İbtisam Axfir

Benghazi – In Libya, women have long been seeking safe spaces where they can freely express themselves, away from societal pressures. In recent years, this need has started to be met in women’s gyms, which provide both privacy and freedom. Initially established merely as places for exercise, these gyms quickly became spaces where women also feel socially and psychologically comfortable. In these centers, women escape the pressures of daily life, freely chat with other members, share their experiences, and develop a sense of collective solidarity.

However, the privacy provided by these spaces also entails sensitivity. Many women are uncomfortable with the presence of journalists or cameras due to concerns about the violation of personal space, the unauthorized sharing of their photos, or being targeted on digital media. Gym administrators and participants respectfully honor these requests to maintain safety and confidentiality. As the visibility of women in sports and social life increases in Libya, these gyms play a critical role in both physical health and psychological well-being. Ensuring that women feel safe in these spaces is also considered an important step toward gender equality.

A Life Transformed

Despite this caution, some women agreed to share their personal experiences with sports. One such woman is Reham Al-Ammami, who was bedridden for years following a serious traffic accident. She stated that her experience at a women’s gym has transformed her life both physically and psychologically, noting that exercise played a key role in regaining her mobility and improving her mood. Reham Al-Ammami also mentioned that she has been attending the gym regularly every day for the past three years.

‘I Created a Space of My Own’

“I initially joined the club only on medical advice, to lose weight,” said Dr. Manal Al-Houti, a dentist and faculty member at Benghazi University. “But over time, I realized that exercise was not only a physical activity for me but also a source of psychological relief. Escaping daily stress and creating a space of my own was invaluable. One of the things I trusted most during this process was my trainer; working with someone who understood me and respected my limits increased my commitment to the club. However, incidents such as the unauthorized sharing of private images of women on digital media made me very uneasy. That’s why I became more cautious when choosing gyms and trainers. Fortunately, my current gym places great importance on our privacy; phone use is strictly prohibited, which gives all of us a sense of security.”

Significant Contribution to Mental Health

Fitness trainer and physical education teacher Amal Al-Zalawi emphasized that the importance of sports clubs is not limited to physical health. She highlighted that these spaces are also very beneficial for mental health, particularly for women with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, or those who have survived serious illnesses like cancer. Amal Al-Zalawi noted that exercise strengthens cardiovascular health, supports hormonal balance, and is an effective way to reduce psychological stress.

The Spread of Sports Culture

Amal Al-Zalawi, who began her career as a sports trainer in 1996, stated that at that time there were only four women’s sports clubs in Benghazi, the most important of which was the Women and Children Club. She explained that the increase in the number of clubs and gyms over time has offered women more opportunities to engage in sports. As societal attitudes have shifted, gyms have become more accepted and even preferred by women from different backgrounds, such as female doctors and academics. Amal Al-Zalawi also emphasized that these women do not keep the sports culture to themselves but pass it on to their patients as well.

Amal Al-Zalawi noted that security and privacy are central to the women’s gym experience. “Phones are usually banned or kept off in gyms; even if media personnel are present, filming is limited to background shots,” she said. She added that a trainer’s role is not limited to physical exercise; it also includes closely monitoring participants’ health, responding flexibly to special needs, and having first aid knowledge for potential health emergencies. “Women no longer choose clubs randomly,” she said. “They now question trainers’ qualifications and experience, preferring professionals who combine academic knowledge with practical expertise.”

Gyms as Important Spaces for Women

Amal Al-Zalawi highlighted that women’s sports clubs in Libya have become safe spaces supporting not only physical but also mental health. She continued:

“These centers have become an alternative platform for health and welic nutritional guidance, helping women improve their overall health. It has been about thirty years since the first women’s clubs opened in Benghazi. Today, sports is no longer just an activity for losing weight or changing appearance; it has become an established culture prioritizing both physical and mental health among women.

What some call menopause, I see as a 'life stage.' Sports make this period a healthier and more confident transition for women. There is a common theme in the stories of trainees and experiences of trainers: these clubs finally offer Libyan women a safe space. They provide freedom of movement, strengthen psychological balance, and redefine their relationship with sports and life in general.”