Hi Harmony hustlers, in this week’s post, I’m pleased to introduce you to Deana Jamal. A woman who forged her own path by ditching the corporate world and dedicating herself to fitness coaching.
Deana Jamal ‘s journey has been driven by a deep commitment to self-care and personal fulfilment. She recognises the unique struggles faced by women from traditional cultures. Obstacles such as guilt, financial dependence and a lack of support are often reasons why some women cannot prioritise their own fitness needs. Deana Jamal now focuses on helping women build confidence, strength and self -worth through movement.
With a vision to boost fitness participation among women in conservative cultures, Deana Jamal ‘s program is designed to create lasting transformations. It empowers women to reclaim their strength and prioritise their well-being.
In this interview, we’ll dive into the woman behind the program and explore the mindset that inspired her to create a fitness initiative tailored to modern women from traditional cultures.
A. Deana Jamal ‘s Journey to Coaching
Q1: What pivotal moment led you to pursue coaching, and what made you realise the need for fitness coaching tailored to women from traditional backgrounds?
I wouldn’t say it was a single moment but rather multiple pivotal moments.
After working a 9-5 for years, I felt the traditional work structure was working against me. I was tired, uninspired and unmotivated. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the corporate world seemed built around male energy levels. It was not designed to accommodate a woman’s natural rhythms. It did not account for the natural fluctuations women experience, like the decline in energy levels during their menstrual cycle.
When I started feeling this way, I knew something had to change. I was no longer willing to force myself to go to work when my body felt out of sync.
Determined to pursue something creative, and impactful that aligned with my skillset, I began searching for fulfilment. It wasn’t an overnight process. I experimented with different types of coaching, from life coaching to narcissistic abuse recovery, but none felt completely right.
Eventually, I realised that fitness coaching aligned with both my skills and my passions. My husband who has years of experience in the fitness coaching industry, was a driving force behind this decision, encouraging me to pursue it as a career.
As any entrepreneur will tell you, the journey does not end at simply knowing what it is you want to do. I had to find my niche.
Helping modern women from traditional cultures to prioritise themselves through fitness to feel STRONG, CONFIDENT & EMPOWERED
– Deana Jamal ’s mission statement
Why Tailored Coaching for Women Matters
I knew I wanted to help women in the fitness arena. Especially those, who I felt could relate to the younger version of myself who struggled with cultural expectations and barriers. I had to really look inwards. I had to consider who I was before, who I am now and how I can help women like me to bridge the gap between these two separate identities i.e. the gap between who these women are now, and who they aspire to be.
It took a lot of trial and error to find the right words to describe my mission, but now that I have done so, I’m grateful to be in a position where I understand my purpose.
B. Barriers to Prioritising Fitness
Q2: What are the most common struggles women from traditional backgrounds face when trying to prioritise their health? Are these challenges more external (societal expectations, lack of resources) or internal (self-doubt, guilt)?
Many of the women who reach out about my program have spent years prioritising others, whether it’s their families, careers or communities- so much so that they’ve lost sight of themselves. Some have also developed health issues like diabetes or thyroid conditions. All of these women are now ready for a change. They’re committed to prioritising their fitness and their well-being.
The difficult part is that, by the time many of them seek help, much of the damage has already been done. But the good news? It’s never too late to start prioritising your health.
In terms of barriers, I think that guilt is the main one. It’s often the driving force behind why women cannot break away from restrictive cultural norms. In many traditional families, there’s an unspoken expectation that women should always put others first. Even if no one says it outright, it’s apparent in the family operates.
If we consider external factors then I think financial restraints, lack of representation and a lack of support, play a key role.
When it comes to finances, a woman’s family might not always be able to afford the cost of a gym membership or a fitness program. This ties back to the broader mindset around fitness and the importance of prioritising a woman’s health. In some cases, I’ve seen husbands who don’t see the value in their wife’s fitness journey, and when they control the household finances, this becomes a significant barrier for women trying to invest in their well-being.
In terms of representation, whilst there is now greater visibility for women in sports, we still don’t see enough women actively engaging in fitness for it to create a significant shift in societal mindsets. As a result women’s fitness is still undervalued, not just by society but often by women themselves.
How do you help women overcome these barriers?
It’s important to recognise who is truly ready for change because commitment to the process is key.
Within my program, I offer regular support calls, especially for women who don’t have a strong support system around them. These calls provide accountability, ensuring they don’t let other responsibilities constantly push their own needs aside.
