Egyptian women embrace Curves

jean,hillsboro,or — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:08:32 GMT

I think this is wonderful for the Egyptian women, to have a place of their own, where they can (as it reads)laugh and play, I have many friends from the middle east, there views on women are interesting to say the least, I had one gentleman say "women are no different that my camels" I have another Egyptian male friend who married an american, he treats her very different when he takes her on holiday than when they are here in America. I say off wih the veils, even if it is in a closed building and only for a couple of hours, enjoy ladies.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

JS Cenglewood Fl — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:07:58 GMT

Its about time some did something the females in this and other arab Countries. Perhaps this will build up their esteem and make them prooud of beig female and not altogether a slave to their husbands. Go for it girls.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mike — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:30:01 GMT

So do they have male trainers?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Anthony, Atlanta, GA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:30:11 GMT

Great idea..excellent location..I wish you well.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Michael Zachary — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:38:09 GMT

I think that this woman is a great pioneer, and a brave one, to do this in predominately Muslim countries where women are not respected and loved just because they are a woman. I hope that this is a step towards womens rights in Egypt and the surrounding areas. I am not an activist, but I believe that the way that women are treated in the Middle East and surrounding areas that are Muslim is despicable. Way to go, Debra

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Joe Jacksonville Fl. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:46:45 GMT

YESS!..this is a great step in the right direction for the women of that country actually being happy and feeling good about themselves..!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tim, Ohio — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 19:49:50 GMT

While I understand that the women in Egypt and other Muslim countries find it important to cover themselves, and I even approve so long as they do so by choice instead of by law (Egypt has no laws requiring it, Saudi Arabia does), I also am pleased to hear that they are having more opportunities to socialize free of the normal restrictions.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Yusef Shaban, Pheonix, Arizona — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:02:25 GMT

You lot are ignorant. I'm middle eastern, and I don't consider women a slave. They are equal to men. Also wearing Hijab is not forced in Egypt. Idiots. Maybe if you knew anything about the laws in Egypt you wouldn't make such an idiotic statement.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jason — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:02:36 GMT

This sounds great for Egyptian women. I hope the market for women's only workout clubs expands.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

steve — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:04:04 GMT

good for her,but there are millions more in the middle east that are treated like property. All are brain washed by religion, women are only there to produce off springs,preferbely males. They still live 200 years in the past. If not for the west, they would not have cars, cell phones, computers or television, they be riding a donkey.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

michelle ~ nebraska — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:04:06 GMT

i think it's great that these women have a place to feel free! this is so long over due!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jeanette, Grand Rapids, MI — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:04:16 GMT

There are no mail trainers as men in that society are not permitted to see other men's wives without their traditional gear and coverings on.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Laura, Moline, IL — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:07:46 GMT

This is a fantastic idea! More power to Ms. Alcala AND all of her clients. And to answer Mike's question...No. All women, all of the time. That's the Curves concept.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tina Hudson, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:08:53 GMT

This is great, the whole world need to be in shape. I LOVE my CURVES, TINA

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Norma, Long Beach CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:11:30 GMT

I think it's great the women of this country and the Arab world have an opportunity to feel "free" even if it's just for a little while. And to answer Mike's question, no men allowed even to train. I belong to Curves and it's all women, trainers and all. Sorry guys.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

mimi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:13:38 GMT

Um, no Mike. Women only. It's curves. Don't be an idiot. Are you trying to imply that female trainers would be ineffective, or that there aren't female trainers around?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nidia — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:16:20 GMT

Enjoy your workouts ladies;)

Egyptian women embrace Curves

A in Wyoming — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:21:04 GMT

Mike: Not in the Arabic communities. It is absolutely forbidden for women to be around non-related men without their husbands/brothers/fathers also present. A woman who went somewhere without her guardian risks being beaten or even stoned to death. Male staff would not be acceptable to Arabic communities. I believe, but am not certain, Curves' policy of "women only" includes women-only staff at US locations as well.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Joe — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:21:09 GMT

Mike, You Rainman or what.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Cindy S — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:28:59 GMT

No male trainers and they circuit train with music playing that tells you to move on to the adjacent mat or machine after a period of time. It is female run and females train you how to use the machines.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Vanna — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:29:04 GMT

"Great idea". Yeah, I agree. Unfortunately, it will be considered a great idea until that female American owner is harassed or at the worst, shot or murdered by the unhappy husband, father or brother of one of its female patrons. I wish her well. It would be more great if it were owned and run by a national of that country, (male or female.) (Curves is pretty much a lame excuse as a gym anyway, which just sucks even more for Egypt.) The comments here just show our lack of understanding of other cultures & how "we can help them." There are so many other ways to help the women in these countries and ask yourself, "do they really want or need our help?" Again, you might want to dig further into their culture to answer that question. Mike - were you joking? Please tell me so. Jean,please go back to 4th grade English; you need some assistance with your spelling & grammar. Also - the "gentleman" you describe is most definitely not a "gentleman" by Western standards.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Shari, Chicago, IL — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:37:43 GMT

Could we please stop with the "all women must wear veils" and "men are forbidden to see non-related women without their veils on" comments? I only perpetuates the stereotype that Americans are clueless about Islamic and Arab societies. Thanks. :-)

Beyond that, Curves' "women's only" concept truly is tailor made for a culture that, seen through Western eyes, is very modest and discourages socially casual co-ed mixing.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Arthur — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:40:09 GMT

Cultural change usualy happens very slowly, over decades or longer. It is great to see another small step in the process. Little by little, the Arab World will change, but at its own natural pace... Best of luck to the owner & all her clients!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nikki, Florida — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:44:16 GMT

