New Haven Independent

Muslim-Jewish Relations Bridged With Exercise
Muslim and Jewish Fitness Trainers Join Forces to Get Women in New Haven, CT Fit

New Haven, CT October 1, 2006 BALANCE fitness studio has a reputation for innovation in the fitness field. From its owner who is a Muslim woman to its innovative fitness programs like Wednesday night belly dancing. Now the studio may get a reputation as a common ground for women of all faiths as it welcomes a new personal fitness trainer, Jamie Kaplan, into its family. Kaplan, who is Jewish, is new in town and has joined a business that will introduce her to the eclectic and diverse city New Haven, CT is.

“I am excited about working at the studio” says Kaplan who just finished assisting in a research study on adolescent obesity at Brown University’s Miriam Hospital in Providence, RI. “Jamie’s credentials speak for themselves. I welcomed her because of her experience, warm personality and great smile” says owner and head trainer Mubarakah Ibrahim. “The fact that she’s Jewish is just a perk that puts an interesting twist to things”.
Ibrahim who herself is an orthodox Sunni Muslim is use to breaking stereotypes. As a certified personal trainer that covers in the traditional Muslim women dress she knows a thing or two about twisting more than a yoga pose. “I want the studio to be a place where all women of every faith, nationality and culture can be comfortable. Health and fitness is a common ground that can make bridges where most people think there are none, says Ibrahim who was born Muslim. “As women we all face the same physical issues. How to avoid mid-life weight gain and how to get your abs back after having a baby is universal concern no matter what building you pray in”.

As the only all women personal training and fitness studio in New Haven, Ibrahim says it is a perfect resource for women of devout faith. Devout Muslim and Jewish women both adhere to a very similar modest dress code that requires covering in public around non-related males. The studio can provide complete privacy for fitness training in an all female environment. It is a haven in the middle of the city and is known as “the spot” for women fitness.

About BALANCE fitness

BALANCE fitness studio for women is New Haven, CT’s only all woman personal training and group fitness studio. In addition to one on one personal training they offer a variety of innovative fitness services, including outdoor fitness boot camp for women and group fitness classes.
Website: http://www.balancect.com

BALANCE fitness Studio for Women