In HD Videos, Nutrition, Olympic Lifts
January 25, 2012
Kulsoom Abdullah is the first woman to lift in sanctioned U.S. Olympic-weightlifting competitions while wearing traditional Muslim dress covering the head, arms and legs. In keeping with her religious beliefs, she trains during Ramadan.
Ramadan is a month in which participating Muslims don’t eat, drink, smoke or have sex from sunrise to sunset; it is intended to teach patience, spirituality, humility and submissiveness to God.
“The fasting means you’re not even drinking water. There’s no fluid, no foods, nothing from those times,” says Abdullah, who works out at CrossFit Atlanta.
When Abdullah does met-cons at the start of Ramadan, they are definitely a shock to her system, she says. Thus, she scales and takes breaks as needed.
“Weightlifting is a little bit easier … because you get your breaks and you’re not losing as much water,” Abdullah explains.
Still, the beginning is rough.
“I could barely do as much as I could,” she says. “But then when my body got acclimated, I was doing OK.”
When it’s time to eat, Abdullah says she eats protein, fat and sometimes low-carb vegetables.
7min 29sec
HD file size: 305 MB
SD wmv file size: 89.5 MB
SD mov file size: 45 MB
Please note: These files are larger than normal Journal videos. For smoother viewing, please download the entire file to your hard drive before watching it (right-click and choose Save Link As...).
Additional reading: The CrossFit-Oly Hybrid by Bob Takano, published Aug. 8, 2011.
Download
Comment
Related Articles
Kulsoom Abdullah is a CrossFitter and Olympic-weightlifting competitor who is breaking social constructions.
To enter the U.S.A. National and American Open, the required attire is a singlet… Continue Reading
When Kulsoom Abdullah found CrossFit Atlanta several years ago, it was her desire to learn the Olympic lifts that brought her there.
“I had the drive. I really wanted to learn… Continue Reading
Annie Thorisdottir might be a long way from Iceland, but she doesn’t look out of place at Mike’s Gym in Bonsall, Calif.
The second-place finisher in the 2010 CrossFit Games is in SoCal to… Continue Reading
Annie Thorisdottir might be a long way from Iceland, but she doesn’t look out of place at Mike’s Gym in Bonsall, Calif.
In Part 2, the second-place finisher in the 2010 CrossFit Games… Continue Reading
12 Comments on “Training During Ramadan”
1
wrote …
As-Salamu Alaykum Kulsoom! Well done.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
2
wrote …
Such a bad ass!! So inspiring.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
3
wrote …
Religion is so silly.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
4
wrote …
Way to tough it out. Though, I understand the headscarf to be a rather newer trend in Islam (last 30 years, like bell-bottoms & mullets)- not an historically traditional one. I hope it changes again soon as I can imagine longer met cons being terribly difficult. Keep up the good work!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
5
wrote …
The dedication to workout and your religion is very inspiring!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
6
replied to comment from Kevin Daniel…
Nice comment which I'm sure Kulsoom will appreciate. But just to clarify, the headscarf isn't a trend. It's an obligation. If it were a trend I'm sure she'd have no problem removing it to work out.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
7
wrote …
Good work on on doing what you believe in and working out.
Hard to keep the good work with all the atheist and non sympathetic believers of a different Faith
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
8
wrote …
ASA,
Your dedication to CrossFit and the Deen is inspirational! AlHumdiallah!
I also fasted during Ramadan and after the first couple of days I found that my performance actually improved. So much so, that was the catalyst for me to reguarly undertake IF, which is VERY easy compared to Ramadan bc I can drink water!
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
9
wrote …
Nice work! Way to stick to what you think is right. I am always a little embarrassed when I read some of the negative comments to these types of videos. I hope that you know that you could walk into 99% of CrossFit gyms and fit right in. The small differences between people should be used as a learning moment, not as a method of segregating the world.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
10
wrote …
Being fit both physically and spiritually (in whatever what ever devotion you choose) is the key to a balanced & happy life!
Those of you who've chosen to leave less than positive comments should not only look inward but also remember that the CrossFit ethos is one of acceptance of all your box mates no matter their beliefs, sex, size, shape whatever.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
11
replied to comment from KTA B…
Many are but to generalize all that way is pretty immature and ignorant. I happen to believe the opposite and it gives hope, direction and answers the questions of where did we come from, why are we here and where do we go after death. Most teach people to do good and make something of yourself and reach your potential. So you're quite in the minority worldwide with that attitude so good luck with that.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
12
replied to comment from KTA B…
Islam taught me to be nice even to those who think my belief is silly.
so I will stop here.
Login to reply to this comment
Permalink
Leave a comment