Yusef, most people in America know that not ALL women are treated badly in the Arab countries. The problem is, the news only talks about the bad treatment so it's how most Americans perceive the way women are treated. I, personally do not approve of organized religion and the Muslim religion doesn't seem to have too many redeeming qualities. Maybe if the Muslim religion would stop all the garbage concerning women, which is all 100% unnecessary, more people wouldn't look so negatively upon it.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Arthur — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:44:24 GMT

Yusef, about your comment of 4:02pm...
I agree with you. Unfoutunately Americans like to pass moral judgement about situations and people in situations they know nothing about!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tim, Avondale, Az — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:47:11 GMT

Yusef, your attitude and reaction is one of the many things that cause the rest of the world to detest Arab men. Tim from Ohio just stated there was no law in Egypt making it mandatory. Also you used the word ignorant. Do you understand that "ignorant" means "lacking Knowledge"? So instead of getting defensive and rude, why don't you just explain it to the people who do not understand? It's a shame that there are so many backwards countries in the middle east. Being a father of 2 girls I would be appaled if either one thought of marring an Arab. So instead of backing that prejudice, why don't you act like a gentleman and help to change those attitudes? Mine included!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Frank, Herndon, VA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:47:26 GMT

A Middle Eastern Male calling us Idiots...LOL! I wish the women of Egypt all the best in overcoming the terrible prejudice that they face on a daily basis because of the ignorance of their repressive religion.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Arthur — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:51:36 GMT

Steve, about your comment from 4:04pm…
People are brainwashed by culture and their parents. The West has its own brand of brainwashing. Also, after the Christian church declared all knowledge not in bible blasphemous, it was the Arab World that preserved the West’s ancient knowledge and this permitted the West to go thru the renaissance… So we have a lot more to be thankful to them than you think… It seems that the only one around here who should be riding a donkey is you!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nadeem — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:55:12 GMT

I don't see any thing wrong with having all women workout places any where in the world. Every one has right to have fun as they seem fit for their society.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nadeem — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:56:00 GMT

I don't see any thing wrong with having all women workout places any where in the world. Every one has right to have fun as they seem fit for their society.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Duke, Colorado Springs, CO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 20:59:49 GMT

The reason they are having fun is because they live a life of subservience to men and they hate it. It is their only chance to be free for a short time.

I am curious though. If men in the US have a male only club women try to get in even to the point of suing. Why is it ok for the women to want to join an all male clube, but at Curves, men are not allowed. Sounds like a double standard to me.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

S In Chicago — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:01:45 GMT

This article was interesting on a lot of levels. First is that while the women of Egypt embrace Curves for allowing them an unusual freedom, it is an organization owned solely by a fundamentalist Christian who is against a women's right to chose. Against the notion of freedom, the hours of operation were set to ensure that women can't go whenever they want as they account for what Curves believes is the correct amount of time a women should be at home with their families. Additionally, there has been much speculation that Curves discriminates against non-Christians and that the organization uses their locations to promote conversion to Christianity. Perhaps this is less about enhancing the lives of women and more about "spreading the word" among the middle east.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Helen, Sacramento CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:01:52 GMT

I'm not quite sure if Mike is wanting a job or a pick-up place. Either way, you're outta luck. All women from the administrators to the clients are ALL FEMALE. Even if you had a microscopic chance of meeting a woman there...You
would be killed before you could even pucker and her too probably for having the foolishness to allow it..

Egyptian women embrace Curves

steve fezer — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:06:48 GMT

Yusef states there are no laws forcing women to cover themselves. WRONG ANSWER!!! There are religous directives that order women to cover themselves "modestly". However modestly is interpreted as to be covered from head to foot. Egypt doesn't need civil laws for this as MALE dominated families/ society enforce a dress code on their females. The penalty for disobedience can be death or disownment from family and friends.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

D,Detroit,MI — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:10:16 GMT

I am so confused on why American citizens are so worried about women in Egypt or anywhere besides here. Their traditions are their traditions no matter if we agree or not. Every country we try to help ends up worse after we supposedly "help" them. There is so much BS going on here in the States that we need to address some of the issues here such as our plummiting economy, they are predicting a depression for this fall. You people need to get with whats going on here.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Daniel, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:19:55 GMT

This is brilliant! I wish I had thought of it first. If I had a million dollars, I buy 100 franchises all over the muslim community and make a fortune.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Josh, Toronto Ontario (Canada) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:29:38 GMT

I'm not quite sure where you lot get your information about the treatment of women in Muslim countries, but in Egypt the women wear the Hijab because they choose to. It's the same reason why some western women dress slutty. They have a choice... and for some odd reason they choose to. Have you not seen the rap videos on TV in our own culture? They are filled with women in slutty clothes dancing around for the man's gratitude? If you think Arabic culture treats women like animals, maybe we should take a look at our own. A culture where women choose to wear clothing that hides their appearance seems a bit more healthy then one where the women choose to wear as little as possible, in hope of showing off as much of their body as they can, to the male audience.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Misti, IN — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:29:43 GMT

Duke: It is somewhat of a double standard, like African Americans being able to call Caucasian individuals "crackers" or worse without consequence while they get offended even by the term "coloured people" when not used by one of their own; examples of similar conduct can be found everywhere. However, there's a reason for behaviour like this. Women and basically every skin colour that isn't what one refers to as "white" (though males and Caucasians have gone through their own battles with discrimination) have been through a heck of a lot in the past, fighting to gain/maintain even the most basic of fundamental human rights. Making an "all-white" church is going to throw your community into an uproar, whereas all-black churches get little attention. The same goes when it's gender that's in question - you know you're going to get chewed up if you make a male-only club, despite the fact that women get less bull for it when they do the same. Of course it's not technically fair, at least in my eyes, but America is so bent up about scrutinising every little detail in stuff like this until they find something remotely questionable that it makes everything seem unfair or discriminative in some way or another.

