Walking is new buzzword in KSA among health-conscious women

Women in Saudi Arabia are showing their enthusiasm for an active and a spirited lifestyle. Walking is the new buzzword among health-conscious women in the Kingdom who want to stay fit and deal with various health-related concerns.
A woman’s health is vital for the progress of a family, children and the community as a whole. Obesity is on the increase in Saudi Arabia. Studies continuously show that obesity is more prevalent among Saudi women than men. On an average 29 percent of adult men and 37 percent of adult women are obese. It is clear that changes must be made to the lifestyle of the population in order to reduce the prevalence of obesity.
In the parks and streets in the Kingdom, modestly dressed women take long, brisk walks as a means of exercise.
“It has become acceptable for women to walk in certain areas of Riyadh and Jeddah. Dammam women are also matching the initiative while they are outdoors, at the Corniche or different parks across the city,” said Jasnia Badsah of riyadhconnect.com .
Though there is no lack of health centers in the cities, accessing them is a matter of concern for some.
“Many ladies want to go to gyms and join fitness classes, but they find them expensive. Moreover, safe transport issues pose difficulties for ladies here,” said Andrea, a nurse from the Czech Republic, who works at Prince Sultan Military Medical City. Walking is the most popular form of exercise that takes only a basic investment of time and effort.
“Women have few options for outdoor activities to keep physically fit here. We need to create awareness to prevent obesity in society,” said Thuraia Yahia, a paralegal at Squire Sanders law firm in Riyadh. “Walking is a modest form of exercise.”
Mothers are also doing their bit to stay fit. “I do what I can to stay active. In parks, I play with my kids, help them swing and slide or even help them cycle at times,” said Reem, an Egyptian mother of two kids in Riyadh.
Being active is a big part of our life and simply playing with one’s family is a great way to team up and burn a few calories. More and more active mothers are getting involved in sports with their offspring. Mothers playing light football with their children or simply dribbling and throwing the ball toward their kids, swinging their toddlers, helping them slide, skate or cycle is commonly witnessed in recreation parks.
Zahra Breast Cancer Association in Saudi Arabia has continuously promoted exercise and healthier lifestyles and encouraged greater participation in sports activities among women. Zahra’s initiative is appreciable as major scientific journals worldwide indicate that physically active women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than inactive women.
“Simple ways, even with slight movements can let the game of staying active begin. Women must walk at least if they cannot join a gym,” said Noora Abdullah Al-Shahri, 45, who frequently walks the footpath around King Fahd Medical City to deal with her diabetes and hypertension.
Saudi Arabia is to license sports clubs for women for the first time, following a review of the Interior Ministry. Women will also be allowed soon to attend soccer matches in the new Jeddah sports stadium, which is to be completed in 2014, and will include a family section with private cabins and balconies for women who wish to attend the games. This marks a big step to encourage a healthy lifestyle among women in the Kingdom.
Judo fighter Wodjan Ali Seraj Abdulrahim Shahrkhani and the 800-meter sprinter Sarah Attar, who became the first to represent Saudi Arabia in the Olympic Games in August 2012, have definitely inspired many people.