The concourse of a Riyadh shopping mall buzzes with activity, a peculiar spectacle in the early hours before shops open. Mall-walking and jogging have become a preferred exercise option for many in Saudi Arabia. The cool, air-conditioned malls offer respite from the scorching outdoor heat, making them ideal for physical fitness activities.
Mohammed Sultan, a 55-year-old engineer, and his wife, who wears a niqab, are among the regulars. Mohammed, dressed in a white T-shirt and black trainers, can be seen doing laps around the mall while accompanied by his wife. He appreciates the climate-controlled environment for exercise, stating that the scorching outdoor temperatures, which can reach 40 degrees Celsius even in October, make it unbearable to work out outdoors. Mohammed also finds treadmill walking in gyms rather monotonous.
Mall-walking has been a common practice in the United States, another nation with a car-centric culture and an obesity issue. In Saudi Arabia, where roughly one in five adults is considered obese, the trend is gaining momentum. The lack of suitable outdoor spaces for exercising has led many to malls.
The Saudi Sports for All Federation, in an effort to reduce obesity rates, has introduced events like the Riyadh Marathon, attracting thousands of runners to the city streets. However, such events are sporadic, and many gyms in Riyadh charge high fees, deterring individuals who seek basic walking spaces.
While officials have initiated the construction of a 135-kilometer Sports Boulevard featuring walking, cycling, and horse-riding paths in the capital, this project is still years away from completion. In the meantime, malls remain “the only option” for numerous people, according to Zuzana Kalous, an Australian expat in Riyadh who created a women’s walking group that frequently gathers in various shopping centers. For women, the mall provides a secure, controlled, and air-conditioned environment, free from pollution, dust, and traffic.
Mall-walking allows for exercise in various weather conditions, including sandstorms during spring and winter rains. Saudi nutritionist Laila al-Rifai, a member of one of these walking groups, affirms that shopping centers offer an ideal solution for walking year-round, irrespective of the time of day.
Hassan Merhi, a Lebanese fitness trainer based in Riyadh, encourages clients to walk outdoors, citing studies that suggest it’s a more effective workout compared to indoor walking. Walking outdoors helps burn fat more rapidly and reduces stress.
In the eyes of Batoul Zind al-Hadid, a 41-year-old from Syria, mall-walking is an excellent choice for beginners. It provides a more social experience, with groups congregating in one place, and allows her to keep up with the latest fashion trends by observing storefront displays. For her, it’s a comprehensive and enjoyable experience.
