Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola

Coach Ola
  • 5.0 (29)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Your host, Coach Ola Khalidi Alghazzouli is an ACE certified personal trainer and a functional fitness specialist. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S in Biology and a health promotion minor. BeFit4Akhirah was founded in 2014 and officially launched in 2018 with a Ramadan Prep Package and ebook for Ramadan. We will explore health and fitness topics that will help you stay active, fit, and healthy with a purpose.

  1. 2D AGO

    How to Channel Your Favorite Character’s Energy Into Your Workouts with Heather Boddy

    In this episode of Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola, Coach Ola sits down with Heather Boddy to explore the unique intersection of cosplay, fandom, and fitness. What if your workouts could be inspired by the characters you admire most? Heather shares how channeling the energy, strength, and personality of favorite characters—from superheroes to anime icons—can transform the way we approach movement. Instead of viewing fitness as a chore, this approach invites creativity, imagination, and self-expression into the workout experience. Together, Coach Ola and Heather discuss how cosplay culture can empower people to move with confidence, embrace their identities, and find motivation in unexpected places. This conversation highlights how fitness can become more engaging and meaningful when it connects with our passions, creativity, and sense of play. In This Episode We Discuss • Heather’s journey from theatre and performance into the fitness world • The concept behind Geeknasium and “fitness for nerds” • How cosplay and fandom can inspire movement and confidence • Channeling the energy of your favorite characters into workouts • How creativity and identity can transform motivation for fitness • The importance of community and representation in movement spaces • Making fitness fun, expressive, and empowering Connect with Heather Heather Boddy Website: https://heather-boddy.com Instagram: @heatherboddy Connect with Coach Ola Website: www.befit4akhirah.com Instagram @BeFit4Akhirah Tiktok @Olakalghazzouli Podcast: Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola Remember to: Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah. – Coach Ola

    1h 1m

  2. FEB 20

    Ramadan - The Month of Becoming

    Ramadan: The Month of Becoming Ramadan Mubarak. In this episode, I reflect on why Ramadan is truly the Month of Becoming — not just a month of fasting, but a month designed to shape our character, awareness, and daily choices. Ramadan interrupts comfort, exposes who we really are, and creates space for intentional growth. The hunger, the fatigue, the restraint — all of it becomes an opportunity to develop discipline, patience, and alignment between our values and our actions. In this episode, I discuss: • How fasting interrupts autopilot and increases awareness • Why discomfort reveals character • How daily restraint builds discipline naturally • The importance of intention and direction during these 30 days • How to move through Ramadan consciously so that it shapes who you are becoming This month is not only about what we accomplish — it is about what is being formed within us. As Ramadan continues, take a moment to reflect: Who am I becoming through this month? To check out Welcome Ramadan Planner book on Amazon, visit: Welcome Ramadan: A Holistic Approach into Welcoming the Blessed Month! Exciting Infographics & Planner all in One Place Paperback To check out Ramadan Prep workshop online, visit: www.befit4kahirah.com/p/ramadanprep

    24 min

  3. JAN 3

    The Year of Becoming!

    In this episode of Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola, I’m sharing what I’m calling The Year of Becoming — a personal reflection on growth, boundaries, and stepping into the version of yourself you’ve been building toward. This isn’t a “new year, new me” pep talk. It’s about becoming: choosing alignment, protecting your peace, and remembering you’re worthy of love, support, and respect. n this episode, we talk about What “becoming” actually means (beyond goals) The growth that happens when you set real boundaries Releasing old versions of yourself without guilt Choosing alignment over approval Worthiness: receiving love, support, and respect And much more... Reflection prompts (for you) What am I becoming this year? What boundary do I need to set to protect that version of me? Where am I ready to receive more love, support, or respect? Are you ready for month of Ramadan? Check out Ramadan prep workshops at www.befit4akhirah.com/p/ramadanprep Remember to leave a review on iTunes and share this podcast with someone =) Thank you for your support, Coach Ola   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

    44 min

  4. 03/15/2025

    Swimming in Ramadan and intermittent fasting for swimmers with Maggie & Ola

    Ramadan is one of the blessed months in the Islamic calendar that Muslims partake in around the world through fasting and acts of worship. Swimming is one of the sports that require a lot of energy from the body, and it can be challenging for someone while fasting. So what should you do? Should you cut it out completely or how do you make it work out? In this webinar replay, I spoke about the importance of dryland training, and how you can incorporate it during your training in Ramadan. We also spoke about intermittent fasting and recommendations for swimmers during their training. ✅To stay connected with Maggie and Ola, follow us on social media at: Maggie:   / dietitian.maggie   Ola:   / befit4akhirah   👉To get more dryland workout tips specifically for swimmers, check out the following: -IG: VasaTrainer:   / vasatrainer   -IG: SwimmerStrength:   / swimmerstrength   👉To view MySwimPro Ramadan advice from Fares, click the link below: How To Fast and Swim During Ramadan | Whiteboard Wednesday https://myswimpro.com/blog/2018/05/30... 👉To read the blog on advice for swimmers during Ramadan, click the link below: -https://myswimpro.com/blog/2020/04/23... 🎙To listen to previous podcast episodes, click on the link below: -How to be functional in your workouts with Adam Jongsm‪a‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to maintain muscle gains during Ramadan with Belal Hafeez‪? https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to regain mobility during Ramadan with Dr. Je‪n‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Knee pain? How to go about it with Dr. Evan Osa‪r https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How getting started with swimming journey on land is very important with Ola‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to get started with triathlon journey and how it can be for the Muslim woman in hijab with Khadija‪h‬ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -Why total body conditioning is important for your swimming journey with Ol‪a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How mental health is very important for swimmers during COVID-19 epidemic with Abbie Fis‪h https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -How to keep up with swimming during Ramadan & during COVID-19 with Fares Ksebat‪i https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... -‬The mechanics behind dryland training for swimmers with Fabio Coman‪a https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... If you are ready to get started with one-on-one training or need help, book a call with Coach Ola at www.calendly.com/befit4akhirah and visit www.befit4akhirah.com for more programs to come. #swimmer #Ramadan #faithandfitness

