With 2025 kicking off at full speed, if you’re still going strong with your New Years Resolutions, more power to you. 👏👏👏

Someone we’ve been stalking for fitness inspo is Sudanese co-founder of ladies gym Be Fit Fatima Salah as she prepares to take part in the Dubai Spartan Race for the very first time.

With a list of qualifications the length of her arm, Fatima is a woman with a plan and she is smashing 2025 with some huge goals she’s about to achieve.

She gives Cosmo ME the scoop about her favourite styles of dance, what she plans to eat before the big race day and how she is prioritising rest.

Cosmo ME: How did you get into fitness in the first place?

Fatima: I’ve had a passion for dancing and martial arts since the young age of 10 when I was still in Sudan. When I moved to Dubai 11 years ago, I must have made an impression on my instructors, because they suggested I become a dance instructor! After that I completed all my certifications and here I am!

Cosmo ME: You obviously love dancing, what are your favourite styles of dance?

Fatima: I’m into Salsa and Afro, and I love hip-hop beats. Afro dance is mainly freestyle but I do the choreo and I love it.

Cosmo ME: How have you been preparing for the Spartan race?

Fatima: Well it’s my first time participating in the race and I’m very excited. I signed up two months ago and I’m currently in my 5th week of training. Preparation is key – I was already active because of course I’m a fitness instructor who teaches weights, cardio and martial arts.

I’ve had to mix up my workouts a bit though, incorporating more functional training like sprints and high intensity interval training. I’ve also been prepping for the drills I’ve seen by watching videos of the race from previous years and I’ve spoken to people who have completed it before.

Cosmo ME: What makes the Spartan race in Dubai unique compared to other races?

Fatima: The location is selected with a lot of care and the ticket prices are very reasonable – you get a lot of perks with the ticket. Plus there are obstacles which aren’t too challenging, so it’s great for beginners too!

Cosmo ME: What are your top tips for someone who is getting ready for the Spartan race?

Fatima: You need to start training at least one month in advance – this isn’t just something you can wake up and do. Practice your breathing as well.

It’s important not to go crazy and listen to your body, because you need to avoid injury.

Cosmo ME: What’s your nutrition plan like for race prep?

Fatima: The day before the race I’m going to carb-load for energy with a good portion of nutrient-dense foods.

On the actual race day, I’ll drink a cup of coffee and electrolyes. I’ve noticed that whatever I eat really affects the quality of my workout.

Cosmo ME: How do you stay motivated during tough training weeks?

Fatima: I always remind myself of the why. If you love yourself enough, you’ll get up and do it. I listen to my body so when I’m tired I’ll rest and when I can, I’ll push the gear up.

Cosmo ME: Do you have a morning routine that sets the tone for the day?

Fatima: I’m not really a morning person but I’ve been doing morning workouts for the past five years. When I wake up, I avoid looking at my phone for the first 30 minutes and then I’ll drink 500ml of water or some ginger tea. Sometimes I’ll do a quick stretch before I do some fasted cardio followed by teaching a class.

Then I’ll have my breakfast around 11 or 12, which is heavy on protein, carbs and healthy fats to keep me full throughout the day.

Cosmo ME: Are there any fitness myths you’d like to debunk?

Fatima: Yes, there’s a lot. Many women think that doing weights are going to make them bulky. This is absolutely not the case.

Another one is people think that doing ab workouts will give them a flat stomach. Actually, this is mostly down to how you’re feeding your body. But ab workouts are crucial in building a stronger core.

Cosmo ME: How do you recover after an intense workout?

Fatima: My routine includes stretching, electrolytes and hydration and sometimes a massage. Proper rest is important and luckily I sleep well.

Cosmo ME: What are your fitness goals for 2025?

Fatima: I’ve been into yoga for the past 2-3 months. I’ve discovered this really helps with easing pain, improving flexibility and keeps me in tune with my body. So I’ll continue to practice yoga as it’s a great low intensity workout.

I’ll also do more running – I aim to complete a half marathon this year. Of course I’ll continue weightlifting consistently.

Take part in the first Spartan Race of the 2025 season at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Learn more about the Dubai Spartan Trifecta here.