In this episode of Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola, I’m sharing what I’m calling The Year of Becoming — a personal reflection on growth, boundaries, and stepping into the version of yourself you’ve been building toward. This isn’t a “new year, new me” pep talk. It’s about becoming: choosing alignment, protecting your peace, and remembering you’re worthy of love, support, and respect. n this episode, we talk about What “becoming” actually means (beyond goals) The growth that happens when you set real boundaries Releasing old versions of yourself without guilt Choosing alignment over approval Worthiness: receiving love, support, and respect And much more... Reflection prompts (for you) What am I becoming this year? What boundary do I need to set to protect that version of me? Where am I ready to receive more love, support, or respect? Are you ready for month of Ramadan? Check out Ramadan prep workshops at www.befit4akhirah.com/p/ramadanprep Remember to leave a review on iTunes and share this podcast with someone =) Thank you for your support, Coach Ola   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

Ramadan is one of the blessed months in the Islamic calendar that Muslims partake in around the world through fasting and acts of worship. Swimming is one of the sports that require a lot of energy from the body, and it can be challenging for someone while fasting. So what should you do? Should you cut it out completely or how do you make it work out? In this webinar replay, I spoke about the importance of dryland training, and how you can incorporate it during your training in Ramadan. We also spoke about intermittent fasting and recommendations for swimmers during their training. ✅To stay connected with Maggie and Ola, follow us on social media at: Maggie:   / dietitian.maggie   Ola:   / befit4akhirah   👉To get more dryland workout tips specifically for swimmers, check out the following: -IG: VasaTrainer:   / vasatrainer   -IG: SwimmerStrength:   / swimmerstrength   👉To view MySwimPro Ramadan advice from Fares, click the link below: How To Fast and Swim During Ramadan | Whiteboard Wednesday https://myswimpro.com/blog/2018/05/30... 👉To read the blog on advice for swimmers during Ramadan, click the link below: -https://myswimpro.com/blog/2020/04/23... 🎙To listen to previous podcast episodes, click on the link below: -How to be functional in your workouts with Adam Jongsm‪a‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to maintain muscle gains during Ramadan with Belal Hafeez‪? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to regain mobility during Ramadan with Dr. Je‪n‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Knee pain? How to go about it with Dr. Evan Osa‪r https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How getting started with swimming journey on land is very important with Ola‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to get started with triathlon journey and how it can be for the Muslim woman in hijab with Khadija‪h‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Why total body conditioning is important for your swimming journey with Ol‪a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How mental health is very important for swimmers during COVID-19 epidemic with Abbie Fis‪h https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to keep up with swimming during Ramadan & during COVID-19 with Fares Ksebat‪i https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -‬The mechanics behind dryland training for swimmers with Fabio Coman‪a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... If you are ready to get started with one-on-one training or need help, book a call with Coach Ola at www.calendly.com/befit4akhirah and visit www.befit4akhirah.com for more programs to come. #swimmer #Ramadan #faithandfitness

