PUMPING IRON IN Saudi Arabia - Essay Example

Pumping Iron in Saudi Arabia Outline I. Gym location II. Equipments in the gymnasium III. Comparison between western and Saudi gymnasiums IV. Religious issuesV. ContestsVI. Gender issuesThis article gives a description of 10th Gym, which is located in Saudi Arabia. I found this article interesting because it touches on some of the critical issues that are involved in gym industry in Saudi Arabia. It has clearly covered religious as well as gender issues involved. This article represents a personal narrative where the author got an opportunity to compete in arm wrestle with a gymnasium manager who was a professional weight lifter.

The author wants to reveal the opportunities that are there in this particular gym. The attendants are given the opportunity to compete with experienced and professional weight lifters. This encourages the participants. Another purpose the author wanted to issue in this case is about gender. The gymnasium is occupied by men only. This raises a major concern about the health fitness of the women. All the participants in the gymnasium were men. The author has also raised religious issues involved.

The author has clearly presented the picture of the Gym in question. He begins by describing the location of the gym. The author has also provided information on the charges that one needs to pay in order to become a member. Then, the author proceeds to describe the facilities that are found in the Gym. The Gym is packed with high quality exercise machine (Dyatt 2009). However, the author emphasizes on the fact that the equipments are old and the surfaces are peeling off though clean. The author has also revealed the uniqueness of the 10th Street from the fact that it observes the religious aspects carefully.

For instance, the rights are put off and the door closed during the prayer of Saleh (Dyatt 2009). The lights are put off and the door locked automatically even if workout is in the middle. The author has also revealed that failure to observe these rules can lead to loss of license. When the lights are off, the carpets are out between the exercises machines after which the faithful faces Mecca in rows for prayer (Dyatt 2009). Meanwhile, other people would continue to work out quietly besides them.

Both groups are expected to proceed harmoniously. The author have also emphasized that working out in the darkness is really interesting. It motivates people as it exaggerates the appearance of the people. The strong looks stronger in the darkness (Dyatt 2009). The author has also introduced the gym manager who is also a weight lifter. He is a friendly man who is interested in every attendant. He is determined to help the new weight lifters. The author has also revealed that the manager, who held reputation, was also subject to challenge.

For instance, he gives a narration of a scenario where Mohammed was challenged. However, he emerged the winner and was happy to be challenged. He exchanges laughter with his opponent when he pulled his hand down during the contest. The author has also told about his challenge to Mohammed. At first, Mohammed pretends to be weaker than him in order to protect him from shame. Meanwhile, the spectators are eagerly waiting to see the winner. Gradually, the author’s hand is turned down to the mat (Dyatt 2009).

This reveals how interesting the 10th Gym is. Its events attract a large group of people. This article has also raised a concern on the fact that there are strict rules prohibiting women from mixing with men hence denied the access to gym (Dyatt 2009). In fact, women are said to have very limited access to any form of exercises. For instance, schools do not have any arrangements to teach physical education for women, the fact that has raised major concerns about their health fitness. Work CitedDyatt, Samuel.

Pumping Iron in Saudi Arabia. American Fitness, Sep/Oct2009, Vol. 27 Issue 5, p16-17, 2p (2009).