FEMALE ARAB BODYBUILDER SEARCHES FOR RECOGNITION

[Sally]

I don't know if I could pick up one of those weights with two hands. I wish this young lady luck in her endeavor.


FEMALE ARAB BODYBUILDER SEARCHES FOR RECOGNITION
Haifa Musawi combated obesity and became a bodybuilder in Bahrain -- looking to take her skill abroad.

BY COURTNEY ANAYA, CPT courtanaya
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With the Gulf's conservative cultural stereotypes, female bodybuilder Haifa Musawi won't be flexing for Bahrain. Because of this, Musawi is looking elsewhere for the spotlight. At 32 years old, Musawi started working out ten years ago -- battling obesity. She says, "I had a problem with obesity and I used to like bodybuilding." While growing up, she searched for articles and pictures that covered the sport, "At that age, I didn't have the experience or know how to become a bodybuilder. It wasn't easy...bodybuilding for women in our society is rare."


Once Musawi started, she couldn't stop and her family supported her in the journey of dropping the weight. Fast forward to now: Musawi has numerous certificates from international fitness and bodybuilding associations. In Dubai she works as a weight specialist, coaching men and women.

Just last month, she placed in sixth in the physique category of the International Natural Bodybuilding Association championships; it was the first drug free competition held in Dubai. At the event, her and a Jordanian woman were the only Arab female bodybuilders.

Continue reading at:

Female Arab Bodybuilder Searches for Recognition Muscle Fitness?