Workout culture coming to the Ultra Orthodox world | Shmilly Feldman

Video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/XYPuTNOry3U

When I was Hasidic, dieting and brisk walking were part of life—but the gym? Muscle-building? Weight training? That was unheard of. Today, a new movement is emerging from within the Hasidic world: a growing culture of strength training, gym routines, and fitness—all adapted to fit the unique rhythms and values of Hasidic life.

In this interview, I talk with Shmilly Feldman (@chasidish_lifter), a young and energetic Hasidic man at the forefront of this trend. We explore how Hasidic workout culture is evolving—with its own twists: gender separation, modesty, and the challenge of balancing fitness with a calendar full of celebratory (and food-heavy) holidays.

Shmilly shares his personal story of growing up in the Satmar school system with no gym class and how he became a self-taught weight trainer. He reflects on the limitations of the Hasidic boys' secular education, the drive to self-educate, and what that means for his generation.

It’s a candid and thoughtful look at the cultural quirks of lifting in a shtreimel world.
🎥 Watch now and meet the Chasidish Lifter 👉 @chasidish_lifter

#Hasidic #JewishCulture #Fitness #WeightTraining #Satmar #JewishLife #HasidicMen #SelfEducation #StrengthTraining #ChasidishLifter

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This podcast is hosted by popular Youtuber Frieda Vizel, who has been studying the Hasidic community for more than ten years.

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• No. of episodes: 73
• Latest episode: 2025-06-22
• Religion & Spirituality Society & Culture Judaism

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