Baghdad’s gyms pump up the competition

BAGHDAD, January 15 — In Baghdad’s Al-Dora area, specifically in the Al-Sihha neighborhood, two gyms are competing to attract local youth with appealing subscription deals. These gyms, focusing on bodybuilding, are lowering their monthly fees to draw in more participants.

The first gym has introduced a promotional rate of 75,000 dinars for a ten-month subscription, while its rival offers a two-month membership for 45,000 dinars. Both gyms have garnered about a thousand subscribers each, indicating a robust interest in fitness activities in the area.

Ali Al-Kinani, the manager of “Power House” gym, talked to 964media about the gym’s history and its role in the community. Al-Kinani, who has been operating a gym in the Al-Dora area since 1993, stated, “We provided this offer to attract young people and steer them away from challenges faced by society, such as drug abuse and social deviations.” He also mentioned the growing popularity of gym memberships in the area, highlighting that there is no reluctance among locals to join gyms.

Mohammed Kifah, a member of one of these gyms, expressed his appreciation for these offers, particularly for students and those with limited incomes. He noted, “These offers have served us a lot because they reduce our monthly expenses and allow everyone to participate in gyms.” Kifah emphasized the importance of affordable access to fitness facilities for students balancing educational and sports-related expenses, as well as for unemployed individuals.

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