In a world where fitness often feels intimidating or rigid, Amina Sibtain brings a refreshing perspective. An internationally certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach, Amina believes movement should be joyful, empowering, and sustainable.

From busting myths to balancing nutrition with real life (yes, sometimes that means cake!), she’s on a mission to make fitness accessible and fun for women everywhere.

Amina, you’re an internationally certified fitness trainer and nutrition coach. Tell us a little about your journey—what inspired you to step into the world of fitness?

Movement has been my passion since I was 19; it has empowered me, made me feel confident, and helped me become the best version of myself. I want every woman to be able to feel that.

You often say, “I make fitness fun.” What does that mean to you, and how do you bring that energy into your training sessions?

I want you to look forward to movement—whatever that may be for you. I focus on creating a safe and welcoming environment and try to teach women to find the joy in it. Movement is a privilege, and when you realize that, your perspective changes. It’s not a punishment, it’s not something to punish yourself for eating poorly. It will bring you strength, stability, joy, and clarity. That’s what I aim for women to realize.

Many people start workouts with enthusiasm but struggle to stay consistent. What’s your secret to keeping clients motivated?

I tell them on day one that motivation is fleeting. It’s about discipline. When someone wants to skip, I tell them, “Just give me 10 minutes, and then if you still don’t want to move, we’ll stop.” More often than not, they’ll do the session. I don’t follow a cookie-cutter approach— all the women I work with know that I go by how they’re feeling on that particular day.

What’s one fitness myth you’d like to bust for our readers?

“More is always better.” You don’t need to exercise for hours, 7 days a week. Rest is equally important.

What kind of workouts do you personally love the most, and why?

I love jumpy, fast-paced workouts—that’s how I generally like to train.

Do you think everyone needs a personal trainer, or can someone achieve their fitness goals with self-discipline and the right guidance?

If you’re a beginner, yes—you definitely need someone to guide you. Not everyone needs a trainer for their entire life; you can absolutely do it yourself too. I trained myself for years without a trainer.

As a certified nutrition coach, what’s one small diet change that can make a big difference in someone’s health?

Just eat more fruits and vegetables. Simple.

How do you personally balance nutrition—are you strict with your diet, or do you believe in “everything in moderation”?

I have a history of restrictive eating, so I now don’t follow anything very rigid. I eat in balance and just focus on eating well and giving my body what it requires—and sometimes it requires cake, and that’s okay.

What’s your go-to pre-workout fuel and post-workout recovery snack?

I usually train fasted, but dates or a banana with coffee is a great pre-workout. Post-workout, I focus on protein!

For someone who feels intimidated by the gym or starting fitness, what’s your advice?

Start slow and take a friend along. Everyone was a beginner once. You don’t need to go from 0 to 100 in the first week. Ease yourself into it.

How important is the mental side of fitness—confidence, discipline, and mindset—compared to the physical workouts?

They go hand in hand! Your physical fitness will help your mental health, and your mental health will help you stay on track.

Can fitness truly be fun for everyone, even those who hate exercising?

Absolutely! Firstly, stop looking at it as a chore. Secondly, movement will look different for everyone. These days, social media will tell you if you aren’t moving in one particular manner then you’re doing it wrong. I disagree—try different things, and you’ll find what you enjoy, then stick to it.

Movement is natural for humans. We’ve turned sedentary lifestyles into the normal routine and movement into an anomaly, when it’s supposed to be the other way around.

If you weren’t a fitness trainer, what other career do you think you would have pursued?

If I had the choice, I would be a rapper. Unfortunately, that’s a talent I severely lack.

Three things always in your gym bag?

I don’t own a gym bag  but I always have water, my AirPods, and a towel with me.

Cheat meal confession: what’s the one food you just can’t resist?

I’m a sucker for chocolate and fries. Not together, though.

How do you like to spend your downtime when you’re not training clients or working out yourself?

Doomscrolling TikTok and trying to maintain my friendships.

What’s next for you—any exciting projects or plans our readers should look out for?

I just moved to a new studio, so I’m focusing on that.

Finally, what’s the one golden rule of fitness you want everyone to remember?

Fitness is for life. There’s no deadline. Move with the intention of moving for the rest of your life.