MWP Spotlight: Fatema Sugra Kermalli
Fatema sugra kermalli, nutrition health coah, personal trainer and founder of fsk’s healthy way
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON FATEMA, CLICK HERE.
May 26, 2020
Tell us about yourself and your journey in starting your business.
My name is Fatema Sugra (no, not sugar), but I go by FSK! I’m a wife, mom, and Nutrition Health Coach that loves weight training, salad (the kale one from Costco is SO good), and spending time with family! When I first started my certification as a Health Coach, I never knew what it would lead into. I never saw myself running or owning my business, so I really went in blind. Thanks to my certification program, it helped me set up the types of programs and services I wanted to offer my clients. Then just through taking risks, pushing myself out of my comfort zone, and learning, I’ve made it what it is today! But, this is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see what else I will do.
Was fitness always an integral part of your life — how did you get into it?
Playing sports like basketball or football was a part of my life because I grew up with brothers, but fitness and taking care of my body became an integral part of my life because of my husband. Because of making those changes in his life, it of course trickled into mine after we got married, but, I was stubborn and lazy, so eventually he stopped pushing me to go to the gym or eat less sugar. Did I think he stopped caring? Of course, not at all, but I needed him to do that to realize that I need to prioritize taking care of myself first and foremost.
What has the response from the Muslim community been like for your business?
Alhumdullilah, actually really well! Our community has just started getting into prioritizing healthy eating and exercise, and being a Muslim woman getting into that, I think it helped show other Muslim woman that they can do it too! They can go to the gym and not feel conscious, they can be out there and be strong and confident.
What are some setbacks you have faced in the community?
I think some of the setbacks I initially started to feel was just that support and encouragement to have a business or career such as this. I feel it was deemed not credible or not an actual career because I was “just a Health Coach”. Of course, I’m human so it got to me a little bit, but then I used it as a source of encouragement and fuel to push myself to work harder and prove that what I do is important and helpful and can make a difference.
You recently had a child, how do you balance motherhood and personal training?
Well, it’s definitely a juggling act! I do get overwhelmed, because I have this little guy to take care of, but then also want to grow my business. I really just let my clients know that I will be there for them when they need me, but if my son needs me at the same time, then I will tend to his needs first. And of course, my husband really helps me out when he’s done with work or on the weekends to watch him while I train or work on content.
How has your fitness journey changed post partum? And as a breastfeeding mom how has your nutrition shifted?
I’ll be honest, when I got the go-ahead from my doctor that I can workout again, I told myself I was going to go full force and get to my prior lifting PR’s (personal reps), but I slowly realized that it was going to take longer and that my priority is really to just make sure I’m working harder every workout session. I’ve come to terms that progress may be a little slower, and that’s okay! I’m still pretty proud of myself that I am getting my workouts in and I’ve got a really good coach cheering me on (my son by the way)! Being a nursing mom, I really make sure to pack in a lot of protein and fiber rich grains like oatmeal, brown rice, barley, etc. I try to stay away from caffeine as it does affect him and of course not go so crazy on the sugar.
How has COVID-19 affected your business strategy?
COVID-19 has actually helped my business grow. With more people at home, they’re spending more time on their phone, which has benefited me because more people are coming across my page and benefiting from the content that I put out there. It’s also pushed me to do things I’m not so comfortable with such as cooking videos, live chats, live classes, and live workout sessions. It’s helped me expand on what I can offer to my clients and whoever is following me, so that’s been one benefits of covid.
What are some tips for staying fit in the current situation?
No one ever thought we’d be in such an odd and scary situation, so I first and foremost recommend cutting yourself some slack if you’ve fallen off track a little. Our bodies are amazing and have a way of adapting when you implement healthy habits, so you’ll be good. I recommend moving your body at least 4 times a week. It can be yoga, weight training, running, going for a walk, etc. but get your body moving. Hydrate! Get that water in, so you’re not always stopping by the kitchen to see what you can munch on. Keep healthy/ier options available in your pantry and fridge. Keep the fun cooking and experimenting for the weekends. I know we’ve all been looking up different cookie/brownie/cake recipes and it’s amazing that we’re all cooking from home, but, sugar is still sugar, so just try to balance it out by making it a fun treat for your weekends!
