Spotlight On Fitness: Sherein Abdelhady

By: Joe Cardoso

And just like that bang summer is over and we begin the sprint to the end of 2025. With all of us trying to hit different goals for most fitness falls to the bottom of the list. This month we shine our fitness spotlight on a true badass and that’s a term that is used too often these days but she defines the word. Building a community of athletes with no labels, and showing us it is ok to be yourself and push yourself as well. With health and wellness being so top of mind now more than ever I love her phrase “move cause you can”. She wants to inspire and show that you can achieve anything if you work for it. Let’s get to know Sherein Abdelhady!

Joe Cardoso: You grew up as an athlete when did the passion for sports start?

Sherein Abdelhady: I have always been a ball of energy since I was a kid so many parents threw me into so many activities when I was younger from tumbling, cheerleading, ballet, track and field, and soccer. Ultimately, I loved and stuck with soccer until college!

JC: Injuries SUCK! You suffered a major injury can you talk about it and the comeback?

SA: Tearing my ACL was one of the most difficult things I have gone through. I tore it playing soccer in college and without being able to be on the field, it felt like I lost my identity. All my life, I was the happiest version of myself on the field so when I lost my ability to play I truly lost a part of me and really struggled mentally. Leading up to my surgery I was miserable knowing that I wouldn’t be able to move and do the things I love freely. But after I had surgery, I got tired of feeling sorry for myself and basically said, “I can sit here and be miserable or I can CHOOSE to stay positive and do what I can to work around the injury.” So I did just that. I remember going to the gym on my 10th day post-op and just doing what I could. I would train my upper body and have my brother carry the weights over to me. I also eventually got into jump-roping as I would jump rope on one leg to get some cardio in. I also used my time at the gym to really work on my recovery exercises to do everything I could do to come back from this injury stronger. I always say setbacks are just set-ups in disguise and this injury really proved that to me. If this never happened, I would have never gotten into jump rope and I would have never learned the power of your mindset and the ability to recognize that I am in control of how I feel and my situation. This injury has also allowed me to be able to share my story with so many people and help them realize that they will be able to get through it and they will come out of it stronger!

JC: Can you speak about how fitness has helped your mental health and some of its benefits?

SA: My mental health is actually the reason I started in the gym. My original goal was never to look a certain way. I just wanted to feel good and feel better about myself. I started going to the gym during my freshman year of college. At that time, I was really struggling in school and having a hard time adjusting to a new environment and a new life. I was depressed, anxious, and felt pretty hopeless if I am being quite honest. I remember reading an article that exercise helps with depression and thought to myself “Might as well give it a try.” I would go to the gym and run on the treadmill because it was the only thing I knew how to do since I did track in high school. The treadmills in my first gym faced the weight section and I remember seeing girls lifting weights and thinking “Wow I wish I could do that and be that confident.” I would go back to my dorm and YouTube different exercises to try and I finally gained the courage to start lifting weights too. Fast forward a few years later, the gym is still the #1 thing that helps with my anxiety and stress. I always say I’m happiest when I’m moving. I am so grateful for the confidence and lessons I have learned within the four walls of the gym as it has carried over into my everyday life as well.

JC: You do a variety of workouts including jumping rope! Why is keeping things fresh important to you?

SA: I love discovering all the things my body is capable of! I always say I strive to be an athlete with no labels or limitations and would hate to be put in the box. Working as a physical therapist with patients who may be injured or who may not be able to move as freely has made me so immensely grateful to be able to move my body in so many different ways. I am so beyond grateful to have this body that moves for me. That runs. That lifts. That jumps. That shows up. Moving has always been my medicine and the ability to do so is a privilege that we often forget. Pushing my body to its limits, acknowledging my capabilities, & giving my body what it craves will always be my form of self-care & self-love

JC: Why become a trainer?

