having young children, running a household, and managing everything else left no energy. Plus, the thought of working out in public as a hijabi felt uncomfortable.
Then my doctor told me my blood pressure was creeping up. That conversation changed everything.
Finding the Right Gym as a Hijabi
- Planet Fitness — most locations are genuinely judgment-free. No one has ever made me feel uncomfortable about my hijab.
- Women-only hours — some gyms offer them. Call ahead and ask.
- Home workouts — YouTube has transformed this. I do 30-minute workouts in my living room three times a week.
- Mosque walking groups — check if your Islamic center has one. Mine does, and it has been transformative for my mental health.
Modest Workout Clothes That Work
- Sports hijab — Nike and Adidas both make them now. This changed everything.
- Long-sleeve compression tops under regular gym tops
- Loose-fit athletic pants or joggers
- Layers are your friend
The Mental Health Benefit
Exercise as a Pakistani mother in America is not just about physical health. It is 30 minutes that belong to you. Time to be Humera, not just someone’s wife or mother. That matters enormously. ☕
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