As salam wa alekom and hi everyone!  I am coming back to podcast, Alhamdulliah. It has been a while, and there are reasons behind that. In this episode, I discuss the following: Reasons that I signed up for therapy in Sept 2020 and why I left in 2024 Lessons learned from therapy since I was asked to share about it Another online program that I found beneficial for my mental health Who I find to be similar in the Muslim mental health space on this topic Truth behind Wisam Sharieff's collaboration that I discussed before on the podcast  Upcoming programs - Ramadan and the vision for summer 2025 Syria updates - my 2-cents on it since I am Syrian American Palestine  and the world How to navigate polarizations and cancel culture - my thoughts on this   To sign up to the upcoming Ramadan programs, please check the links below: The Happy & Lean Ramadan program - www.befit4akhirah.com/p/ramadanprogram Welcome Ramadan planner book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Ramadan-Holistic-Welcoming-Infographics/dp/B0BW27P7RN To learn more about the Integrate BPD program that I mentioned during episode, visit this website: https://integratebpd.com/ Check out br. Abdullah Routhman who also uses psycho-analytic approach incorporating Islamic psychology.  If you would like to be part of our FB group, come and join us at Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola on FB =) Thank you for your support, and I hope this episode was helpful for you.  Sincerely, Coach OlaBe Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola, Jeri, and Khadijah will discuss the reality and struggles of triathlon racing and swimming for the Muslim woman and athlete. The perspectives shared are quite interesting and unique so please enjoy this podcast with us.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, there are many potential struggles a Muslim athlete may have to face but there is definitely hope. Their stories can help motivate and inspire you to become an athlete and participate in a triathlon. They have overcome these hurdles and it is truly exceptional and exciting to learn how. With focus and determination, so much good is possible.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~Struggles as a Muslim athlete are shared as well as stories of success and overcoming them.   ~Racism as an athlete is touched upon as well as what we can do to help remedy it and protect ourselves from its many negative effects.   ~How they prepared/trained for their triathlon journey.     Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola, Naadhirah, and Nipal will discuss the struggle of swimming for the muslim woman living in Africa.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding what it's like to be a Muslim female swimmer in Africa. Please join us for this interesting discussion.   Here are some key takeaways: ~How did Fr3kls Aquatic begin? ~What problems and struggles might women in Africa experience as a Muslim swimmer? ~How can we support Muslim women in the middle east to become swimmers?   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola and Abbie Fish will discuss how swimsuits can impact our mental health. This is an important topic for the modern day athlete as well as everyone else so be sure to tune in for the details!   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding swimsuits' impact on our individual mental health.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, and Allison Schmitt were discussed as well as swimmings' impact on their mental health.   ~Sleep is critical for mental health! Coach Ola and Abbie Fish discuss the importance of a sometimes neglected habit.   ~Stress management is another important factor that is delved into and we cannot afford to overlook it.   ~Swimsuits can have a negative effect on many people and this may lead to them feeling insecure about their own bodies and comparing themselves to others. This subject is also investigated.   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola and Nura will discuss the importance of Muslim communities speaking up about swimming for future generations. Please join us on this interesting talk and learn why swimming should be a topic of discussion for Muslims.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding the importance of swimming and why it should be discussed with Muslims. Also, the appropriate ages to begin speaking to children regarding swimming.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~At what age should children first be introduced to and spoken with about swimming? The Red Cross had mentioned that babies as early as 6 months could be taught. Muslims are also recommended to learn swimming due to the fact that it may be considered a sunnah.   ~The hazards of leaving children alone in the water are immense. The parents should have knowledge of swimming because children can drown in the time it takes to respond to a text. Children should always be taught to ask permission before entering the water.   ~Aquaphobia was also mentioned as well as some strategies to deal with this fear.   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Swimming is important and should definitely be discussed within the Muslim communities!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola and Shereen will discuss the history of the burkini. Please join us on this interesting talk and learn about the origins of the burkini and where it actually came from.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding modest swimwear, where burkini originally came from, and the limitations that can come with modest fashion choices. It is important we recognize these key issues so we can make efforts to change how the world views modest swimmers.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~The Christian/Jewish/Mormon groups actually were the first at popularizing modest swimwear.   ~Burkini is actually a trademark term from a company and not just a style of bathing suit.   ~Muslim teens may have felt limited fashion-wise due to the prior limited styles of modest swimwear.   ~The design and fabrication of a swimsuit is also discussed.   ~How did Splashgear come to be?   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Modest swimwear can be both stylish and comfortable and waves are being made to improve on that front.    Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola, Carly, and Shanay will dive deep into water safety. They will also discuss how muslim mothers can incorporate swimming into their lives. Tune in for this interesting talk, with your favorite drink, and enjoy!   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, there are many hurdles to being a muslim woman especially living in the Western world. With our knowledge and efforts we want to make it easier for muslim ladies to swim and feel comfortable and happy doing so. Mothers are also included in this goal! Water safety is of critical importance for everyone as well.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~Community centers could consider giving muslim ladies exclusive pool time.   ~The CDC reports that ages 1-4 are the highest risk so water safety should be prioritized.    ~Learning how to swim is a recommended sunnah!   ~Even if lifeguards are present you should always be near your children.   ~Children should always be taught to ask permission to go to the pool/water.   ~Life-vests should be strongly considered for all youth and adults unable to swim.   ~Always swim with a buddy!   ~Four-sided fencing should be placed around all bodies of water near your home especially if you have children. (ex: pools/hot tubs/koi fish ponds etc.)   ~Get proper swim classes/education from instructors like Coach Ola! You could also take Coach Ola’s swimming course by clicking here.   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us! Remember to stay safe while swimming. The fact that swimming is a sunnah should prove to be motivational to us all. Overall, consider getting swimming classes or taking a swimming course to stay as safe as possible. Have a lovely week ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

Fabio Comana is the director of continuing education for NASM®, and a faculty member at San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego. He was the original developer of ACE’s Integrated Fitness Training™ (IFT™) model and led development on their personal trainer educational workshops. Fabio has a wealth of experience from working as a collegiate head coach, strength and conditioning coach, and club manager for Club One. Certifications: ACE, ACSM, NASM, NSCA.    In our interview, we dived in-depth around these topics: The three pillars of training. The importance of myofascial tissue for dryland training programs. The lower extremities movement mechanics  And of course so much more.    We also would love to invite you to our social media campaign: #Swim4Akhirah and join us in our virtual webinars. To learn more about them, please visit www.linktree.com/befit4akhirah and make sure to follow along on social media @befit4akhirah   Come and join our private FB community: Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola. Click here to join us!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4akhirah!

