Leana Deeb on modest activewear, faith, and finding true strength within

Leana Deeb, a 23-year-old fitness entrepreneur and content creator of Palestinian-Uruguayan descent, has quickly become a prominent figure in the world of fitness, especially for women seeking a balance between health, mental well-being, and modesty. With millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram, Leana’s journey goes beyond traditional fitness goals and dives into a deeper, more mindful approach to well-being, highlighting self-discipline, mental health, and spiritual fulfilment.

Her philosophy is rooted in discipline, not motivation, and she encourages her audience to listen to their bodies, prioritise rest, and make balanced nutrition choices that fuel long-term health, not quick fixes.

Leana’s story is deeply rooted in her faith, and she is proud of how her hijab has become an integral part of her identity. For her, modesty is not just about clothing; it’s about living a life aligned with her principles. Through her faith, Leana has learned discipline, patience, and the importance of authenticity—values she brings into every aspect of her life, from fitness to business.

Although based in the US, the 23-year-old is headed to Dubai for one of Middle East's largest fitness and wellness expo, taking place at Expo City from October 25-27. There, Leana, along with other popular fitness experts, will hold workout and Q&A sessions, helping the audience with all things fitness.

In a chat with City Times, Leana's dives deeper into her fitness philosophy, her modest approach, and building a successful fitness brand at just 23 years of age. Here are the edited excerpts:

You emphasise a holistic approach to fitness. What are some lifelong healthy habits you've developed that go beyond the typical quick-fix mindset?

For me, fitness is so much more than just physical results, it’s about maintaining healthy habits that support your body and mind for longevity. I always say, remove motivation from your vocabulary and solely rely on discipline. You won’t always feel motivated, but it’s discipline that keeps you showing up, even when it’s tough. Another habit is listening to my body. Rest and recovery are just as important as pushing yourself especially when it comes to fitness. Nutrition has also played a massive impact on my mindset. I focus on making mindful choices that fuel me from the inside out, such as whole foods, lots of protein, but also understanding the importance of balance and not being overly restrictive. Through trial and error, I learned that anything good in life takes time, quick fixes don't last.

How do you balance physical fitness with mental and emotional well-being in your routine?

Honestly, it’s all connected for me. Physical activity helps clear my mind and allows me to feel empowered. The days I always felt my lowest were the days I didn't do any kind of physical activity. I understand that fitness isn't always the answer to all problems in life, but when I need a mental reset, journaling and prayer has also become a big part of this process—my coping mechanisms. It really helps me understand how I’m feeling, especially when life gets overwhelming. If I’m having a tough day mentally, I’ll rely on these habits. The key is to have those habits in place so when you do hit a rough patch, you take a moment to step away from the world, instead of completely shutting down.

As a mental health advocate, you've shared personal experiences to promote mindfulness and self-care. What role has mental health played in your fitness journey?

Mental health is the foundation of everything for me. Fitness started as a way for me to take control of my mental health—it was my space to release stress, my outlet.. Over time, I realised how much better I felt mentally when I stayed consistent with movement, even if it wasn’t a full workout.

Mindfulness has also been key—whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or just taking time to breathe. It keeps me grounded, and when I feel mentally strong, everything else falls into place.

How do you handle the pressures of social media while maintaining your own mental well-being?

It’s not easy, but I’ve learned to set boundaries with social media. There’s so much pressure to be perfect, but I always remind myself that I have to show up as me. Once I did this and stopped comparing myself to others I actually developed a healthy relationship with it. I think as creatives you have to be careful with content that you consume because you start to think that you’re supposed to be doing something else, when in reality you have to focus on you. I also take breaks when I need to. It’s okay to step back when things feel overwhelming—it helps me recharge and come back with a clearer mind. My faith also plays a big role in keeping me grounded. I always remind myself that my mission is greater than me, and that’s something I always lean on.

You’re revolutionising modest gym wear with your upcoming Gymshark collection. Why do you think there’s been such a gap in the market, and how does your collection address this issue?

For so long, modesty wasn’t really a priority in the fitness space. There has always been representation, but those voices weren’t being heard. Now, we’re finally being heard and understood. There was this assumption that modest clothing couldn’t be functional, stylish, and empowering all at once. My collection with Gymshark is all about proving that wrong, giving women the choice they need to feel confident while covered. We’ve created and continue to develop pieces that are not only amazing for functional workouts but also stylish enough for everyday wear, so women never have to compromise.

Can you share some of your favourite picks for modest activewear, and how do you see this trend evolving in the future?

I've always loved a very minimal, layered look but with lightweight, breathable fabrics that allow you to move freely without feeling restricted. As for the future, I think modest activewear is only going to grow. More women are looking for options that fit their lifestyle and values, and brands are finally catching on that inclusivity matters.

Wearing the headscarf has become an integral part of your identity. Could you share the story behind your decision and how your faith shapes your fitness and entrepreneurial journey?

First, I just want to say how blessed I feel to wear the headscarf, dress modestly, and represent that true strength comes from within. It’s a decision I made because I wanted to live fully in alignment with my faith and values. My faith has always been my guide not just in how I dress, but in how I approach everything in life, from fitness to business. It’s taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of staying true to yourself, even when it’s hard.

What advice would you give to young women who are navigating both their faith and fitness aspirations?

Wearing the headscarf was something I never thought would become part of my identity. When I made the decision to wear it, I knew I was not only taking a step closer to the Creator but also a step closer to developing a deeper relationship with myself. Before that, my platform was built around showing my body, and I found myself constantly seeking external validation. This external focus led me to believe that fulfilment came from how things looked on the outside, but true fulfilment, as I’ve learned, comes from finding inner peace and appreciating the small, meaningful moments in life.

I had always craved that peace, and it wasn’t until I put on the hijab and embraced my faith that I found it. It’s been the biggest blessing in my life, and I feel grateful for every challenge it has brought, because each one comes with a greater reward.

I've also come to understand that hijab is so much more than just covering, it’s about how I carry myself, how I speak, and how I treat others. It’s also about the responsibility of representing my faith in the right way. In business, I’ve learned that not only do I need to treat everyone with respect, but I also have to let go of my ego. We are all equal, something faith teaches us profoundly, and I make sure I’m applying that in my everyday interactions.

I’m not a perfect person, but faith has taught me the importance of keeping my word, acting with integrity, being honest, and upholding the principles that guide our lives. I’m learning every day, and while I’m not always perfect, I strive to apply these teachings to my life and do my best in everything I do.

You encourage women to embrace their strength and promote body positivity. How can women avoid comparing themselves on social media while building confidence in their fitness journeys?

It's important to remember that what you see on social media is often just a highlight reel - it’s not the full picture. I know this first hand because I used to show my own highlight reel. People would look at me and think I had it all together, but deep down, I felt empty. I was so focused on how I looked and how others perceived me, especially when I built my platform around showing my body. That constant comparison led me to chase external validation, but it never brought me true fulfilment.

When I started embracing my own journey and shifted my focus to inner growth, it became clear that true confidence comes from within. I stopped comparing myself to others and began celebrating my small wins, which eventually turned into big wins over time.

The key is to embrace your own unique journey. Instead of thinking, “I wish I looked like that,” try shifting your mindset to, “I’m proud of the progress I’m making and how far I’ve come.” When you focus on your growth, you’ll see that real strength comes from within, and that’s where lasting confidence is built. Don’t let social media take away your focus and energy. Some things that help me is making sure I'm working on myself every day through not only practising habits, but also creating that boundary with social media by unfollowing / muting accounts that might make me feel insecure. Instead, follow accounts that uplift you, that make you feel inspired, instead of comparing yourself.

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