Leana Deeb on Fitness, Her Modest Collection With Gymshark, And Inspiring Millions

Leana Deeb is a name synonymous with empowerment. With over 90 million followers, the fitness content creator has built a global community that thrives on self-love, confidence, and spirituality.

As a trailblazer in modest activewear, she has worked closely with major brands to create functional, stylish solutions for women who seek both fashion and faith in their fitness journeys. In this exclusive conversation with JDEED Magazine, Leana opens up about seeing her collection at the newly opened GymShark store at The Dubai Mall, the evolution of fitness inclusivity, and her journey as a role model for millions.

Hi Leana, Mabrouk on the collection with Gymshark! How did it feel seeing your collection in stores for the first time?

Leana Deeb: It’s insane. It’s actually insane. I don’t think it even feels real yet. Seeing mannequins wearing abayas and hijabs in spaces where you would never expect them—it was just surreal.

What has the reception been like so far?

Leana Deeb: It’s been amazing. Especially in the UK, the response has been so positive. There’s a real demand for products that cater to this demographic, and I think people are just really happy to see something that truly represents them.

A lot of brands struggle with authentic representation. How do you feel about the trust placed in you for this project?

Leana Deeb: It’s something I really appreciate. It wasn’t just about me—we held focus groups with moms and other athletes who were going through the same struggles. We wanted to make sure that what we were creating was actually functional and meaningful, not just a token piece.

You’ve built a following of over 90 million people at just 23. What first inspired you to become a fitness content creator?

Leana Deeb: Fitness changed my life, and I knew that if it was changing mine, it could help so many others. I started by posting workout routines, nutrition advice, and mental health tips, and from there, it just grew. My goal has always been to inspire people to move their bodies and feel good doing it.

Your content has expanded beyond fitness into confidence, self-love, and spirituality. How did that shift happen?

Leana Deeb: The bigger my platform got, the more I realized how much responsibility came with it. People were looking up to me—not just for workouts, but for lifestyle advice, motivation, and even faith-based conversations. It became about building a community and making sure I was there for them, beyond just fitness.

'I never want my audience to feel like my life is “perfect” because social media can be so deceiving. I always make a point to show the reality behind the scenes—whether that’s struggles, setbacks, or just normal everyday challenges.'

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With such a large and engaged audience, how do you navigate the responsibility of being an influencer?

Leana Deeb: It’s about practicing what I preach. There was a time when I wasn’t consistent in the gym, and you could see it in my content. My community relies on me just as much as I rely on them, so I make sure I’m always showing up authentically—even when times are tough.

Social media can often look like a highlight reel. How do you maintain authenticity while balancing your personal life?

Leana Deeb: By sharing the hard moments too. I never want my audience to feel like my life is “perfect” because social media can be so deceiving. I always make a point to show the reality behind the scenes—whether that’s struggles, setbacks, or just normal everyday challenges.

You’ve become a beacon of empowerment for women. How do you feel about the fitness industry’s evolution in terms of inclusivity?

Leana Deeb: The fitness industry has come a long way, but there’s still so much work to do. A lot of modest-focused brands were making clothes, but they weren’t really thinking about functionality—things like materials, fit, and practicality in the gym. That’s why it was so important to me to be part of something that actually works for women in real life.

How do you think your collection helps break barriers for women seeking modest yet functional gym wear?

Leana Deeb: For so long, women had to shop in the men’s section to find modest activewear. That’s wild to even think about. Now, they finally have a collection designed for them—one that’s functional, stylish, and actually empowering.

What inspired you to make sure this collection also had a strong fashion element?

Leana Deeb: I love fashion! When I wore crop tops and leggings, I felt cute and confident. I wanted to create something that gave women that same feeling of empowerment, just in a way that aligned with their values.

I also received a comment that really stuck with me—someone said that wearing a basic abaya in the gym was fine, but wearing an abaya with a recognizable brand logo gave them a new kind of confidence and validation. That’s when I realized this was bigger than just clothing—it’s about representation.

Inclusivity has been a central theme in your career. What do you think the fitness industry can do better to represent diverse body types, lifestyles, and cultural backgrounds?

Leana Deeb: It starts with the brands. Representation needs to go beyond just campaigns—it needs to be in design teams, decision-making, and leadership.

I also think fitness is moving in a more holistic direction now. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about lifestyle, health, and well-being. That shift is so important.

How does your collection contribute to that vision of inclusivity?

Leana Deeb: This is just the first step. My hope is that this collection will set a precedent for more inclusive, functional, and empowering activewear. And it’s already happening! More pieces are being developed that aren’t even connected to my name—which means the impact is lasting.

What’s next for you?

Leana Deeb: So much more to come! I’m excited to continue this journey—not just in fitness, but in fashion, inclusivity, and empowerment.

Any final words for your community?

Leana Deeb: Thank you for believing in me. This isn’t just about me—it’s about all of us. Keep pushing, keep showing up, and never stop advocating for what you deserve.

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