Today we meet with a special guest and personal friend, Yaz! We discuss favorite workouts and the importance of recovery. We also discuss how to make the most out of the COVID-19 situation and how to handle the quarantine. Optimism is imperative at this time and focusing on your mental health is critical.  Reading is also discussed as well as how you can get your family members involved with your fitness at this time.  Please enjoy this fun interview and stay safe and healthy!  Make sure to follow us along on social media and tag us along: Yaz @Yazfitpt and Ola @befit4akhirah Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!

In today's episode, we discuss how you can take care of your immune system during Ramadan and also during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Noor Salem discusses the importance of organic foods and to prioritize eating as healthy as possible. The transition from processed foods to natural is an important one. Please join us as we learn how we can strengthen our immunity, in sha Allah.  Noor Salem is the author of Sunnah Superfoods and can be found on www.noortrition.com   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

In today's episode, we discuss how mothers can manage their fitness journeys during the COVID-19 pandemic and during Ramadan. Hanan Fadel discusses her personal training and how she specifically trains moms. She also discusses some of the difficulties moms may experience. This can bring up some potential hurdles especially at a time like now when someone may be fasting and may also be self-isolating.  Hanan also discusses the importance of self-care and not pushing yourself too hard. She mentions how to make use of micro-workouts and still feel successful during these types of times. She also gets into how to use exercise itself as a form of self-care and the difficulties of fasting while nursing. QUE -> ROUTINE -> REWARD chain for habits is also discussed. Let's explore how we can deal with some of these issues in today's episode. Join us. Whether you're a mom or not you may benefit from these ideas. #noexcuses #momlife   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

Have you ever thought of swimming while fasting or ever tried to? Welcome to my interview with Fares Ksebati, CEO of MySwimPro and founder of World Swim Day.  Our guest today, Fares Ksebati is the CEO of MySwimPro, a global technology, and media company that creates mobile and wearable applications (MySwimPro and MyTriPro) that help people improve their performance and health. World Swim Day, a global initiative that empowers people around the world to be more active through swimming and promote water safety. He competed on Wayne State University's Varsity swimming program and graduated summa cum laude from the Mike Ilitch School of Business. Fares continues to compete internationally and is a 3x U.S. Masters swimming individual national champion, certified USA Triathlon Coach and American Swim Coaches Association Fellow. In this episode, the following topics were discussed: How did MySwimPro get started and what is it all about? How can someone get started with swimming and what are the best drills to do? How can athletes keep up with swimming during Ramadan? What is World Swim Day and how can we participate with it? And of course much more! To check the blog the post that got published on MySwimPro, please click below: Advice for Swimmers During Ramadan To sign up for the course in how to get started with swimming, please click below: Introduction to swimming Don't forget to tag us on your social media stories with the biggest takeaway and show us your favorite workout during Ramadan! Coach Ola @BeFit4Akhirah Coach Fares @FaresKsebati & @MySwimPro Remember to: Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.  

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone who celebrates Ramadan! I wanted to put this quick and short episode together because I want to bring light on to how being active is an act of worship, and why we need it for Ramadan. Make sure to tune into the previous episodes with the following guests and topics: How to regain mobility during Ramadan with Dr. Jen? How to maintain muscle gains during Ramadan with Belal Hafeez? How to keep momentum during Ramadan with Omar Adam? How to finish Ramadan strong with Maarten van Elst? Remember to: Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

Has the pandemic of COVID-19 put you down under lots of pressure and stress while you're trying to manage your emotions? Join our guest for today, Amber Romaniuk who is an Emotional Eating, Digestive and Hormone Expert who helps professional women achieve optimal health through mindful eating, self-care and overcoming self-sabotage with food. Her podcast “The No Sugarcoating Podcast” has over half a million downloads, over 200 episodes and is listened to in over 82 countries. She was featured on TV Personality Whitney Port’s podcast. Amber has also appeared on local TV 50 times in the last three years alone. Amber overcame her own emotional eating after gaining and losing more than 1000 lbs and spending over $50,000 on binge foods and spending 5 years balancing her hormones and digestion. Now she helps others achieve Body Freedom™ so they have the confidence and health to create amazing lives. In today's episode, we covered the following topics: How to manage our emotions in times like now. How to understand if we're actually hungry or if we're emotionally hungry. The importance of support groups for emotional freedom. And of course much more. You can find Amber on social media at: Amber Romaniuk on IG and check her podcast out as well at: The No SugarCoating Podcast   Remember to tag us on IG story with one thing you'll do today in managing your emotions! Coach Ola @BeFit4Akhirah and Amber @Amberromaniuk ~Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah~

