In Minneapolis, Fatma Sheekh has always enjoyed playing sports and being active, but traditional fitness clubs and workout classes weren’t the right fit for her as a Muslim woman. She was sure other women in her community were struggling with similar feelings, so she opened her own women-only fitness club where Muslim women could workout without needing to wear a hijab.
In Minneapolis, Fatma Sheekh has always enjoyed playing sports and being active, but traditional fitness clubs and workout classes weren’t the right fit for her as a Muslim woman. She was sure other women in her community were struggling with similar feelings, so she opened her own women-only fitness club where Muslim women could workout without needing to wear a hijab.
Hawa Women’s Health Club launched in 2024. Sheekh’s vision comes to life at three different gyms across the city. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Hawa Women’s Health Club offers, “a range of classes, from boxing to strength training to barre.”
Before opening Hawa Women’s Health Club, Sheekh said other fitness classes didn’t have the right fit for her. “It’s either being taught by a male or there’s a male member in there. And it was difficult because, you know, I’m covered up, and I can’t really push myself to the extent that I would like.”
Sheekh’s fitness center now joins a growing number of women-only fitness clubs in the Twin Cities like Hers Fitness and Miriam Fitness Gym.Â
A few hours away in Chicago, members at EveFit told CBS Chicago, “When you walk through the doors of EveFit you get an overwhelming sense of sisterhood.”
EveFit expanded in 2024, moving to a bigger, better location so it could accommodate more members. The fitness center offers workout classes and maintains a large strength and cardio area. The new location also has a swimming pool and med spa.
According to CBS Chicago, “The gym said it is incorporating a new mental health program that will focus on happiness.”
As a part of the expansion, EveFit manager Dema Eid knew she wanted to focus on mental health. She said, “I do believe physical health is important, but mental health is also very important. It all goes hand in hand together."
At both Hawa Women’s Health Club and EveFit, the members have developed a strong community of female empowerment. At EveFit, in particular, marketing manager Allie Carey said, “I love these women so much. They're not only friends here, but they treat each other as family. They all show up to events. They show up to each other's events, and they support one another. It's really great, the community we have here."