Yusef: It'd be easier for other countries to accept that if there wasn't evidence going directly against you. Selling daughters for money, treating women as personal maids rather than human beings... it's part of the culture, but things like that aren't taken lightly, especially in places where equal fairness is pushed and embraced.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kim, Garland, Texas — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:30:56 GMT

Obvious from your comments that you have lack of knowledge of other countries... Egypt is no different than the US ... women there are just like women here... i have friends from there.. actually they are much more educated and knowledgeable than most women in the US!!! you all just need to seek more real and actual knowledge about the world around us!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Alissa, Wisconsin Rapids — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:31:44 GMT

Curves is an AWESOME gym, contrary to what Vanna says. I've done other gyms. Curves works for me. It gives me the fun environment, the support, the comaradarie, and most of all... it produces results that are measurable and goal-oriented. And I like working out where there are not men to judge how "fat" you are, or hoity toities who judge you because you don't have the "right" workout clothes. This is GREAT for women in Arab Nations. It's a chance for them to be themselves without the pressure of their customs. KUDOS!!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Curtis Jackson, mississippi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:34:09 GMT

Someone needs to send Yusef Shaban to Curves so he can work off some of that stress. Do they accept Sissies?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Ahmed, Cairo Egypt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:35:31 GMT

I can see some rumors all over the comments here that something like Arabs or Egyptians or more generally treats ladies as thier camels, Well, I'm an egyptian male & for one thing the last time I saw a camel was over 2-3 years. So, we are not living in tents parking our camels (lol) beside the pyramids.

About the main subject here, women & how muslims treat them, I guess you don't know the real thing except if you live through it, we treat them better than any other people on the whole world does. For example you'll the least rape crimes are at islamic countries on the contrary at the USA for example is the highest, is that women respect?

Please don't offend others depending on the media, Most of what we see daily on it are lies.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Christina McLean, Denver, CO — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:38:36 GMT

I recently wrote a paper that was on the plight of the Afghan woman. It is nice to see someone take a step in these muslim countries to allow these women to be "free" from their hijab; even if it is only for a few hours. Every little step leads the way to equal rights and opportunities.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wisconsin Rapids WI — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:40:06 GMT

My Curves has PLENTY of non-Christian women, and they are not being "converted". As for the hours, aside from SNAP fitness, which is 24HRS a day, the hours at Curves are comparable to every other gym franchise in the state I live in. As for PARENTS being home with their families, well. THEY SHOULD. Men AND Women. Maybe the world would be a better place... and maybe.. just maybe.. women wouldn't have to "choose" as you so eloquently put it. The pregnants teens who "choose" might be more educated and parented better instead of becoming a teenage abortion statistic. What's wrong with parents being parents??? SOrry. I got sidetracked. Again, I LOVE MY CURVES.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Doug, Atlanta, Ga. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:42:24 GMT

Duke, for the same reason we allow BET "Black Entertainment Television" to "Promote" more diversity in our world. What would happen to WET? "White"

The more people I meet, the more I miss my dog.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Don, York PA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:44:19 GMT

It is not our place to judge other cultures customs and religion. To do so would impose our ideals of right and wrong upon others. That would make us no better than anyone else.

I say, "Congrats" on providing a service to Arabic women that keeps both sexes of the culture happy.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Don, York PA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:48:39 GMT

S,

What you speak of is paranoia, and libelous without proof. If you have proof of this, then please post it. I'm sure the news would gobble up such a story.

And why won't you post at least your full first name?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mad, Madison, Wi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:55:01 GMT

Let people of the arab countries live their life as they wanted to. Why do we want them to change to our way of life? i know this story was invented as other ones to sell a product: curves
Get a life!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Ella — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:57:38 GMT

What's the matter with all of you? Do all of you believe everything you are told (esp. you Americans!). Why don't you investigate Islam for yourselves, or are you afraid to challenge what you've been told by your authoritarian government about the ways that people live in other parts of the world? Get a life and grow up!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Al Freeman — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:07:32 GMT

Wonderful news! Now we should institute the same rules in the US. American women should cover their bodies and faces with long ropes and excersize in women-only facilities. I am tired of seeing half-naked women shaking their "stuff" into my face!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jeff, Detroit — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:11:15 GMT

Thanks Yusef for setting it straight. Too many people get their understanding of the Middle East from Fox News. This club is cool. I didn't see any anonymous comments from the women interviewed at the club saying "I like to come to the club to get a break from my slave labor and beatings from my husband"...get real.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Janet, Seattle, WA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:13:30 GMT

Yousef,

Rather then write slander against one persons ignorance, explain in love what Islam is truly about. Practiced in the right way it is a beautiful religion. You get more with honey then with lemon.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Klee Davis, Pasadena, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:15:44 GMT

Thank you "S in Chicago!" Few people really know the truth about the man who started Curves. I have friends, who once they learned about him, dropped out. The women in Egypt seem to be prey to more than one form of religious fundamentalism.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wayne Huber, Berkeley, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:18:13 GMT

Arthur - We certainly do not owe the Arab World for the renaissance . The information from the Greeks and Romans came through direct translations and were not read from translations of Greek into Arabic. True there were some translations but going from Greek to Arabnic was very difficult to disciper.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Gina, MISSOURI — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:21:16 GMT

I COULDNT CARE LESS IF MIDDLE EASTERN MUSLIM WOMAN OR
MAN HAVE A PLACE TO WORK OUT . YUSEF, MOST PEOPLE IN THE USA DONT CARE ENOUGH ABOUT YOUR LAWS TO WASTE THE
TIME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW YOU PEOPLE LIVE.JUST STAY OVER THERE DO YOUR THING AND WE'LL DO OURS!!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Hina — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:24:52 GMT

I'm so disappointed in people on this board. Please go to your local library and read up on Islam because not everything that you hear on the news is true.

