Sahtak Awalan (Your Health First)—a Weill-Cornell Medicine Qatar initiative—has launched an innovative concept called the Fitness Box in cooperation with the Ministry of Municipality’s Public Parks Department.

The healthy concept was launched last week at Al-Rayyan Park and is also meant to be held at Airport (Old Airport area). The two venues will feature two installations of the solar-powered Fitness Box that are made from upcycled shipping containers. The sustainable containers also feature large screens that will broadcast tailor-made free fitness classes instructed by renowned fitness instructors in the community.

The launch event was inaugurated by esteemed government officials including Mohammed Ali Al Khouri, Director of Public Parks at the Ministry; Dr. Javaid Sheikh, Dean of WCM-Qatar; Jaber Hassan Al Jaber, Director of Al-Rayyan Municipality; and several other diplomats and officials.

Dr. Sheikh also confirmed that the Ministry is looking forward to replicating the ‘Fitness Box’ model in other places within Qatar. Sahtak Awalan has been focused on encouraging the public to make healthy choices and commit to fitness since its inception in 2012. Their website intends to educate all people, irrespective of age, to make nutritious food choices and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

The Fitness Box concept offers sessions for people of all ages for free. The classes will be aired on the big screen for everyone to follow and can be done by any fitness level. The duration lasts between 15–20 minutes and the given instructions are in Arabic, Urdu, and English.

Interested fitness enthusiasts or those looking to begin their fitness journeys can attend a free class at Al Rayyan Park (Green Carpet) or Old Airport Park from Sunday to Thursday (3–9 pm) and Saturdays (7 am–9 pm). On Fridays, the classes function in two shifts from 7–11 am and then continue from 3–9 pm.

Given the increased focus on physical health in the last two years, the local community has become more fitness-conscious and is always welcoming of such initiatives that promote good health. Keeping in mind the upcoming Qatar Nation Sports Day this month and the FIFA World Cup 2022 at the year-end, people are more enthusiastic to engage in levels of physical activity. Al Khouri, the Director of Public Parks says, “The Fitness Box gives people a great outlet for that energy, helping them to achieve their personal fitness goals while meeting other members of the community and building social cohesion in Qatar."

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Cover Image and Source: Sahtak Awalan