YOU GLOW GIRL!
Rushda Moosajee’s journey to becoming fitness influencer RushTush
Surprisingly, Rushda Moosajee doesn’t have a background in the fitness industry. ‘I was a graphic designer working in advertising. I did that for a few years and then I decided it wasn’t really for me – I wanted more from life. I quit my job and started freelancing, which meant I had a lot more time. I wanted to take my health seriously.’ Feeling like she’d neglected herself to focus on her career, Rushda took up yoga and running but kept getting injured as her body wasn’t conditioned for exercise.
Once Rushda was introduced to a functional training style predominantly using kettlebells,
she was hooked. ‘I became a lot stronger from the inside out. That made me a lot fitter, a lot faster and I built a very toned, feminine, sexy physique.’ Rushda started sharing her journey online, not realising the ripple effect it would have on her career and, later on, her life. ‘Women started looking to me for guidance because they wanted to know how I did it. Back then, around 10 years ago, no one was doing that.’
Rushda started working at a gym, which was suddenly flooded with calls requesting training sessions with her. ‘It wasn’t like I woke up and said, “I want to be a personal trainer.” It’s what people wanted me to do. It was easy for me because it wasn’t something I ever had to force – people came to me for help.’
Brimming with ideas, Rushda introduced a class and a fitness challenge called TightTush. ‘It was specifically for women only so they would feel comfortable. This was for women, by a woman – someone that they could look up to;
'I want to teach girls and women that having that dream body is a marathon not a sprint. That it takes time, consistency and structure.'
someone who wasn’t aggressively masculine.’ It was extremely successful, and that’s what prompted Rushda to take the next logical step: she opened her ladies-only studio six years ago.
Rushda keeps her squad small. Women only – that’s how she likes it and that’s how her clients like it too. ‘I wanted to create a safe space for women, where they felt comfortable, a space where women could come and not be judged. Often a woman starting training is stepping out of her comfort zone and she needs a space where she doesn’t have to compete with anyone. It’s not competitive, it’s a nurturing environment – I’ve seen so many visible panty lines and even if I haven’t shaved my legs, it’s okay!’
Rushda explains, ‘My goal is to provide women with tools to be better, to be fitter, to be stronger, to be healthier and to ensure they have longevity in whatever journey they’re on. I want to teach girls and women that having that dream body is a marathon, not a sprint. That it takes time, consistency and structure – there’s never one way to train. Most women are pursuing a common goal – they want to be confident, feel strong, stand tall and be able to hold their own.’
Rushda has perfected the right recipes, smoothies, juices and all the tips and tricks to keep women fit and fabulous, gorgeous and glowing while adopting a healthier lifestyle. Her ‘Glow Cleanse’ is available for purchase on her website, RushTush.co.za. ‘I think it’s gone viral because it’s successful. It works. It’s realistic.
It’s easy. You literally glow! It was a detox I put together because I felt women didn’t know how to nourish their bodies properly for weight loss and performance. I wanted to write something that’s high in protein and has real food from the ground. It’s not “Eat this bar!” or “Eat this fake cake!” You’re eating the food raw or in its original state, like God intended. It’s simple!’
On top of being South Africa’s next big influencer, online coach and trainer, Rushda is also a mom to son, Haydar. She knows first-hand the toll motherhood can take on your body. ‘I know it’s tough, but there are ways around it.’ She encourages new moms to get small routines going when they can squeeze in the time, and even offers an online guide on her website. ‘You don’t even need shoes, you can train barefoot on the carpet, in the garage or on the grass outside. After my son was born, it was very natural for me to share my experience.’
To expand her business and help even more women, Rushda is creating a mobile app. With a reach so big, a following so loyal and her commitment to eating real food, she’s definitely a woman to watch!