Saudi Arabia’s mall-joggersLack of exercise spaces and soaring heat drive trend in Gulf kingdomAFP, RIYADHThe shops have not yet opened, but the air-conditioned concourse of a Riyadh shopping mall is crowded anyway — a haven for walkers and joggers grateful for somewhere cool to exercise. Saudi women exercise in a mall in Riyadh on Oct. 15. Long popular in the US, another car-centric country with an obesity problem, mall-walking is increasingly becoming a Saudi sport. Long popular in the US, another car-centric country with an obesity problem, mall-walking is increasingly becoming a Saudi sport. The contained environment also guarantees people can exercise even in less-than-ideal weather, like spring sandstorms or winter rains, says Saudi nutritionist Laila al-Rifai, a member of Kalous’s group.

Source: Taipei Times October 27, 2023 07:07 UTC