ALKHOBAR: It starts with a stretch. Then a breath. And for many women in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, what follows is far more than just physical movement. It’s calm, clarity and control. But not everyone gets to experience it.
While pilates and yoga classes have become increasingly popular in Alkhobar, Dhahran and beyond, the women who attend them – or hope to – say the trend isn’t just about fitness. it’s about access.
“I’ve felt a real difference in my body and mood since I started pilates,” said Noura Alzayani, 42, from Dhahran. “I feel more flexible,balanced,even my posture and breathing improved. I just feel better.”
She attends classes for free at the King Gym in Aramco camp and describes the sessions as “a complete reset.” Her favorite part? The style of the workouts.”They tone the body, help with alignment and improve mental well-being. I wish more people understood their value.”
But outside of private compounds such as Aramco’s, access to these benefits can be challenging. While some women are willing, even eager, to sign up, the reality of high prices, limited availability and rigid schedules has kept many away.
I’ve thought about trying Pilates so many times. But the prices don’t match the value. When six classes cost as much as a full year of gym membersh-ip, it just doesn’t feel worth it.
Lama Alrajeh, Dhahran local
“I’ve thought about trying pilates so many times,” said Lama Alrajeh, 21, also from Dhahran. “But the prices don’t match the value. When six classes cost as much as a full year of gym membership, it just doesn’t feel worth it.”
She once attended a free trial with her sister and loved the experience. “It was motivating.But then we ran into the same issue – too expensive. Plus,the closest good studio is only available to Aramco employees. I can’t even go with my friends.”
And for students like her, adaptability isn’t just something they’re seeking in their bodies, but in the schedules of the classes. “Sessions are frequently enough at times I can’t manage, like early mornings or late afternoons when I’m in class. It just doesn’t fit.”
Still, the desire is ther.Many women interviewed for this story described pilates and yoga as aspirational; something they want to include in their lives, if only logistics would allow it.
Sitah Alotaibi, 22, from Al-Ahsa, said she has never attended a class but watches the trend with interest. “It feels like it suddenly became a huge thing,
Pilates Popularity Rises in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, But Accessibility Remains a Challenge
Jubail, Saudi Arabia – Pilates is gaining traction as a popular fitness and wellness activity among women in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, but high costs and limited access are creating barriers to participation, according to recent interviews with residents. While the desire for low-impact exercise and its associated mental and physical benefits is strong, many women find themselves priced out or lacking convenient options.Several women interviewed expressed a desire for more studios and more affordable pricing. A resident of Jubail voiced a common concern: “The prices need to come down. And I wish we had more class options here in Jubail.”
For those unable to access or afford studio classes, online resources are providing a solution. Hajjar Alotaibi, 22, from al-Ahsa, regularly practices pilates at home using the YouTube channel Move With Nicole. “It helps my mood, relaxes my body and tones it simultaneously occurring,” she explained, adding that she hopes for more local, affordable options in the future.
Yoga is also proving popular as an choice, offering similar benefits. Rana Abbas, 26, from Alkhobar, finds yoga especially helpful for relieving stiffness from work and improving her mood. However, she too faces the issue of cost, noting that classes can reach SR180 (approximately $48 USD) per session.She wishes for “more affordable centers. and more instructors who pay attention to everyone in the class – not just a few.” (Exchange rate as of August 9, 2024: 1 USD = 3.75 Saudi Riyal).
The perception of pilates as an activity reserved for the wealthy is a recurring theme. Khaled,a resident whose last name was not provided,stated,”I feel like pilates has become an activity for the wealthy only. I can’t afford resistance training at one gym and pilates at another. How much do we have to pay just to stay healthy?”
Others are drawn to pilates for its unique approach to movement. Kawthar Abdulaziz, from Al-Ahsa, sought a workout that differed from traditional weight training. “I wanted a gym without weights or harsh training,” she said.”I wanted to stretch, feel graceful and move like I’m dancing. That’s why pilates appealed to me.” Her first class proved to be a positive experience, providing both physical and emotional release. “I felt a huge release – mentally and physically… It felt like I emptied all my emotional tension.”
Despite the positive experiences, Abdulaziz echoed the sentiments of others, stating, “The price is too high. And the good places are far. I just want more spaces where we can move, where movement is the focus, not the luxury.”
The interviews reveal a consistent desire for increased accessibility to pilates and similar movement-focused activities. Barriers include limited studio availability, transportation challenges, unaffordable prices, and a feeling that pilates isn’t inclusive.However, the women interviewed remain optimistic about the potential for wider access. Abdulaziz concluded, “Even though I’ve only done one class… it made me realize how important this is.This kind of movement – it’s not just fitness. It’s therapy.”