The misconception that strength training makes women bulky no longer carries weight among the new generation of Emirati women.
Days of endless hours on treadmills and jogging are now being replaced by squats, pull-ups, and box jumps, which are some of the exercises cited as favorites by Emirati women.
AB, 28, an HR manager, was one of those who previously had doubts. But after training with experienced coaches and researching, she saw for herself the benefits of strength training.
“I love it,” she said. “Strength training is so exciting to actually practice.
“It also builds incredible confidence as a result of both gradual strength progress, and beautiful posture enhancement!”
Her parents have also changed their mind about weight training for women: “It’s all about education; they were once misinformed just like I was,” she explained.
“I then explained the many benefits of strength training and how it’s actually very important for women. Their original concern was usually out of care and protection.”'
Anahit Aalaa Nazarian, a strength and crossfit coach, believes the development of the UAE society is behind the change in perception.
“I think this is part of a countries’ maturing process,” she said. “Dubai is putting a lot of effort in developing the society; living a healthy life is a major part of achieving that.
“In addition, the social media hype lately which spread awareness about the facts and benefits of strength training and weight lifting has helped, as well as showcasing local athletes who set an example to many and encouraged a lot to take part in this journey.”
She also attributed the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in creating the Dubai Fitness Championships initiative, especially an edition for UAE Nationals – men and women.
Aalaa Nazarian added: “It really unleashed the competitiveness in them. I also ensure my clients are well informed and educated on the benefits of strength training and weight lifting.
“The new generation of Emirati ladies is choosing to train.
“Unlike in the past I used to have clients who were forced by their husbands to join the gym.”
Coach Nazarian has more than 100 Emirati clients, between the ages of 13-67, and has about 30 Emirati women who trained under her supervision for the recent month- long Dubai Fitness Championships.
She is preparing them by motivating them and reminding them it’s a mental game and the challenge “is you against yourself.”
She has partnered with Dunes Crossfit by offering ladies-only classes four times a week to get coached on the workout for the competition.
Fatma Lootah, 22, an engineer, personally never had any misconceptions about lifting weights as a result of being surrounded by other women who practise it.
“It’s a challenge, and I love challenges,” she said. “That’s why I am passionate about training, it challenges me every single time and then makes me feel better physically and mentally every day. I have to say that I’ve become much happier with my lifestyle after I started to train continuously.”
Hamada Al Mutawa, 30, is a banker and has been training for seven years. Despite having misconceptions at the very start, that soon changed with education and coaching. Her ambition is to become a professional crossfitter and her mother is supportive of how she spends her time at the gym.
“Sports of all kinds do change your life to better. I think it’s a lifestyle that everyone should adopt,” she said.
Amna Al Haddad is a UAE national training for the 2016 Olympics, a former crossfitter and first GCC national who competed in the Crossfit Asia Regionals 2012.
