Meet A Mom – Meet Lubna Kamal – Owner of HIP Fitness

Where are you from originally and how long have you lived in Houston?

Lubna: Originally I am from Libya. My family moved to the U+SA in the early 80s. I have lived in Texas since I was 4 so this has definitely been home 🙂

Children and Ages

I have 1 girl and 2 boys. My girl, Kamlah is 5 , Kinaan will be 3 next month, and Rakan is 1 1/2

One thing people would be surprised about you?

My love of getting scared! Whether it’s someone sneaking behind me, a horror flick, or anything else that’s haunted. You can guess my favorite time of the year 🙂 I blame the kids for going all out on Halloween decorations but it’s really for me.

Favorite Local things to do in Houston?

Houston has great parks for kiddos. We love heading out to Memorial park with the kids, workout, play on the swings and playground, and hike with the kiddos. We head out to The Woodlands for staycations. It’s kid friendly and close enough where no one goes crazy during the car ride. When the kids are not with us, we really like trying new restaurants, going to concerts or IPIC movie theater.

Do you have a favorite family-friendly restaurant in the area?

It’s hard to only choose 1 but I can narrow it to 3 restaurants –

Jax In Bellaire, Mia’s on Kirby, Christian’s Tailgate on Kirby – they have a little outdoor play area for kids!

What is your go-to activity for yourself for pampering or for fun?

Working out! Going for a Mani/Pedi. With 3 kids, it doesn’t take much for me to be happy…ha ha

Funniest shortcut/routine for helping you through parenthood

I have become addicted to InstaCart and Amazon Prime. They totally had moms in mind!

Are you involved in a business venture?

I own HIP Fitness. It’s a Lagree Method workout. We have 2 studios (West University and River Oaks) and hoping to open studio 3 this year! It’s a great low impact workout that’s super high intensity. So we focus on efficiency instead of time. In 45 minutes, we give a full body killer workout. Click here for the article on Lagree Method and the Megaformer

How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?

When I moved back from LA (I lived in LA for 4 years when I first got married) I knew I wanted to open HIP but had no idea how. I definitely could not do it without the support of the amazing Houston community

Our Staff has always been there trying to make the studios better. Other studio owners have been open to advice and feedback and clients have been so AMAZING. So many have become friends.

I don’t know if it would be more challenging if I opened the studios anywhere else. Houston has been so welcoming and positive. I am definitely happy to call this city our home.

What’s the best advice for juggling mommyhood and running a business?

Your kids will be OK. I first felt guilty for the time I spent away from my kids. Now I realize that the time I spend with my kids is happier. I am happier and miss them more. It’s healthy for a mom to spend time for herself. Whether it’s working, volunteering, or whatever it is, make time for yourself. Ask for help. My siblings are always helping with pick up or babysitting. Find a group where you can all rely on each other. The kids will enjoy spending time together and it helps moms keep sane!

What would you tell the old You before you had kids?

Stay out late and sleep in. I definitely miss staying in bed all morning 🙂 Other than that, there is nothing better than kids!