JEDDAH, 23 March 2007 — A young Saudi with his medical degree from King Saud University has made foray into Jeddah’s rapidly growing field of fitness centers with success. He has completely renovated his two-year-old Kai Fitness Center, off Andalus Street, which was opened in the presence of officials from the municipality and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday night. “The center has been completely renovated at a cost of SR2 million and is equipped with the most advanced instruments for various exercises and programs for the health conscious and sports lovers,” Dr. Badr Al-Shibani, president of the Kai Fitness Center, told a press conference.
Conducting reporters on a tour of the center, he said the premises now had 100 new digitally operated lockers for its members. It has currently 1,500 members, most of them using the center for fitness regularly.
Reviewing the successful two years of the center, Al-Shibani, who spent a couple of years in the United States for his masters in pharmaco economics and degree in fitness management, said: “It’s a dream-come-true for me. I have been a member of the US-based International sport and Health Club and Racquet Association before venturing into my own fitness center,” he said.
What distinguishes the center is it has facilities for massage, spa and relaxation, aside from swimming, jacuzzi and sauna, all conducted under the supervision of expert coaches, said 28-year-old Al-Shibani.
There are also experts specialized in weight management and other fitness programs through state-of-the art services in a congenial and comfortable environment. “We are concerned about the ever increasing incidence of Obesity and lifestyle related issues, and are sure to find solutions to such problems at this center,” a Kai member said.
The center has signature brand of customized Italian equipment including weight loss, body therapy, body firmer, body contouring, and other weight maintenance programs. Also on offer are spa facilities.
“My effort is to create a model center for fitness, which I believe I have done so with success,” he said, adding that the center is equipped to offer training to members in different age groups on the basis of international regulations and programs.”
Al-Shibani said the center had entered into an arrangement with Les Maills, a French sports club, for aerobic and fitness programs. With its cooperation and the availability of international coaches he had plans to organize the second international body building championship with the participation of Saudi, Arab and international athletes. The first such championship was held a year ago.
A demonstration in body building by Adil Basyouni, a world champion and coach at the center, was held to mark the official opening of the center. “I have plans to open three more fitness centers in the city within two years before I hopefully expand my operations to other cities including Riyadh and Dammam,” Al-Shibani said.