I'm glad that Curves has opened up in Egypt but disappointed in the comments that I see. The religion is ISLAM...NOT MUSLIM. Muslim are the people. Islam is to Christianity as Muslim is to Christian.

Another thing, Islam is not a bad religion, and the fact is, Islam and Christianity are so very similar...it's the people that do things in the name of a religion that makes it sound bad.

And another thing, half of the women liked to be veiled and welcome it. It's their choice (in most places), but people see them as serious just because they have a veil on.

The stories that you hear about women being stoned usually happens in small villages where people aren't as educated and supposedly follow a group of people that condone that sort of thing.

So please, stop putting down a religion, when you know nothing about it. Again, more than half of what you hear on the news is not condoned by Islam, but is allowed by a culture...NOT a religion!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nancy Jonas, Cairo, Egypt — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:28:42 GMT

Oh please. As an American woman living in Cairo I have learned many things and one of them is women who cover LIKE TO COVER. It is a sense of vanity for them. Covering is also a fashion statement here. Most women I meet don't really understand why they cover, they just do - there is no law in Egypt. These women are not oppressed or at least they are not without their permission. The men here (in general) are mind-less wimps and are controlled by their over-baring mothers or sisters. They certainly do not control their wives. Having said that, it is great that Curves is here to work off some of that macaroni beshamel or all those kushari carbs!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

talonna mcnabb Folsom NM — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:30:07 GMT

What a great concept. kudos to lady in Egypt. I am at this time working in a Curves as a circuit trainer- there has never, never been any suggestion in reference to Christianity- what an interesting take on it. As it stands, I do not practice or partake in any organized religion. not sure where individual got info ref. "Curves and promoting religion." Curves is a great organization for toning, increasing bone density, and movement. It is not promoted as a "gym." Just an exercise facility using "low impact" machines to exercise muscles in the body. Again, what a brave woman and excited for fellow sisters in Egypt.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Dan, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:31:13 GMT

Yusef Shaban -- if you think you live amongst idiots, why don't you go back and live in the Middle East. Instead of calling the people that gave you a chance to live in a civilized society "idiots", maybe you should think how your statements reflect on you and your Muslim society. Maybe the only people that can be blamed for how the Westerners view the Muslims are people like you...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mary Anne, Seattle, Wa — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:34:09 GMT

To "S in Chicago": What are you spouting about? All Curves locations are franchised and set hours by what is convenient for the local owner. Where did all this crap come from about fundamentalist Christians and promoting conversion to Christianity at the locations? I think you must have taken some kind of happy pill!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Murray D., Sydney Australia — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:34:51 GMT

Why are some posters antagonistic, attacking others even here? If you're fortunate enough to live in a society that isn't repressive, why not demonstrate through open-mindedness, courtesy and acceptance that it's a way of life that others should aspire to? Ms. Alcala's business shows her customers that some aspects of western society can benefit them without threatening their culture. Abuse and resentment isn't going to do it.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Callie, Woodbridge, VA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:36:34 GMT

A local Curves here in Virginia which I belonged to started allowing a man to come in to exercise because he threatened them with a lawsuit for sexual discrimination. I stopped going soon afterwards; so did many others, that branch has since closed.
Has the owner of that Egyptian curves had to start paying Jizya yet, an arbitrary tax imposed on those not of the Muslim faith? As a dhimmi in an Islamic country in which men regulary shake down non-Muslims for money, I wouldn't be surprised if she has been. I have read of one Coptic Christian jeweler who had had various men claiming to be representatives of the local Mosque coming in and insisting that he pay them money to go away. Like an Egyptian mafia, but worse.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

David Handelman, Woodland Hills, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:41:45 GMT

OK! Now you have a woman who believes in a woman's rights to behave like women. Now you have the men that think women should stay in the house, cook and bear children. We shall call them idiots without the ability to have someone else helping them make decisions ( we shall call them bigger idiots).
When will these idiots realize that women are smart, creative and actually have a thought process. When will they see that a lot of them are really beautiful under the coverup. I have an idea. Let the women work and the men have babies, cook, shop, clean house, laundry, handle all of the household duties be submissive to the needs of the wife.
WOW! What a creative idea. More and more Women are running cities, states and governments. They mqake decisions that have an impact on the world.
HEY there idiots, wake up. We are in the minority.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wendy, Federal Way, WA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:44:09 GMT

S in Chicago, I workout at a curves in washington state. I am an atheist and have never been bothered by trainers or other members about my religion. It is a very supportive and caring place. Also, the club where I workout is open from 6 am until 7:30 pm on weekdays, maybe I'm missing your point about the operating hours.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Murray D., Sydney Australia — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:51:39 GMT

Duke, you're right. In Australia and New Zealand, Curves and other businesses like it used some statistical analyses of women's attitudes to having men at their exercise venues to convince their attourneys general to allow a waiver to discrimination legislation. I remember the same legislation being used to force Returned Servicemen's clubs in Australia to allow women into the pool hall areas, which they'd refused until then. The statistics that the womens' gyms cited showed that more women claimed or believed that they would exercise without men leering at them at a gym (oh yah, we blokes all do that). I've submitted my attitudes about playing pool with some women around, and how that raises my blood pressure, to the attourney general's office, but no dice.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Chuck Bates, AK — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:58:14 GMT

Islam IS a *highly* repressive religion, Y. I *have* been to the Middle East, including to Egypt, and women are *definitely* subjugated there. No doubt about it what-so-ever. Fortunately we have laws in this country that trump religion, and a man who tries to force such things on a woman HERE will wind up in prison with the badguys, where *he* might get a taste of oppression himself....

