Bravery & breaking barriers with Saba Basharat

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At first glance, PhD ambassador Saba Basharat isn’t a typical fitness influencer. But look beyond the hijab and you’ll discover a motivational powerhouse on a mission to encourage all women (not just Muslims) to break barriers.

We sat down with Saba to hear about her journey from Pakistan to the UK via California, and how she deals with trolls, cultural pressure, and her own mental health challenges.

Get inspired by Saba’s full interview here.

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How Saba Basharat discovered the liberating power of lifting weights

PhD ambassador Saba Basharat was up against several barriers the minute she set foot in a gym. A total beginner, wearing a hijab, with little support. We asked her why she’s so passionate about helping other women find fitness.

PhD: That must have felt like a big challenge?

SB: I was always active as a kid – growing up in Pakistan we all used to play cricket and badminton – and then when I lived in San Francisco for a bit I was into the fitness DVD scene – remember Billy Blanx? But when I moved to the UK aged 16 my activity levels dropped off. Fast forward to 2018, and my mental health was in a bad place. I put on about 20kgs in 6 months. Something had to change.

PhD: That must have felt like a big challenge?

SB: A bit, but I’m used to challenges! I grew up with the backdrop of some restrictive cultural views about what women should be and can’t do. I’ve got a positive mindset, so even though my mental and physical health had taken a dip, I had the drive in me to go out and get it done.

PhD: Tell us about that first gym session.

SB: Oh my god, it’s funny to look back! I’d done lots of research about strength training, but when I walked into the weights area my mind went blank. I had to fight my own thoughts. I knew if I left, I wouldn’t go back a second time.

It was a Monday, which I now know is still international chest day in some places! So there was me, in my long sleeves and hijab, and a load of huge guys benching. I got on the bench, unracked the empty bar… and it promptly fell on me.

One of the big guys came over to help and was so kind. He gave me some pointers and made me feel welcome. I came out of that first session feeling strong and accomplished, like I’d overcome the first step!

PhD: Big up that guy for helping! What were your initial goals?

SB: Honestly, just to lose weight and be healthier. I was in pain, I couldn’t really walk properly. I didn’t care about how I looked – I still don’t – but I knew I had to get healthy. I knew that endless cardio wasn’t the answer. I’d learned how important weights are, especially to women, and then even more so for Asian women with the health risks we face. I never wanted to be thin and small – I want to be strong!

PhD: What happened next?

SB: Lockdown happened! But I didn’t let it deter me. I got myself a set of free weights and resistance bands, and committed to working out at home and going on long walks every day. In hindsight, lockdown came at the right time for me. I was still such a beginner that I made amazing progress with home workouts. When the gyms reopened, I had built good base strength.

PhD: You’re very open about your mental health, how does it impact your fitness journey?

The more I train, the better I get at managing the low days. My fitness journey isn’t a trend, it’s for life, so I just keep going!

SB: My mental health is the biggest threat to my training. You can ignore external stuff. But when my depression is bad it can be hard to even get out of bed. You feel so drained, everything feels like a burden. But the more I train, the better I get at managing those low days. And my fitness journey isn’t a trend, it’s for life. So I just keep going!

PhD: What about your Muslim faith, does that have an impact?

SB: Training has given me a sense of autonomy and strength in my life. My mission now is to help more women find a type of fitness they love. In my culture (especially back in Pakistan), a woman’s life revolves around her husband and kids. It’s almost like your own life as an individual is over as soon as you get married.

It’s hard to go places and not see other people who look like you. But in my experience the majority of people will support you.

It’s hard to go places and not see other people who look like you. But in my experience the majority of people will support you. I have lots of conversations with other Muslim women about trying new things and having goals for yourself. If my content can inspire other girls who look like me to meet their potential, I’m happy.

PhD: Do you get criticism on your social media?

I’m privileged to be in this country with access to things that help my mental health and PCOS. Some girls don’t have that freedom, so my focus is on supporting them.

SB: I do, but I also have so many fantastic conversations with women who are inspired to get fit. The positive conversations far outweigh any negative stuff. But yes, I get religious-shaming and body-shaming comments and DMs. It used to ruin my day, but now I don’t care. I know my account is providing genuine value for women. I’m privileged to be in this country with access to things that help my mental health and PCOS. Some girls don’t have that freedom, so my focus is on supporting them.

PhD: How do you use nutrition to manage your health condition?

SB: Nutrition is a big part of how I deal with my mental health and PCOS, as well as helping my weight loss journey of course. If you want results you have to eat right, but if you want to sustain the changes it needs to be nutrition you enjoy. I don’t believe in making drastic changes.

Eating well is part of looking after myself and keeping my physical and mental health on an even keel. I like finding healthy alternatives, like Smart Bars instead of chocolate (the chocolate brownie and white blondie are my favourites).

Protein makes a huge difference to managing cravings. I used to have a huge sweet tooth, but since I started eating enough protein I find it way too sweet!

PhD: You’re such an inspiration to so many – who inspires you?

SB: Any time I see a woman in the gym, I’m inspired. I know the barriers she had to go through to start and keep going. My Mum inspires me a lot – she started training in her 50s and she’s this tiny Asian lady benching, deadlifting and squatting! And my own future self inspires me a lot. I’m doing this for 80-year-old me so I can be strong and independent.

PhD: Can you sum up your mission?

SB: Many women are told our life’s purpose is to look after other people. We can take our power back by doing something for ourselves. There are so many ways to move your body, it can be weights, boxing, cardio, dancing, hiking…whatever you enjoy. Find that one thing that makes you happy and grounds you and is good for your mental and physical health. You do you!

There are so many ways to move your body, it can be weights, boxing, cardio, dancing, hiking…whatever you enjoy. Find that one thing that makes you happy and grounds you and is good for your mental and physical health. You do you!

Written by The Performance Solutions Team