While growing up in Maryland and New York, Fatma Sheekh actively participated in soccer and tennis. Her introduction to boxing came later through her uncle, which she credits for providing her “consistency and clarity” during her formative years.
Following her uncle’s passing, Sheekh rekindled her commitment to fitness in 2022 by joining Life Time Fitness and Title Boxing Club in Edina. Although the experience invigorated her, she initially felt out of place.
“I thought, this is it. I’m determined to work out, to become healthy, and to regain my mental and physical balance. Upon visiting Life Time, I was completely lost for the first time in my life. I didn’t know where to start,” says Sheekh.
Sheekh’s renewed journey into fitness inspired her to establish the Hawa Women’s Health Club in 2024. This club organizes fitness classes across three local gyms, offering boxing, strength training, barre, and more.
Hawa is part of a rising trend in the Twin Cities, where fitness centers designed specifically for Muslim women provide spaces free from the requirements of wearing hijabs, as well as fostering friendships and community connections.
According to the owners of Hawa, Hers Fitness in Minneapolis, and Miriam Fitness Gym in Burnsville, a notable increase in interest from Muslim women pursuing health and fitness goals has been observed, including activities such as weight-lifting and self-defense.
Miriam Mongare, who opened a women-only gym four years prior, has received feedback from clients indicating they feel safer and more comfortable exercising in a space dedicated solely to women. Many of her clients are women who had never worked out in a gym setting before.
A Rising Demand for Women-Only Spaces
When she stepped into Life Time in 2022, Sheekh’s unfamiliarity with the equipment made her hesitant to continue working out alone. To combat this, she decided to try group classes.
“The classes were predominantly mixed, often featuring male instructors or participants. I felt constrained in the environment due to my covered appearance, which limited my ability to push myself,” she explains.
Determined to find a place where women could train comfortably, Sheekh began reaching out to fitness facilities in the Twin Cities, asking if they would consider hosting women-only classes.
“Unfortunately, most responses were a firm ‘no,’” she recounts. “It puzzled me because there’s ample space in this world for everyone to find their place.”
Recognizing that her experiences were shared by many, Sheekh distributed a survey on social media to gauge interest in dedicated female-centric fitness spaces, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback.
“I knew then I had to create a women-focused fitness center. Although I lacked resources and clear direction, I began researching and enrolled in an entrepreneurship program at St. Thomas,” she recalls.
By August 2024, the Hawa Women’s Health Club was officially established.
Hawa provides various fitness classes at three locations. In Plymouth, classes include high-intensity resistance training and barre on Mondays, with plans for free self-defense sessions as well. The Minneapolis location offers yoga and wellness workshops on Saturdays, while boxing classes are held at Title Boxing in Edina on weekends.
“Title Boxing was where I first experienced boxing with my uncle, so it was the first place I reached out to. The management team has been incredibly supportive of my initiative,” Kodwa says.
Jamie Anderson, recently appointed as an assistant manager at Title Boxing in Edina, worked alongside Sheekh to cultivate a welcoming environment for Muslim women at the gym.
“Being part of this initiative is profoundly moving. I see women embracing their freedom to pursue activities they enjoy. I asked my manager if I could be involved in this work full-time, and thankfully, I’m now in that liaison role,” Anderson shares.

Fostering Community and Strength
Heba Eid, 27, originally from Germany and of Egyptian descent, began her fitness journey in 2019 with significant apprehension.
“The gym intimidated me at first. I didn’t know how to use the machines and felt uncomfortable. I started exercising at home, gradually building my confidence before stepping into a gym,” Eid explains.
While Eid reaped the physical benefits of weightlifting, she soon realized that something essential was missing.
“Despite my progress, I craved connections and a supportive community. I searched for a women-only space in Minnesota that not only provided workouts but emphasized building relationships. Since I couldn’t find one, I decided to create Hers Fitness,” Eid states.
Launched in August 2024, Hers Fitness offers a diverse range of classes, including HIIT, strength training, Zumba, and belly dancing, with plans to introduce boxing. Classes are held at Studio TimeOut in Minneapolis on weekends.
Eid emphasizes that many Muslim women seek strength training for various reasons, including personal safety and empowerment.
“Women are increasingly interested in being able to protect themselves in any situation. Feeling secure and capable is paramount for us,” Eid asserts.
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Heightened Interest in Strength Training
Miriam Mongare, a 33-year-old fitness coach and founder of Miriam Fitness Gym in Burnsville, opened her women-only gym in 2020. Although she is not Muslim, nearly 95% of her clientele is.
Mongare has seen a rising trend of Muslim women getting involved in weight lifting and attributes this growth to the presence of dedicated women-only fitness spaces.
“More women are discovering the benefits of weight training. They are also learning that it doesn’t lead to looking ‘masculine’ as often depicted online. It’s especially advantageous for older women to maintain their health,” says Mongare.
All three women aspire to see more permanent women-only fitness centers established, with Eid and Sheekh actively working towards opening their own gyms.
Creating an Inclusive Space for All Women
Another women-only fitness center is on the horizon with St. Paul boxer Amaiya Zafar. Zafar gained attention in 2016 when she was barred from a boxing tournament for adhering to her Muslim dress code. Later, USA Boxing allowed her to compete with accommodations due to her religious practices.
Zafar’s new venture, Ummah Fit, is set to open later this year in Bloomington alongside her father, Humayun Zafar. This gym will provide rotating classes targeting various muscle groups and childcare services to foster intergenerational participation.
“Our approach is intentionally inclusive, reflecting our unique community. There are limited spaces that are genuinely safe and accommodating for Muslim women,” Zafar notes.
“We aim to create a space that empowers and uplifts those who have often been overlooked within the fitness world. Our goal is to strengthen both body and soul, ensuring everything is rooted in purpose and community,” she expresses.