What Is Fitness Like in a War Zone?
Mohd Hatem (Instagram @gymrat_in_gaza) doing weighted pistol squats on both legs.
A highly televised and media-covered conflict, Israel’s war on Gaza is accompanied by a parallel “information war.” From state/institution-controlled press coverage to social media activism, platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become increasingly popular and crucial as vehicles of content consumption. Despite frequent connection interruptions, relocations, evacuations, and uncertainties, many resilient Palestinians are finding new ways of utilizing the internet to spread messages about the reality of living in Gaza.
I first encountered Mohd Hatem’s Instagram page (@gymrat_in_gaza) because of his vlog-style reels, in which the young fitness influencer documents himself doing consistent workouts and completing essential tasks. We see him waiting for hours to fill up water containers, charging electronic devices, using a backpack for bicep curls, and the list goes on. Undeterred by the lack of nutrition, rest, water access, or fitness equipment, the Palestinian gym enthusiast inspires his supporters worldwide by finding creative ways to assemble everyday objects that can be used for strength training. In this interview, Mohd shares with IMPULSE his current living conditions, his fitness and social media journey, and his sources of motivation.
Mohd is doing a tricep workout using a backpack.
JW: First of all, how are you? How is everything in Gaza, and where are you at the moment?
MH: Alhamdulillah, I’m doing good. My family and I are safe, but the situation, in general, is not the best it could be, especially with the evacuation of Deir al-Balah and eastern Khan Younis; it’s putting a lot of pressure on the services in the area where I'm in right now (western Khan Younis). We had to evacuate from the house we were taking shelter in because of the evacuation orders that were spread back on the 21st of July, and that house was later bombed. Now, we are in the only house we can take shelter in.
JW: Can you share your background and what initially sparked your interest in fitness with us? When did you decide to start posting fitness content on social media?
MH: My interest in fitness started in early 2022. It was a way of improving my life, health, and physique. The more I went with it, the more I loved it. I used to be active in the gym seven days a week, and I actually made pretty decent progress up until late 2022 (because I wanted to focus on my high school studies). I went back to the gym in mid-2023 when high school ended.
Since the war started, I haven't had any stable access to the gym, so I used to do various workouts at home. When I got back on track, I decided to start sharing my story with the world, to get my ideas and words out to the world, and also to help my family through the situation here (with my BackaBuddy fundraiser page). My story caught the attention of many people around the world. The further we went with the series, the more people found out about me and started following my journey.
Screenshot from Mohd's Instagram reel.
JW: How do you get creative with your workouts when resources are limited? What were some of the best and worst workout sessions you’ve had recently?
MH: I used to struggle with this in the beginning. It was pretty hard for me to find something to work out with, but the more I worked out and the more tools I used, the easier it got for me to just get a workout in with anything. I would just tie something with a rope or maybe connect it to a stick to get a better grip, and that's it—I got a piece of workout equipment.
I would say the best workout I had was my last chest day (covered on day 71) because that was when I started following a new schedule and using much more effective exercises. I also had my bag with the rope for my tricep workout—it was definitely the best workout I've had in a while. And for a “worst” workout, I don’t think any of my workouts classify as “bad.” I even like leg days right now.
JW: With the food/water shortages, unpredictable evacuations, bombings, and many other things, what keeps you consistent with your fitness?
MH: I firmly believe that “if you really wanted it, you'd find a way.” So, for me, no matter what happens, exercising is a priority. As soon as I find myself having some free time, I would try to exercise—even the lightest of workouts, even with the sudden evacuations and the lack of nutrition. When the dust settles, I’ll settle in a house (or a tent); I’ll make a small meal to get my calories in, and my workout will be done (or might have already been done).
Mohd does a decline pushup using bricks and home furniture.
JW: Despite the ongoing conflict, what are your future goals and aspirations, in life in general, for your fitness journey, and in terms of social media presence?
MH: For my life in general, I have dreams like any other young man around the world: get into university, get my dream job, build a family, etc., and these are actually my life goals for when I evacuate insha'allah. For my fitness goals, of course I'm dreaming big in this aspect of my life—once I have better conditions when I evacuate, with better gyms, food, and rest, I’ll be going off with my journey. The same thing for my social media presence: I will be documenting my life when I evacuate, mostly showing the differences that occurred in my life and progress here and abroad.
Screenshot from @gymrat_in_gaza Instagram reel.
JW: Who or what inspires you to keep going each day, even when things are at their toughest?
MH: I would say the source of motivation that pushes me the most in my journey is my family, getting them to safety, and helping them settle back after everything that happened, because I'm a source of hope for them and for our future. For me, it’s my duty to make everything they hope for come true.
And of course, my supporters all around the world play as big a role in motivating me in my journey as my family does. With all the love, support, and kindness they have shown me, they really were and will always be one of the biggest reasons this journey came true, and I wouldn’t have made it this far without them on my side.
Further Reading:
Planting a Garden of Dreams: In Memory of Medo Halimy
Lost in Time: Serbian Filmmaker Returns to Once-Forgotten Memories