Egyptian women embrace Curves

jj Reno, Nevada — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:59:15 GMT

All generalizations about cultural or religious concepts lack full understanding of reality.While it is true that, in most Arab/or Islamic countries, women do not occupy an equal footing with men, and have by far less social and economic freedom than their counterparts in the Western world, there is a significant difference between the life style of women in urban cities and those living in rural areas and villages. If any of the writers had visited Cairo or Beirut recently, they would observe women in Western attires, working in offices and shops, and enjoying a social and economic status, not significantly different from their counterpart in London or New York. So, it is not all dark and "backward". Things are changing all over the world, and the Arab world is no exception.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Heidi — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:59:30 GMT

I think this is a cool concept. Regarding some of the comments: Yusef you are right, there are a lot of things we probably don't know, but please be a little more kind in pointing that out. Tim from Arizona, I feel very sorry for your daughters if they find the man of their dreams and he happens to be a different race that you don't like. You cannot make judgments on an entire group just by one example. In fact, if I was going to do the same thing by reading your post, I would have lots of bad things to say about whatever race you are. Everyone, let's stick with constructive criticism and open minds. Things are better that way.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Daniel, Boston, MA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:00:41 GMT

Actually, this is terrible. Some people call it "progress" that a woman in 2008 can go to a gym to work out. And she has to ask the PERMISSION of her husband to do this. It just shows how backwards those cultures are - if they make a tiny step forward, people are excited about "reforms" and "openness". Sad!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jen, Cortland NY — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:01:36 GMT

As an Anthropology major, with a minor in Middle Eastern studies it saddens me deeply that there is this persistent refusal by the American public to educate themselves about the people and cultures that have so very much to do with our lives today. There are many Arab and non-Arab cultures in the Middle East, not all of them are "built" equally AND the Islamic religion is based on love and a profound reverence for faith in Allah (which is by the way the same god as well.. God in the Christian faith) and just like in Christianity there are those who have perverted and shaped the religion to fit their own agenda. Women in these cultures don't hate it anymore than the millions of women in the US who are suffering from oppression and marginalization which leads to depression and other ailments. Women in the Arab cultures are the holders of the family honor and are respected and treated as such.
BY the way Arthur, why does the Middle East need to change? Unless you are perhaps refering to the inevitable change that comes from the passing of time, which hopefully is toward a more peaceful, tolerant existence, one we in the US should be moving toward and embracing.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Lynn, Connecticut — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:07:33 GMT

Just so you know, the Curves I joined here in the US has a male owner who is at the club regularly and trains women if necessary.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Chere Winnek-Shawert — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:08:46 GMT

It is so sad that most Westerners have no concept of how women live in the Middle East and especially in Egypt. I live in Egypt 6 months every year and I can tell you that women in Egypt are NOT SLAVES, they are well respected and have more rights than in America. They have always had equal access to education, equal salaries and most women do work here. There are thousands of women in Egypt who are engineers, pharmacists and doctors as well as other professional occupations. Women have had the right to vote in Egypt long before 1920, they have always been able to own their own business way before the 1930's.
As to the Muslim Religion it was the very first religion to declare that women are equal to men, sometime around 870 A.D. Yes women do cover their bodies more than Western women but that is not always a negative. Yes there are problems in Egypt between men and women but that is true of every country in the world. How many battered women are there in the United States? I would venture to guess more than in Egypt. I suggest that people learn about what is going on in a country and a religion before they make derogatory statements.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kurt, Olympia, WA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:11:39 GMT

Hey Yusef! People here will take you more seriously if you learn how to spell "Phoenix" correctly.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Sam, Colorado — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:12:33 GMT

If curves is ONLY for women, why has no one file a lawsuit against them for sexual discrimination? Let a male only gym spring up and watch what happens...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Samar, Des moines, Iowa — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:17:31 GMT

I find a lot of these comments interesting. I am a Muslim Arab women and I have lived in the Middle East. It's not as bad as you think and obviously not everyone will see the good since the media likes to portray the bad. I think having a womens only workout place is wonderful! I know where I lived we had tons of them and we even had swimming pools that were women only and it was great for someone who chooses to wear the veil. It's not designed to make someone feel inferior just protect the things that we hold dear. I do wear the veil and find it frustrating when people tell me that I am oppressed. I don't believe that and should be able to practice my religion freely in the U.S.

I do understand the other side of the fence as well, but I do think not all Muslim men are bad. There are bad men in other cultures and countries as well.

I also don't think every arab thinks that americans are bad people. They don't just go around killing people because of that reason.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jessica S. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:24:46 GMT

I have no problem with women or men's only gyms, I wish we had more of them here in the USA. Having co-ed enviornments alot of times affects the main focus of the subject, instead it turns out to be meat markets and am tired of it. Perhaps women and men would respect and value each other more if they weren't always mingling constantly.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

none of your business — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:25:28 GMT

I vacationed in Eygpt twice last year. I fly out of the Ukraine. Frankly, having lived in Tampa Florida, the Corals and lack of shark attacks in the Red Sea make it a fantastic vacation spot (incredably low prices). The best part is the lack of fellow Americans with their remarkably uniformed views of the world -- I saw 0 Americans last time. I hit the some of the 100 or so 5 star hotels between Hurgada and Sharm El Sheik, and I venture to say the legalized prostitution and legal use of small quantities of drugs (individual use) will surprise most American's who visit. :-) Some individuals wore the full cover clothing, but far more were significantly better dressed then the highest fashion minded Russian woman down there. Not to take anything from the Russian woman, as I've maried two already. So to my fellow Americans who have never tried to visit a 'third world country' -- well, I guess that is why we are so busy bring democracy to the Middle East. In spite of our 'tinkle down' foreign policy Americans are treated in Eygpt exceptionally well. As I point out to my Eygptian friends, don't worry, eventually America will find an excuse to bomb you also. So you know, I am politically conservative, simply not stupid like so many in the Republican party since 1980. I voluntered for Viet Nam (truth -- I got Germany for my tour) and consider Nixon a great man who saved 50,000 American lives by getting out of a war that dems started. Unfortunately, now we have a stupid man as our president and we paid the price. I don't care if it is McCain, Hillary or Obama, they all will be an evolutionary step up on the idiots we have now running us.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Evelyn, Princeton area NJ — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:25:47 GMT