    38 min

  5. 01/05/2025

    Come Back Episode! What healing journey taught me so far.

    As salam wa alekom and hi everyone!  I am coming back to podcast, Alhamdulliah. It has been a while, and there are reasons behind that. In this episode, I discuss the following: Reasons that I signed up for therapy in Sept 2020 and why I left in 2024 Lessons learned from therapy since I was asked to share about it Another online program that I found beneficial for my mental health Who I find to be similar in the Muslim mental health space on this topic Truth behind Wisam Sharieff's collaboration that I discussed before on the podcast  Upcoming programs - Ramadan and the vision for summer 2025 Syria updates - my 2-cents on it since I am Syrian American Palestine  and the world How to navigate polarizations and cancel culture - my thoughts on this   To sign up to the upcoming Ramadan programs, please check the links below: The Happy & Lean Ramadan program - www.befit4akhirah.com/p/ramadanprogram Welcome Ramadan planner book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Ramadan-Holistic-Welcoming-Infographics/dp/B0BW27P7RN To learn more about the Integrate BPD program that I mentioned during episode, visit this website: https://integratebpd.com/ Check out br. Abdullah Routhman who also uses psycho-analytic approach incorporating Islamic psychology.  If you would like to be part of our FB group, come and join us at Purposeful Fitness with Coach Ola on FB =) Thank you for your support, and I hope this episode was helpful for you.  Sincerely, Coach Ola Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah.

    49 min

  6. 01/25/2021

    The Reality and Struggles of Triathlon Racing & Swimming for the Muslim Woman-Athlete

    Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola, Jeri, and Khadijah will discuss the reality and struggles of triathlon racing and swimming for the Muslim woman and athlete. The perspectives shared are quite interesting and unique so please enjoy this podcast with us.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, there are many potential struggles a Muslim athlete may have to face but there is definitely hope. Their stories can help motivate and inspire you to become an athlete and participate in a triathlon. They have overcome these hurdles and it is truly exceptional and exciting to learn how. With focus and determination, so much good is possible.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~Struggles as a Muslim athlete are shared as well as stories of success and overcoming them.   ~Racism as an athlete is touched upon as well as what we can do to help remedy it and protect ourselves from its many negative effects.   ~How they prepared/trained for their triathlon journey.     Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

    1h 12m

  7. 01/13/2021

    The Struggle of swimming for the Muslim Woman in Africa (English + Arabic)

    Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola, Naadhirah, and Nipal will discuss the struggle of swimming for the muslim woman living in Africa.   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding what it's like to be a Muslim female swimmer in Africa. Please join us for this interesting discussion.   Here are some key takeaways: ~How did Fr3kls Aquatic begin? ~What problems and struggles might women in Africa experience as a Muslim swimmer? ~How can we support Muslim women in the middle east to become swimmers?   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

    56 min

  8. 01/06/2021

    The Impact of Working Out in Swimsuit on Mental Health

    Introduction   In today’s episode, from the #swim4akhirah campaign, Coach Ola and Abbie Fish will discuss how swimsuits can impact our mental health. This is an important topic for the modern day athlete as well as everyone else so be sure to tune in for the details!   Summary and Key Takeaways   Overall, this discussion delves into detail regarding swimsuits' impact on our individual mental health.   Here are some key takeaways:   ~Michael Phelps, Missy Franklin, and Allison Schmitt were discussed as well as swimmings' impact on their mental health.   ~Sleep is critical for mental health! Coach Ola and Abbie Fish discuss the importance of a sometimes neglected habit.   ~Stress management is another important factor that is delved into and we cannot afford to overlook it.   ~Swimsuits can have a negative effect on many people and this may lead to them feeling insecure about their own bodies and comparing themselves to others. This subject is also investigated.   Conclusion   Thank you for joining us for this interesting presentation! We hope that you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have. Wishing you confidence, happiness, and success on your journey ahead!   Be Strong. Be Fit. BeFit4Akhirah!   Questions?  Email befit4akhirah@gmail.com   Be sure to join the Purposeful Fitness Facebook group for support, chances to win prizes, workout calendars, and more!

    46 min
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5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Your host, Coach Ola Khalidi Alghazzouli is an ACE certified personal trainer and a functional fitness specialist. She graduated from George Mason University with a B.S in Biology and a health promotion minor. BeFit4Akhirah was founded in 2014 and officially launched in 2018 with a Ramadan Prep Package and ebook for Ramadan. We will explore health and fitness topics that will help you stay active, fit, and healthy with a purpose.

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