I find it interesting that you mention Bollywood as a source of inspiration. I know a lot of young, middle aged & older Pakistani people that are into health & fitness & I can assure you none of them even listen to Bollywood let alone watch it. If my husband wants a six pack, I highly doubt it’s Salman Khan who has inspired him. Now one can’t deny that a part of the younger generation might be inspired by the celebrities in TV & film industry but if anything it would be Hollywood & Bollywood at the same time. Not to forget the plethora of health & fitness knowledge Internet has to offer.
I remember my older cousins in Pakistan including the girls were going to gyms in the early 90s. I think it has more to do with one’s educational background & how aware the families are.
My father in law is in his late 70s & he is MashaAllah a very fit man. At one point on the pasr we were hiking together & he put me to shame because of how he could still keep on going & i couldn’t.
All he does is basic walking & a lot of it & despite not having any major health problems he always knows what to eat & how to eat moderately. Same was the case with my Nana. No gym but walking & eating right & if it wasn’t for his memory loss he would still be going strong in his early 70s.
People are more aware now. Every morning show in Pakistan is talking about health & fitness these days.
As for my own opinion. It will definitely be a big thing in our family. My child is 3 years old & already knows what running, warm up, cool downs & stretches are. She loves her vegetables & fruits as much as she loves her candies & chips.
As a family we try to do more outdoor activities than movie or game nights at home. We just need a “Bahaana” to explore the city. Find state parks so we can be more on our feet then bottoms.
Health & fitness is a huge thing that’s even encouraged in Islam. We ought to take care of our bodies & teach our kids to do the same.
in culture forum…