It comes down to self-value and realising that you are just as valuable as everything else you invest your energy in. Many women don’t prioritise themselves simply because they don’t recognise their own importance. They’re so used to pouring into others that they forget to fill their own cup.
While my program covers both nutrition and exercise, true transformation goes beyond that—anyone can give you access to a meal plan and workouts. What truly makes a difference is the support a woman receives throughout her journey.
As a coach, I act as a mirror, helping women see the mental barriers holding them back. I can say to them, “You’re giving so much of your time to others—where’s the time for you?” This kind of reflection is often what women need to shift their mindset and start prioritising themselves.
Ultimately, overcoming these barriers isn’t just about fitness—it’s about reclaiming ownership of their well-being, and I’m there to support them every step of the way.
C. The Psychology of Confidence and Self-Prioritisation
Q3: Your coaching is as much about confidence and empowerment as it is about fitness. How can women shift their mindset to see ‘movement’ as a way to build confidence rather than just a means to change their appearance?
I think fitness and confidence go hand in hand—they’re deeply interconnected.
Of course, there’s truth to the idea that when you look good, you feel good. But fitness is about so much more than just appearance. A lot of women start their journey hyper-focused on weight loss, particularly on the number on the scale. But over time, they begin to realise that movement enhances their energy levels, mood, and overall confidence.
For me, fitness was also a form of self-care. Going to the gym helped me set boundaries with people. Instead of always prioritising socialising with friends, I was able to carve out dedicated time for myself. That shift was so important because it allowed me to put my well-being first without feeling guilty.
My confidence came from doing things I never thought I could. When I started to lift heavier weights, I began feeling stronger, and proving to myself that I was capable. Fitness builds resilience, both physically and mentally. It’s not just about looking a certain way. It’s about what you gain from the process i.e. strength, self-trust, and empowerment in daily life.
I’ve noticed a generational difference too. Women who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s often place a huge emphasis on scale weight. Whereas a more holistic approach to fitness, i.e. one that prioritises energy, mental well-being, and overall health, is what truly creates lasting transformation.
Q4: What mental and emotional shifts does a woman need to make to go from struggling to prioritise herself, to fully embracing fitness as a form of self-care?
It comes down to self-value and realising that you are just as valuable as everything else you invest your energy in. Many women don’t prioritise themselves simply because they don’t recognise their own importance. They’re so used to pouring into others that they forget to fill their own cup.
Ideally, we should learn to value ourselves before reaching breaking point.
I don’t think a lot of women learn to do this, without something big happening first.
Unfortunately, many of us weren’t taught the value of self-care from a young age. So, for a lot of women, it takes a major wake-up call such as realising they can’t move the way they used to or facing health issues before they finally start making changes.
Q5. What do you think can be done to help younger girls develop a healthier mindset early on, so they don’t carry these same habits of self-neglect into adulthood?
One powerful way to shift this is through observation. Look at the women around you. If you see a woman who has spent her whole life putting herself last, ask yourself—do you want to follow that same path? Do you want to set that same example for your future children? Or do you want to change the narrative and start prioritising yourself?
D. Breaking Generational Cycles with Deana Jamal
Q6: How do you think your work is helping to break generational cycles of self-neglect?
When a woman experiences the transformation of prioritising herself, it’s hard to go back.
A lot of women have never had a taste of what it feels like to put themselves first.
Once they reach a new standard in their life, they begin to move more, eat better and set boundaries. They start to feel the impact of these changes. At that point, reverting back to their old lifestyle becomes very difficult.
A 25-year-old with no kids and minimal responsibilities is going to have a different fitness journey than a mother balancing work and childcare. Focus on what you can do with what you have.
When a woman focuses on her fitness and notices the difference in her energy, mood, and overall well-being, she becomes more committed to this journey.
This shift impacts her family and future generations. When a mother prioritises her well-being, she sets a new standard for her children. She teaches them the value of self-care from an early age. This is how we start breaking generational cycles of self-neglect. It’s especially important for women from traditional backgrounds who were never taught to prioritise themselves.
Q7: What advice would you give to a woman who wants to prioritise her well-being but feels trapped by her circumstances—whether that’s a lack of family or spousal support, demanding work hours, or the exhaustion of juggling responsibilities like childcare?
Firstly, I would advise that she assesses her situation realistically. What is the reason she’s not prioritising her well-being.
If you have time, you’re quite fortunate because not everyone does.
