Saudis welcome call to open more gyms for women

Manama: Saudis have welcomed remarks by Princess Reema Bint Bandar Bin Sultan, the undersecretary for women’s section at the General Authority for Sports, about the importance of encouraging women to attend public athletic facilities and promote a culture of health and wellness in a country that is struggling with dangerous levels of obesity and diabetes.

“Obesity and diabetes are killing us. If women do not have venues to exercise, that’s a national shame,” she said in remarks carried by US magazine Fast Company.

Princess Reema said she supported the operation of women’s gyms.

Physically fit women will spend less on medical care, and it will also mean economic benefits for the country, she added, calling for opening sports doors to girls and women.

Conservatives in the Saudi society have long resisted allowing young girls to play sports at schools or encouraging women to attend gyms even though the activities are legally permitted.

Saudi Arabia this year sent four women to the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, four years after it made a historic breakthrough in 2012 when two Saudi women competed for the first time at the London Games.

Saudis are welcoming the tendency to create more opportunities for women to exercise.

“There is nothing in Islam that prohibits women from engaging in athletic activities and we should move ahead with the plans to encourage women to join gyms,” Veteran Lawyer, a user, said.

Another user under the moniker of Rights said that there was no room for hesitation or vacillation.

“We are now living in times characterised by serious work and strong determination, and we are ready for clubs and gyms. The interests of the nation are above all other considerations,” Rights said.

Fahem said that action was needed more than words to change the situation.

“She should move ahead and open up gyms for women, not just talk about them,” he said.

However, another user said that the conditions should be set right to encourage women to engage in athletic activities.

“I am so keen on attending gyms, but the ones that are available inside spas now are so expensive that I cannot join,” she said. “We need to see them reduce their membership fees.”

Visitor, another user, said that she did not feel the urge to join a gym.

“I do not need gyms since I move around the house so much to look after my children as I have no helpers. I feel fit and in good health,” she said.

Rima said that she welcomed the opening of several gyms.

“There is nothing worrying about gyms for women; however, is the concern is that the real objective is to scout gifted women and select them to represent the country in international competitions,” she said.