A master's degree was given to Hala Salman Al-Bekri for her thesis –– fitness of women in the Kingdom and the role of physical exercise in their lives –– by the Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University. Al-Bekri's research was aimed at the importance of physical exercise in women of different statures and the acceptance of women playing sports in Saudi society. She conducted an extensive survey in Riyadh, where she spoke to women who went to a fitness club or a gym and those who did not. She found out that the perception of physical activity or sports has changed among women; it is now no longer considered a “man's hobby.” Women believe exercise is an important part of one's lifestyle, and they give credit to the local and global media and health practitioners –– who have left no stone unturned –– to promote and recommend some sort of physical activity with a diet plan for both men and women to have a bright future with a healthier lifestyle. Numerous benefits cited by physically active Saudi women were enhanced mental concentration and focus, ability to cope with stress and pressures of daily life, personal growth, increased self-esteem and positive self-image, improved academic performance, higher energy levels, and a fit body. The study also revealed the common tendency of young Saudi women, who vigorously exercise before their wedding, but rapidly gain soon after. Women who hit the gym regularly fall in between the age group of 20 and 30 years. Almost 52 percent of ladies who went to the gym were single while 30.7 percent were employed, and an interesting fact which the study showed was that women who went to universities exercised more as compared to women who did not. Al-Bekri urged the Ministry of Education to implement mandatory sports programs for girls in private and government schools and universities in the Kingdom. She called on the Ministry of Health and all media sources to unite their efforts in spreading awareness on the importance of physical exercise and its role in living a disease-free life. She also said that laziness and living a sedentary lifestyle is criticized in Islam because it wants its people to live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. More gyms designed especially for women should be available in all areas, charging reasonable fees of course.