Some women are single mothers without support from a spouse, others have health conditions or children with additional needs, and in some cases, it’s genuinely out of their control. But for many, it comes down to making the most of the time they do have.
I have spoken to a lot of women who say, “My life is so chaotic with the kids and I just don’t have the time.” But then they may spend an hour a day, or more, scrolling on their phone. If you can do that, you can dedicate 30 minutes to moving your body.
Fitness doesn’t have to look perfect, and you don’t need a gym membership. You can work out from home, even with just a set of dumbbells. It’s about making the most of your current situation, rather than waiting for the perfect conditions to start.
Also, I would advise women, not to compare their journey to someone else’s, especially if they’re in a completely different stage of life. A 25-year-old with no kids and minimal responsibilities is going to have a different fitness journey than a mother balancing work and childcare. Focus on what you can do with what you have.
Finally, surround yourself with people who support your growth. If that’s not anyone in your immediate circle, look for supportive communities online. That’s exactly what my page Instagram account is for @coaching.with.deana. I’m here to support you.
E. Deana Jamal ‘s take on the Future of Women’s Fitness & Wellness
Q8: What’s your vision for the future?
I’d love to see more Arab and South Asian women in gyms and taking charge of their health. I would definitely like to see more like Arabs and South Asians in the gym, like, it would be nice, and not just in the gym, like, just like I say, dedicating more time for themselves and valuing themselves enough to carve out that time for themselves.
Q9. How do you see the conversation around fitness, confidence, and self-prioritisation changing for women, particularly in traditional cultures?
The good news is that the mindset is already shifting. This generation is waking up. Many women have observed the sacrifices their mothers and grandmothers made, and they’re choosing a different path.
Unlike 10 or 15 years ago, when conversations about self-care and prioritising well-being weren’t as widespread, we now see more women speaking up, challenging outdated norms, and realising that just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s right.
Pick a Partner Who Picks You, Too – Deana Jamal ’s Parting advice
One thing I’d advise any woman to do is to choose a partner who supports her lifestyle and values her well-being.
I see so many women who feel stuck because their husband doesn’t support their self-care or independence. They feel like it’s too late to change because their partner relies on them for everything including cooking, cleaning, even basic tasks like making toast or doing laundry.
It’s important to find a partner who understands that you can’t always play that role if your own cup is empty. A supportive partner will see the value in what you’re doing and understand why you might not always be able to fulfill certain household duties.
Some men might struggle with the idea of their wife stepping back from household duties, especially if they’ve never had to share those responsibilities before. But the right partner will understand that self-care isn’t neglect towards them. A supportive partner will recognise that when his wife takes care of herself, she shows up better in every part of her life, including their relationship and their home.
Prioritising yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities. It means ensuring you have the energy, health, and happiness to show up as your best self in every aspect of life.
Once You Choose Yourself, There’s No Going Back
Deana: To any woman considering joining my program, be ready to say goodbye to the woman who walks in, because by the time you come out the other side, you won’t be the same. You’ll be completely transformed in the best way possible. Once you choose to prioritise yourself, there’s no going back. You’ll see a version of yourself who puts herself first, fairly and unapologetically, even in the chaos of life. And once you experience that shift, you’ll never want to go back.
You Owe Yourself More Than Excuses
Deana Jamal ’s story is more than just about fitness and confidence, it’s about reclaiming the right to prioritise yourself. She’s helping women step into their power, let go of outdated expectations, and build the self-worth they’ve always deserved.
So what about you?
How much longer will you wait to put yourself first? How many more times will you push your needs aside, telling yourself that one day, when everything settles down, you’ll finally focus on you? That day isn’t coming, unless you decide to make it happen.
If there’s one thing to take away from this conversation with Deana Jamal, it’s this: the moment you decide to prioritise yourself, everything changes. You’re not just setting boundaries, working out, or carving out time for self-care, you’re choosing to show up as the woman who values herself and refuses to settle for less. And once you experience that shift, there’s no going back.
So, what will you choose?
If this resonated with you, you might also enjoy:
- How to Practice Self-Care Without Feeling Really Guilty – Learn how to prioritise yourself without the guilt, because self-care isn’t selfish.
- 5 Practical Steps To Transform Your Mindset – Shift your perspective and build positive habits with these 5 simple steps.
- Set boundaries with confidence – A practical guide – Learn how to protect your time and energy and honour your worth.
Deana Jamal ‘s journey is proof that when you start prioritising yourself, you unlock a new level of strength and clarity. The question is, are you ready to take that step?