Today's episode is an important topic for the swimming industry to come out and bring light on mental health for the swimmers in the house. As a swimmer and as a swim instructor, it really is challenging for the mindset to be outside the water.  Our guest for today is Abbie Fish who founded Swim Like A. Fish in 2019 after 25+ years of success in competitive swimming. From qualifying for the Olympic Trials to working at USA Swimming’s headquarters, and coaching at The Race Club, Abbie has been on all sides of the sport. She is a University of Georgia “Double Dawg” – where she swam and graduated with her M.S. and B.S. degrees. Abbie continues to further her knowledge on stroke mechanics by studying, researching, and staying on top of the newest trends on technique. Abbie has worked with clients as young as 5 and up to 90 years old. She believes that anyone with the heart to train CAN and WILL benefit from technical advice!   Today's topics are the following: Abbie's journey into swimming. How we are adapting to land training.  How mental health is a really important topic to be mentioned within the swimming industry.  Make sure to tag us along on social media with the biggest takeaways of this episode: Abbie on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theafish1/ and Coach Ola @BeFit4Akhirah. Remember to: ~Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah~    

Have you ever tried to go on plant-based or didn't know the benefits of it? Join me today with my guest, Sara Zayed who is an advocate on the plant-based diet lifestyle. Sara Zayed is the founder of Posifitivy, a health, fitness, and lifestyle medicine blog geared towards young women. She graduated with a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Rutgers University in 2016 but was always drawn to health and fitness, taking a variety of science classes, exercising regularly, and exploring nutrition. She started Posifitivy on Instagram in 2015, and while working full-time as a software engineer after graduating, she acquired the Plant-Based Nutrition certificate from Cornell University and became an ACSM certified personal trainer. She has written for Healthline and was featured in Women's Health Magazine in 2019. Currently, she works at Ethos Health (the first farm-based medical practice in the country) as a medical assistant and will be starting medical school in summer 2020. In today's episode, we talked about the following main points: What made Sara choose the plant-based lifestyle? How to keep up with the plant-based lifestyle during the COVID-19 epidemic and how it's actually helpful too? The obstacles that both Sara and Ola faced within the Arab and Muslim communities promoting their work and ideas into the world. And much more! Make sure to screenshot this episode and tag both Sara and Coach Ola on social media (IG): Sara Zayed IG: https://www.instagram.com/sarajzayed/ Coach Ola IG: www.instagram.com/befit4akhirah Sara's current blog can be found at https://www.posifitivy.com/ Also, to learn more and to sign up for the Ramadan program: https://bit.ly/2UGWzk5

Ramadan 2020 happens to be on April 24th this year, in shaa Allah.  Because we have one month to go, this is the best time to take whatever we were working on this year to put all the effort to welcome the blessed month. In this episode, I talked about the following topics: How to stay grounded and hopeful when the masjids are closing down all around us.  How to build the right mindset for Ramadan.  Why being active is very important right now for your body to be ready for Ramadan. How to spiritually uplift yourself for the blessed month when life can seem so depressing right now. How to be purposeful in everything you do in life! And much more! To sign up for the program, click here: https://befit4akhirah1.teachable.com/p/purposeful-ramadan-program Remember to tag this episode and use the hashtag #PurposefulRamadan to spread the word on being purposeful with our fitness journeys! Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

We're in tough times during the COVID-19 epidemic, and we're living in times of uncertainty.  Finding hope and staying grounded can be so hard now, and it's really important for us to come together and stay focused. In this episode, I talked about the following objectives and points What is an abundant mindset and what is a scarcity mindset? How to get an abundant mindset during times like now? What is faith? What is spirituality? Why being active is important to hold on to an abundant mindset and hold onto faith? In here, I've used these blog posts as points of references: ~ Mastering the abundance mindset (and changing your money blueprint) ~ 10 Steps to Develop an Abundance Mindset I highly recommend you take the personality test to get to know yourself:Free Personality Test   Remember to join the Facebook community at: Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola group!