Isn't Curves corporate ownership somehow Christian-related? I always think of it as a "Christian" company. Owner Gary Heavin! I find that angle interesting and wonder if the Muslim members are aware of it.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Art Barker, Sisters, Or. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:26:30 GMT

I can't believe the comments here about the women and other men around! Did you people read the part about the woman and her husband's question about it being co-ed? The story states a couple of times about there being co-ed gyms!! Please, learn about the country before you make a comment that shows you don't know what you're talking about.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mary Anne, Portland Oregon — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:31:11 GMT

S In Chicago.

My curves is open 530a.m. to 730p.m. When I first joined it opened at 6:30a.m. The clients asked the owner to consider opening earlier, which she did and moved opening to 530a.m. This is great for me because I can scoot home, take a shower and get to work by 8:00a.m. I DO have responsibilities for my family, just as they have responsibilities for me. It was my decision to marry my husband and it was our decision to have a child. It is necessary for me to assure balance in my life so that my responsibilities are covered. Just as it is my husband's responsibility to balance his bow hunting, garage projects, etc. with his responsibilities in our shared life.

I have never seen or heard any discrimination against anyone at my curves. All trainers and the owner are unfailingly cordial, supportive, friendly. They encourage ANYone to come on in. I suggest speculation is just that, speculation and not truth.

Curves may seem odd, not having outrageously buff people strutting around, and no "pick-ups" going on, but I can tell you that in OUR repressive society Curves strikes the right balance. I have lost 70 pounds and 3 dress sizes in 2.5 months. That's something I can really cheer about!

Shalom (God's Peace) to you.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

HDC — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:34:38 GMT

Duke - there are private clubs that are men only. You may recall the controversy over the club in Georgia a few years ago where the Master's was held. Private clubs can discriminate in their admission of members. Places that are open to the public cannot, nor can most organizations that receive public monies.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Art Barker, Sisters, Or. — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:35:56 GMT

Egyptian women embrace Curves

AA Toledo Ohio — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:39:20 GMT

right, womean treated as property in the middle east. you would never hear anything like "how u like it daddy?' on the radio over there. my saudi friend once told me that women are covered because they are treated as precoius objects, not for everyone(especially males) to look at them. makes more sense to me.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

A, Williamsburg VA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:39:46 GMT

I think that a Curves in Egypt is a great idea. I was born in Egypt and understand the need women have to be able to excercise in a male-free enviroment. I also want to say, though, that women in Egypt are not forced to cover up, and the ones that do cover themselves do it for religious reasons and for the sake of modesty. Many think that it is forced, but they do it so people can like them and understand them for who they are, not by how they look, which is wonderful.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

RuthAnne Marie, Kalispell, MT — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:41:12 GMT

Freedom of religion is not just for Americans, instead of making comments, about a type of behavior that most people are ignorant or biased of, you should research and then run your mouth, In alot of 3rd world countries, women are not treated badly, they are protected and shown great respect. Most people just like to be negative, so they don't have to explain there own actions.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Heather, San Diego, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:44:46 GMT

This blog is about education.

Shouldn't Mike be allowed to ask a question and to learn without anyone imposing any preconceived ideas about the intention of his question?

Yusef, I understand the frustration about a lack of awareness; however, don't you think a response that provides information would do a better job of creating cultural awareness than name calling?

I noticed there are also many people using an "us" vs. "them" language by referring to Yusef a Middle Eastern Male as though the that label provides anyone further insight to his point-of-view or uses the label to judge the validity of his thoughts.

I will be the first to agree that I may not have a clear understanding of Egyptian law or Middle Eastern culture but I do know this: the more we ask, the more we listen, and the less use an "us" vs. "them" approach- the better chance we have to create social justice- whether we are talking about the treatment of women in Egypt or the way that we treat one another here in the United States.

There is truly one race- the rest is culture.
I believe this is a matter of science, not opinion.

Personally, I know that there are areas where I need to grow and dialogue like this is one way.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Quietman — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:46:57 GMT

Yusef Shaban
They are talking about ISLAMIC law, not egyptian law.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Angela — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:49:15 GMT

Men can go work out & sweat & not be self conscious (unless they are obese & not just overweight...I'm speaking generally.) but women would be much more comfortable not having a group of men around while they are breaking a sweat & busting a move...a difference between the sexes, I think. I think if Curves offers a women's only gym that many Arab women are enjoying - good for them. Women need the support & companionship of other women, & how much more so might the Arab women?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Thomas, Los Angeles, CA — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:49:25 GMT

Who cares if "mike" asked an irrelevant question. Seems like a lot of people would rather comment about his stupid question rather than comment about the topic. A stupid question doesnt necessarily imply anything, Mimi. Also, my Mother is a trainer at curves and she has never heard anything about religious beliefs or discrimination against non-christians. Lets not forget that Curves is a franchise. If theres a problem with a specific location, the owner to blame would probably be the owner.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

cire2loki — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:51:36 GMT

As a right wing male conservative, I can only say: YOU GO, GIRLS! Of COURSE, there is nothing wrong with this and everything right. God, Praise His Name, forbid my wife or daughter would ever have to put up with the cra... stuff that these womena have to put up with.

But please, please, understand your danger. These women are going to have to go home, put on their Burkas and pretent not to feel empowered. How long will their husbands, fathers and sons not notice?? I give it a year or less before Egypt comes down on them, hard.

