Muslim Women Remove Barriers to Exercise

Tag : Quick-Drying Fabric

If you are not exercising now or would like to increase your levelof physical activity, make a list of all the things that arepreventing you from achieving your goals.
Next to each item in the list, brainstorm ways to overcome it. Forexample, if you would like to exercise with other women, start an"exercise club" with your friends.
Don't be too ambitious. Initially, plan to meet once or twice aweek for a walk in the neighborhood or some other activity thatinterests the group. If you cannot find friends who want toexercise, join a woman's gym where you will be surrounded bylike-minded people. If that fails, try exercising alone. You justmight relish the solitude, especially if "me-time" isscarce!
If you have childcare issues that prevent you from exercising, swapbabysitting times with other mothers. I have a good friend whosometimes watches my children for a few hours while I run. If thatis not an option, exercise with your children.
You can place younger children in strollers or sports carrierswhile you walk or jog. You can ride bikes, swim, and do almost allsorts of other sports with older children.
Remember that you do not need to be an Olympian to be physicallyfit or skinny and muscular to enjoy exercise. You do not needexpensive equipment or a fancy gym to expend energy. Be creative,and incorporate exercise into daily activities  use the stairs,park farther away and walk, bike to the store, and so on.
Figure out what works for you, and work around your abilities,interests, and means. If a non-sewer like me is able to make asports hijab, I am confident that other Muslim women can overcomemany of the barriers they face.
The important thing is that you recognize the importance ofphysical activity, determine what is preventing you from doing it,and commit to making exercise a part of your routine.
Al-Gassra stated that she hopes by wearing the Hijood, she"will inspire other women to see that modesty or religiousbeliefs don't have to be a barrier to participating in competitivesports." (Australian Trade Commision)
You have, Sister Roqaya, inspired far more of us than you mighthave imagined. Race on!
Sources:
" Athlete Biography: Al-Gassra Roqaya ." The Official Website of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.Aug. 2008. Accessed 15 Sep. 2008. Firth, Niall. " Muslim Sprinter Wins Olympic Sprint Dressed Head to Toe in Hijab ." Mail Online. 2008. Accessed 15 Sep. 2008. " No Bother at All: Bahrain Sprinter Al Ghasara Says Muslim DressOnly Makes Her Faster ." International Herald Tribune. 2006. "Olympic Runner to Cut a Dashing Figure in AussieHijood."Australian Trade Commission. 2008. Accessed 15 Sep.2008. SwimOutlet.com . Accessed 15 Sep. 2008.