Image Source: Aneila Afsar, used with permission.

At AMBER, we believe in sharing stories of strength, resilience, and empowerment— we share career stories that inspire and motivate Asian women to break barriers and pursue their passions. One such incredible story is that of Aneila Afsar, a trailblazer in the fitness industry, a quarter-finalist on Gladiators, and a dedicated single mother. As we look forward to watching her compete in the quarter finals of the Gladiators TV show on the 8th March- we are thrilled to welcome her as our keynote speaker closing AMBERfest 2025, where she will discuss how AMBER’s four pillars—Wellness, Parenting, Careers, and Finance—have played an instrumental role in her journey.

In this exclusive interview, Aneila shares her experiences as a Muslim woman in fitness, the challenges of navigating an industry with limited representation, and the importance of community in creating inclusive spaces.

Why did you choose to work in the fitness industry?

Fitness has always been a core part of my life. From being a professional Taekwondo athlete representing both Great Britain and Pakistan, to now using my platform to inspire and empower Muslim women, my journey has shown me how much physical health impacts confidence, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. I want to help other women experience that transformation.

As a Muslim woman and hijabi in the fitness space, I know how underrepresented we are, and I strive to break those barriers—showing that fitness is for everyone, no matter their background or lifestyle. Now, as a single mum, my passion for fitness is even deeper; I want to set an example for my children, showing them the importance of strength, resilience, and prioritising health.

Through coaching, content creation, and community-building, my goal is to make fitness accessible, sustainable, and enjoyable—especially for women who feel like they don’t belong in traditional fitness spaces.

Could you describe what a typical day looks like for you?

7:00 AM – Wake up and get my two children, Mira (7) and Aya (1), ready for the day. We have breakfast together.
9:00 AM – School run.
9:30–11:30 AM – Work from home, handling admin tasks for my online coaching business while looking after my youngest.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Aya.
12:30 PM – Drop Aya at nursery.
1:00–3:00 PM – Gym session, workout, and filming content.
3:30 PM – Pick up Mira from school.
4:00–5:00 PM – Meetings at my management’s work hub, often with Mira alongside me.
5:30 PM – Pick up Aya from nursery.
6:00–7:30 PM – Cook dinner, eat, and clean up.
8:00 PM – Kids’ bedtime.
8:00–11:00 PM – Check in with my coaching clients, edit content, and complete outstanding admin tasks.

How has your experience been working in an industry with limited representation of Asian women?

Being an Asian, Muslim, hijabi woman in the fitness industry has been both challenging and rewarding. When I first started, I rarely saw women who looked like me—especially in mainstream fitness spaces, professional sports, or as visible role models. That lack of representation made it difficult to feel like I truly belonged, but it also motivated me to carve out my own space and inspire others.

At times, I’ve faced stereotypes, cultural barriers, and a lack of understanding about modesty and faith in fitness. But rather than let that hold me back, I’ve used it as fuel to break barriers. The most rewarding part has been seeing Muslim and South Asian women step into the gym, prioritize their health, and embrace fitness while staying true to their values. My goal is to continue paving the way for more diverse representation in fitness.

What steps can our community take to better support Asian women in their health and fitness journeys?

Increase Representation & Role Models – We need more Asian women as trainers, athletes, and content creators to normalise our presence and make fitness feel more relatable.
Create Safe & Inclusive Fitness Spaces – More women-only gyms, classes, and culturally sensitive fitness programs will help encourage participation.
Educate & Shift Cultural Mindsets – Fitness isn’t a luxury or a Western concept. It’s an Islamic and cultural priority. Through education—via social media, workshops, and community events—we can shift perspectives.

What advice would you give to Asian women considering a career in the fitness industry?

Embrace not fitting in – Your journey and representation matter. You have no idea who you might inspire.
Be prepared to challenge stereotypes – Negativity will come, but don’t let it derail you. Change starts with education.
Build a support network – Connect with women from similar backgrounds. Having a strong support system will help you grow.

How do you balance raising a young family, being a single mum, and managing work?

Structure & planning – My days are time-blocked, and tasks are scheduled like appointments.
Efficient work strategies – Batch filming, automation, and delegating help maximise productivity.
Involving my kids – My children join me at the gym, in meetings, and at work. Flexibility is key.
Letting go of perfection – Fitness now fits around my life, rather than my life revolving around fitness. Some days are chaotic, and that’s okay.
Accepting & asking for help – I used to struggle with this, but now I embrace support from friends and family.

Any advice for Muslim women balancing everything during Ramadan?

Take the pressure off yourself. Ramadan is about resetting and reconnecting—meals don’t need to be extravagant, and your home doesn’t need to be perfect.
Prioritise what’s important—Faith and well-being come first.
Fuel your body properly at Suhoor (pre-dawn meal)—Stay hydrated and eat nutrient-dense foods to maintain energy levels.

Aneila’s story is one of resilience, passion, and representation. Her journey proves that no matter your background, faith, or circumstances, you can break barriers and inspire change. We cannot wait to welcome her as our AMBERfest keynote speaker and cheer her on as she competes in the Gladiators quarter-finals on Saturday 8th March. You can find our more about Aneila’s work on her website here and Instagram here.

#AMBERFest #Aneila #InspiringCareers #Gladiators #WomenInFitness #RepresentationMatters #Wellness #Parenting #Careers #Finance

Image Source: Aneila Afsar, used with permission.

Breaking Barriers: Aneila’s Journey in Fitness and Representation