Ladies, how hard is it to understand that Islam is slavery for women, or more like being cattle? How come this is not your biggest priority, especially since Islam is trying to take over??

I'm a guy, all they are going to do is kill me and my sons. But my daughter? If an American politician did just 1% of 1% of what is normally done in an Islamic culture, she or he would be crucified.

Simple solution: Send your Representative and Senators an email with a copy of this page saying you are watching their voting record: If they don't introduce a bill helping the billions of slave women under Islam you'll simply vote against them every time. And tell your friends.

Half the women on earth are enslaved, and the other half is looking at the same. Smell the roses, ladies, and for God's sake think of your daughters!

And for the Islamic Ladies who say, "Hey back off! This isn't so bad, I'm a lot better off than my mother was!" Come to America, just once, find out, things can be a lot better and God Bless you.

(And sons, this is no good for us either obviously! Oh, yes, I guess that's why many of you are fighting, not for your own rights, but the rights of others. Heaven holds a special place for you.)

And Marines, stop saying you'll hold the Place secure until the Army arrives... :)

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Diana, Clay Center, KS — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:52:31 GMT

Dang, there is an awful lot of hate on this page, from both sides. take a deep breath. We all have our individual beliefs, customs, dreams, needs, wants and so on. So let people have them and stop trying to persuade each other who is in the right. Let it go. Change will happen whether we want it or not and it happens to us all.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Helen,Brooklyn, N.Y — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:53:30 GMT

wowww...coming from Egypt...I think it's a great idea for Curves to this for woman especially only for woman...many r shy and that's why they would not go if it is co-ed or even there families would not let them..i think there should be more of these gyms out there to encourage these females to go and feel better about them selves in a natural way and not surgery and risking too much

Egyptian women embrace Curves

O_o... — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 23:57:47 GMT

Go women! i think women should have more power in the men dominated world, especially since that most of the time its guys dominating the women so i personalty think that men are only better then women in brute strength and only have more ignorance to believe that women are lesser then men

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Dina, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:06:22 GMT

Oh goodness, how does a simple story about expanding the Curves franchise turn into a hatefest?

I am an Egyptian-Muslim woman and can assure you that neither my family nor my culture treat me as chattel. As with all the other women in my family, I am highly educated and successful in my career. And I respect my religion.

I don't want to work out with men around, whether in Egypt or America. It's that simple. No one here suggests that the women patronizing the Curves franchises in the US do so because they are escaping some sort of hell, although many of them are in loveless marriages, in which they are not respected and that, according to statistics, are more likely than not to lead to divorce.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

jean,hillsboro,or — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:07:33 GMT

hey duke in colorado springs, I am a women and I agree with you.....if you men tried this we would be all over it, call for equal rights, how come we can't go work out with the boys, case in point: West Point Academy - why can't the boys have a place just for them....I have never been to egypt so I can't say how the women are treated there but I do have quite a few arab and eqyptian friends, Yusef in Phoenix you can defend the men all you want these women are oppressed and treated like second class citizens in most cases, I have seen it with my own eyes.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Linda, NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:33:10 GMT

Vanna, I'm wondering why you think Curves is a lame gym. The workout, if done right, will raise your heart rate for cardio and the machines are like strength training. The stretching after a workout helps increase flexibility. The hydraulic system means that if you are weak and work it as hard as you can, you'll get results without worrying about changing weights. If you are stronger and work it hard, you'll also receive results. The new Smart Machines track your ability to work the program and challenge you to work at your highest level and automatically take you higher. No matter whether you are weak or strong, the hydraulics immediately adjust to you. What I love is getting the cardio and strength training at the same time. No worries about spending hours at the gym. Go in, work hard for 1/2 hour and see results.

S. I have seen nothing of the experiences you wrote. My Curves is open from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM and closed on Friday between 11:30 & 3:30 and Saturday after 11:30. I know some Curves have different hours, so they are not all exactly the same. If the hours were designed for women to be home for their families, IMHO, Curves would close at 5:00 PM so that all women could be home to make dinner.
As to the story, I think it's wonderful that women in Egypt love Curves. I do too. :) To me, that's the point. Love Curves, work it hard and have fun meeting other fabulous women while getting stronger and in better shape.

Linda

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Geoff, Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:38:20 GMT

I think that if Curves provides Egyptian women a place where they can comfortably work out that works in their culture, then it is great! I don't know that it matters who started Curves or the first Egyptian Curves franchise. Perhaps, Curves will become a world-wide phenomenon and give women of many cultural backgrounds somehting in common. Perhaps that may foster a little more understanding between us all.

On another note, I agree Yusef that we in the US have a very poor understanding of Middle Eastern culture. Calling people idiots won't help though.

I agree with Arthur though, that American moralizing isn't helping either.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Toni Ray, Annapolis, Md. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:38:55 GMT

All this talk about Curves being for women is truly a farce. The owner of Curves donated five million dollars to the Pro Life Movement---hardly a movement linked to women's freedom. I cannot understand why this information isn't more public. All the women I know quite immediately after reading a small article about this in the New York Times.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

LE — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:45:30 GMT

Tim in Avondale said: "Yusef, your attitude and reaction is one of the many things that cause the rest of the world to detest Arab men."

Ummm...sorry, Tim, but the United States is not "the rest of the world," and most of the world does not detest Arab men. We are very ignorant in this country about the cultures and traditions of "the rest of the world" so to suggest that our opinions and beliefs are the same as "the rest of the world" is ridiculous. Stereotypes keep you stupid.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

leah,seattle,wa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:52:31 GMT

hay vanna..."it would be more great" talk about proper english....

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Anna, frmr Minneapolis, Minn — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:56:50 GMT

Today is my birthday and I am going to spend it walking around looking for all the commonalities I share with fellow mankind. I'm an American in New Zealand, so I see a lot of differences. In spite of the differences, it's great to promulgate a spirit of sameness and mutual respect wherever you go, as well as acting as am Embassador for your own nation of birth.

