PeaceBridge International - Projects [Health

If all goes well, the first ever Kabul University aerobics program will begin after a few facility renovations- and after Ramadan 2004. This room that we are renovating is above the campus gymnasium, where it is not easily accessible to on-lookers. When the aerobics class is in session, a guard will be stationed outside the door at all times to make sure that men know they are not allowed. I am much more able to identify with someone like Cindy Crawford, or Jane Fonda now that I will be accompanied by body-guards while I work out! Ha-ha! We've jokingly referred to this course as "Burqua-cize", or "Burqua-robics", but hope to soon come up with something better...

We hope to introduce university women to a sport that is group oriented and fun- to concentrate on the positive aspects of exercise. In this culture, it's important to avoid activities that promote competition, embarrassment, or regimentation. The class will cover 4 topics- the concept of fitness, aerobic exercise, nutrition, and general self-maintenance. Already, I have had women seek me out to ask me "How do I get rid of this-" as they make faces and pinch their sides!

Aside from the obvious physiological benefits, exercise has a surprising number of psychological benefits. Following a regular fitness program gives one a sense of commitment and control - two positive mental attitudes that help counteract stress and anxiety. Also, it is proven to give one's self-esteem a measurable boost! Those involved in fitness related activities show more self-confidence, and demonstrate improved ability both physically and scholastically.

Aerobic programs designed to improve physical fitness usually take into account frequency, intensity, and time. Ideally, a program's frequency would be three times a week, intensity would be moderate, and time would be one hour. However, at this point, we see that starting an aerobic fitness program for most of these women will be a new challenge. Taking this into consideration, we propose a course offered once a week in frequency, light in intensity, and one hour in time.

This course will be limited to female participants only. Aside from the nutrition/general self-maintenance lecture portions of the course, all instruction will be in English for the first term. Optimally, the first participants of the aerobic exercise course would be speakers of English. However, admittance will not be restricted to only English speakers. We look forward to a lot of fun!