Mariam Nihal Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — Despite the expanding rate of obesity in the Kingdom, the high prices of gyms are putting off women from daily physical exercise. Many women who spoke to Saudi Gazette complained that gyms for women cost up to five times more than gyms for gents. They said the higher prices in the Kingdom are the prime reason women are not doing enough physical exercise. They added gyms are a luxury and not a necessity even though the rate of obesity in Saudi Arabia is on the rise. Today the percentage of people classed as overweight or obese has increased globally. Sarah Al-Mahdi, a 39-year-old Saudi woman living in Jeddah, said “There is no place to exercise except to go walking in a mall or perhaps an area on the Corniche where you see families walking. “But how ridiculous is the idea if you think about it? “My driver takes me to a spot where I can walk, then watches me as I walk back and forth waiting for me in the car that drives me back home.” The most popular women gyms in Jeddah include Z Club, Gold Gym, Curves, Se7en, E Spa, Hiltonia, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Center, and Chamelle Club and Spa. Hania Anwar, a 25-year-old Syrian mother of two, complained she pays 10 times more for her gym membership compared to her husband. She added: “I pay SR2,000 every month for my gym. Then I pay SR1,000 for my driver who has to take me there and bring me home because women are not allowed to drive. “So I end up spending SR3,000 easily, whereas my husband pays SR300 per month at a local gym. “So you can only imagine our frustration. This is criminal and how do they expect women to be motivated to work out?” It has been reported that Gulf women are more overweight than men as obesity rates continue to shoot up alarmingly. Popular men's gyms include Fitness Time, Olympia, Golds Gym, KAI, Z Club, Power In Gym, Star Power Club and Star Tech. Aymen Abdullah, a 25-year-old expatriate living in Jeddah, said: “Sometimes I use a neighboring gym that does not have a fixed price. “I pay SR15 per visit and it works out pretty cheap.” Ali Yasser, a 21-year-old Saudi student, said he pays SR400 for a personal trainer every month. He added: “I used to think I pay a lot but then I heard about how much women pay and, frankly speaking, men pay peanuts. “I feel bad for girls who have to spend lots on the gym, a trainer and a driver. It's a lot of money. “Basically it means only the rich can afford to stay fit. It's very unfair.” With fewer outlets for physical exercise and the high prices of gyms, women are demotivated to pursue any form of exercise. Overweight and obesity rates in the GCC are linked to various social and economic factors. Najla Mohammad, a 27-year-old Saudi teacher, said: “Well, to begin with, my father would not let me and my sisters go out to walk in the park because that's just not advisable for women of character. So we joined a gym. “Then he had issues with the massive bills, as each of us paid SR1,500 per month. “Finally, he refused to send us to the gym because he could not provide us with transport or money for it either.” Many women said it is a challenge to keep fit and pursue fitness as a personal goal. Sabiha Awam, a 28-year-old Saudi banker, said: “In other countries it is vital to look after yourself and fitness is a top priority. “Think about it, if the mothers are overweight, diabetic, lethargic and unable to keep fit, how can they participate in any household activities and what kind of an example are they setting for children?” She said men are to blame for the problem. She added: “Don't men care enough about their wives, sisters and mothers? “Don't they want them to live a healthy life and exercise to keep fit? It only helps you live longer. “This is not a moral issue. Men should open up to finding ways to keep the women in the country active and fit. “Most women who do not work do not even leave their homes. “This is deadly and a toxic life. Women are killing themselves at this rate.” According to WHO studies in previous years, Saudis lead the way in terms of being the most inactive in the Gulf states. Dr. Ayesha Tala, a 43-year-old doctor living in the Kingdom, said: “Up to 75 percent of Saudis are inactive. “This is a worrying state for families, government and the future generations of Saudi Arabia.” Manal Asghar, a 30-year-old Saudi psychiatrist, said the fact that women do not drive or have places to walk plays a huge role in total inactivity. She added: “Plus it's humid during the day and that does not really facilitate the means to work out or exercise. “Limited public parks, gyms, or initiatives also weaken the strength of women who actually want to work out. “Awareness is the most important factor and awareness about the effects of obesity needs to be raised among children and families.” She said it was imperative women and men exercise, because in the long term it will have a positive effect on their family's physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
