Elhum Oskui is a Muslim American online fitness coach who lives in Oregon. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and relatives. This story and photograph was produced by Carlos Khalil Guzman, a photographer and activist currently based in NYC.

Fitness has a huge impact on your mood and productivity. The days I don’t workout I feel sluggish and unmotivated and tired. But on the days I workout, I have so much energy and accomplish so much.

My advice for having a successful fitness routine is to always prioritize your time. We all have time but it depends on what we make our priorities. Also strength does not come overnight. It takes a lot of time, sweat, and dedication. Never give up. Stay away from negative people that constantly put you down. Believe in yourself and anything is accomplishable.

Also, be giving. Give when you can to those who need. There are so many people that are ill, poor and less fortunate than you. Never think you are better than anyone. Allah has made us all equal. Islam is a loving and peaceful religion. Be in peace with yourself and love each other.

I believe Allah (God) puts hardship in our lives to help us grow and become stronger souls. Our ultimate goal as Muslims is to grow spiritually and reflect on our experiences.

Thankfully I am not someone that went through too much hardship. I have had it very easy compared to other people around the world, Alhamdulillah. But the minimal struggles I have been through have helped me change the way I look at certain aspects of life and helped me grow mentally and spiritually.

My goal is to empower my fellow Muslim sisters to take charge of themselves while remaining modest and humble. Health and fitness gave brought so much happiness into my life and I want to encourage other people to do the same. As Muslims we should take the best care of our bodies. Allah bestowed us with good health, so we must take the best care of these bodies we where blessed with.

I would like to be remembered for all my hard work. I want girls to look up to me and say: “She was able to accomplish anything she wanted – and I want to do the same.”