SA: I became a trainer because working out saved me during one of the darkest periods of my life and I wanted to help people who may be struggling through similar things as well. Even when I started posting on social media I didn’t have many followers but I always told myself if ONE person watches something I post and it helps them decide to change their life, then all the time and effort that goes into it is worth it. As a trainer, doctor of physical therapy, and fitness content creator, my purpose in EVERYTHING I do in my life is to help. Help others get stronger. Help people realize their worth. Help people become more confident. Help people change their mindset. Help motivate others. Help provide a smile when I can because, cause frankly, we’re all going through it in one way or another.

JC: The fitness industry is becoming more and more diverse. How important is it to you to be a role model for women who look like you?

SA: Being a role model for women who look like me is incredibly important because it’s something I initially lacked when I entered the fitness space. As a Middle Eastern woman, I often faced comments like, “Women shouldn’t be doing that,” “You’re going to hurt yourself,” and “That’s for boys.” While these remarks bothered me at first, they never deterred me from pursuing what I love, as the gym brought me so much happiness. Now, as an Arab-American woman, I’m passionate about making a meaningful impact in an industry where diversity and representation are crucial. I hope that by sharing my journey—whether through personal stories, diverse fitness approaches, or simply by being true to myself—I can inspire other girls who might face cultural resistance to lifting weights. My goal is to encourage women everywhere to achieve their goals, break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and embrace fitness as something accessible and inclusive.

JC: You LOVE a good challenge! Is that new or something you have always enjoyed?

SA: I have always grown up really competitive and found so much joy in trying new things which has led to me to always look for new challenges to try in the fitness space! I’m constantly chasing both physical and mental growth and as we know, growth never happens in your comfort zone. So I like to embrace discomfort and try different challenges to find out all the amazing things my body is capable of! I always say that one day I am going to wake up and I won’t be able to move my body the way I do now, and that thought alone scares me daily and drives me to push my limits and find out everything my body is capable of while I can.

JC: I love how you are so much more than a “trainer” or “Fitness influencer” You use your platform to speak out on issues, such as the tragic situation in Gaza. Why is that important to you?

SA: I created my fitness account to inspire women around the world to work out, but I also recognize that it is also my job to use my platform to inspire everyone to speak up for injustice around the world. Speaking against injustice is not easy, but it is essential for creating a fair and just society. It requires courage and resilience, yet it is through these acts of bravery that awareness is raised, changes are initiated, and the voices of the oppressed are amplified. By standing up against wrongs, we pave the way for a better future and inspire others to do the same. I was given a platform to motivate, educate, and inspire people and that includes speaking up when injustices around the world are occurring.

JC: CONGRATS on recently getting married!! How was the experience?

SA: Thank you so much! My wedding day was truly the best day of my life! My husband and I decided to have a destination wedding in Egypt and it truly was the best decision. Not only did we have the joy of celebrating with friends and family who traveled from the States, but my family from Egypt, who I rarely get to see, also came to the wedding which was so special. I married my best friend who supports me in everything I do and believes in me unconditionally and I could not be happier. I am so grateful for him and our whole wedding weekend which will forever hold a special place in my heart.

JC: Who is Sherein Abdelhady?

SA: Sherein Abdelhady is a doctor of physical therapy, personal trainer, and an athlete who is committed to finding joy through fitness and inspiring and helping others to do the same. She is on a lifelong mission to figure out all the things her body is capable of while she can because she recognizes what an honor and a privilege it is to be able to move freely. She strives to be an athlete with no labels or limitations and wants to continue to push her boundaries in all different realms of fitness without putting herself in a “box.” She is someone who believes that anything she wants is within her reach as long as she is willing to work for it. Lastly, Sherein is committed to making a lasting change in the fitness industry by shattering the perceptions of limitations placed on women and inspiring others to prioritize their health, embrace a limitless mentality, and recognize how powerful and resilient they are.

I can’t thank Sherein enough for making time to chat and share her story. I will be keeping an eye on what she does next. And taking the move cause you can mindset to heart. Make sure to follow her on socials not just for inspiration but also for some good laughs.