Mubarakah Ibrahim - A trainer who gets you

Are you a Muslim woman that’s wants to be trained by another inspirational Muslim woman? Then meet Mubarakah Ibrahim. She is on her way to creating a fitness empire. Mubarakah even went on the Oprah show to show some of her moves. We got a chance to talk to the fitness guru.

Can you tell us a little bit about your education and professional career?

I attended Southern CT State University majoring in Exercise Science. In addition, my fitness education was earned through the internationally recognized Aerobic and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) as a Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor. I also hold several other certifications through AFAA and have been in the fitness industry for 10 years. I have been hosting the Fit Muslimah Summits, the only health and fitness event of its kind exclusively for Muslim women for the last 4 years.

You call yourself “The Muslim Trainer, Mubarakah Ibrahim.” How does embracing your Muslim identity help you with your clients and overall brand?

Because I am a Hijabi, I think it causes me to really focus on strength, and being fit as oppose to the aesthetics of what my clients can achieve. I can help them lose a dress size or get in shape for a wedding but along the way I also point out how much their knee pain has been reduced or how dropping 10 lbs reduced the chances of them developing diabetes. I have two quotes that I say a lot. “Fitness is not a look, it’s a state of being … looking good is a side effect.” AND “Strong is the new sexy.”

Why did you decide to become a personal trainer?

I decided to become a personal trainer because I discovered that using the right formula of eating and exercise could literally transform a person inside and out. Once I discovered that I could help others do the same, I have ever since been excited to help others.

What’s one piece of advice you can give to our readers about staying fit?

Being fit is not a destination, it’s a journey. Creating a fitness regiment is important to reach a tangible health or fitness goal like losing 30 pounds or lower your cholesterol 20 points, but once you reach that goal you have to think of ways to developing a healthy lifestyle so you can maintain what you have achieved. Committing to taking the stairs everyday instead of the elevator or spending 10 minutes playing outside with the kids every Friday, small habits make a BIG difference. Make small changes and maintain them. Consistency is the key.

If someone is trying to lose weight, or even stay fit, what percentage is important for diet and exercise?

Jack LaLane said: Exercise is king, diet is queen and together they make the perfect kingdom. They cannot be separated if you want to get lasting results.

What kind of special sessions are available to sisters, who like to be modest, and work out only with other women?

My fitness studio is an all women’s fitness studio so all the classes and training are women only in a private 2000 sq ft studio.

I can’t control myself around chocolate. What’s the best way to beat cravings, besides don’t be around it?

The best way to deal with craving junk food is to crowd it out. Instead of focusing on what you should not be eating, focus on eating more healthy foods. Each week intentionally include more healthy choices in your diet and you will find that you don’t have room for the unhealthy things. For example, Week 1: commit to eating 7 servings of fruit and vegetables. Week 2: commit to ADDING 10 glasses of water a day. Week 3: commit to making 3 of your vegetables servings green vegetables, etc. As you add more healthy foods your body won’t crave the unhealthy ones. And in the end a small piece of chocolate every once in a while, won’t kill you.

You were also on Oprah’s show. What is it like to meet her? Did you offer to train her?

Meeting Oprah was an amazing opportunity. She is a very nice person. I am grateful for the opportunity she gave me to explain not just what I do but what I believe to millions of people around the world.

I did not offer to train her I didn’t want to steal Bob Green’s Client