I wish one of these same blog-contributors would do the same. As an expat overseas, I truly congratulate this American woman for her business savvy and sensitivity to her adopted home and culture abroad.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

WM. COMBS — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:59:22 GMT

THE COMMENTS AGAIN SHOW THERE ARE THOSE OF US OF ALL RACE,RELIGION,GENDER OF ALL AGES THAT ARE LESS INFORMED THAN OTHERS AND THAT IS AS IT SHOULD BE. THERE ARE OCEANS,CONTINENTS AND MANY DIFFERENT CULTURES THAT SEPARATE US ALL. WE ALL STILL BELIEVE IN ONE ALMIGHTY GOD SO SHOW SOME RESTRAINT AND BE TOLERANT OF OTHERS.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Khaled A Qasem — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:00:40 GMT

I grew up in a society where the women covered up when they left home.
As a child they did not cover up from me.
Let me assure my nonmuslim friends that amongst themselves those Moslem women let their hair down and were anything but depressed. They danced and sang and laughed and played.
A little secret: the Muslim woman is the boss. Do not be fooled. My mother ruled with an iron hand. My father and mother were two sides of the same coin.
My mother's generation agitated for dropping the veil. Their daughters are back to traditional dress. They are telling Western Civilisation we have seen your ways and we do not like it. Good luck to them whatever they want to do.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Sammy, Reston, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:03:16 GMT

I grew up in Egypt and it seems to me that most American don’t make the distinction between Egypt and more conservative societies such as Saudi Arabia. Egyptian women have gone to work, driven their cars and lived independently for decades. On Egyptian streets, one can see veiled women as well as women in miniskirts and strapless dresses.
And by the way, the veil that covers the face is extremely rare. The Curves franchise is definitely an outlet for those who observe the stricter dress code. But there have always been many other and bigger outlets. Egypt has hundreds of miles of world-class beaches that are inundated every summer by millions of Egyptian vacationers who include a large percentage of women in swimsuits, including a small percentage in bikinis on the more affluent beaches. There are many large Sporting Clubs in Egypt with a membership that runs in the ten of thousands per club. These are similar to American country clubs and they include most sports (tennis, squash, basketball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, water polo, golf, horseback riding, and so on.) They also include social activities (ballrooms, restaurants, libraries, billiard, bridge, and so on.) Women form 50% of the membership of these establishments and participate in all activities alongside men. And no, they don’t need to be escorted by a relative to go to a club, the grocery store, their work place or any other place.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Marina, Seattle, WA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:05:56 GMT

@duke: when all of those clubs that *still* refuse to admit women change, *then* we can talk about Curves.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

asdasd — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:08:03 GMT

Let's see, Boy Scouts, YMCA,... everything has been sued to allow Women/Girls... I think I'll sue Curves...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

anonymous — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:08:18 GMT

Goodness, S in Chicago, do you believe everything you read in your email forwards?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tricia, Syracuse, NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:39:53 GMT

S in Chicago -- not sure if all your information is correct, but it is ironic that CURVES winds up in Egypt. Here in good ole New York state the owner of a local franchise played Christian music as part of the circuit. When we requested rock & roll, she said no. I eventually quit going and suggested that they should announce up front that they are a Christian organization, before clients sign on the dotted line. The owner said she "didn't care" -- that she would get 4-6 more people for every one of us who left.

So much for an inclusive atmosphere. Continued good luck to the owner and her clients in Egypt. Maybe she could open a franchise in New York!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Christy, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:09:13 GMT

I've been to Egypt and while the ancient sites are awe inspiring, the men's comments to a western woman walking down the street are not. Even while covered, I stood out, and was consistently verbally and physically harassed by the men who felt it just fine to tell me all the things they wanted to do to me (and they speak perfect English and know every four letter word!). THey weren't much better to the locals - I saw many young men flick still burning cigarettes onto local veiled women also perusing the Khan.

So, to anyone who provides a place for women to feel special (rather than a less than useful member of society), I give kudos. Change comes about one person at a time. With a gain in self confidence, who knows what these women will affect!!

Tis true that Egypt doesn't require coverings, but most wear it anyway, and those that don't are not looked upon favorably - at least judging by the comments the men love to yell about and the leering looks they give.

I still say that rather than making the women cover up, the men should be required to wear chastity belts and those blinder things they put on horses in Central Park!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

mike — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:10:25 GMT

I think I'll sue and see if I can get in.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Patti, SC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:17:50 GMT

Vanna;

You can call it a lame excuse for a gymn if you want...don't knock it till you've tried it. I just
happened to have lost 40 lbs there. I don't call that
a lame excuse.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

D in Portland, OR — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:18:06 GMT

The way I see it, modesty is an art. Psychologist Jean Lush explains the concept of being mysterious. Some women have cultivated it. They are inner-directed and emotionally intelligent. Others have been taught carefully with logic and persuasion. Some women have defied modesty and become an embarrasment. As we know from our Judeo-Christian history, woman's body was the final (and most magnificent) of all God's creative expressions. Some cultures reinforce the idea of outer marriage, inner marriage and hidden marriage. Right before a culture collapses, the virtues such as loyalty, thankfulness, hard work and respect begin to crumble. Women's attitudes toward family, authority and especially their sexuality are key ingredients to making strong, happy families. Do we all agree that families are the building blocks to society? Would we also agree that healthy self-image and wise social interactions are helpful? Strongly defined women's roles are one antidote to crisis in girls' identity search and the ensuing chaos of such lack of guidance. Check out the classic text, "Reviving Ophelia." While I am happy for a safe place for Egyptian women to socialize and exercise, I am hesitant to condemn the teaching of true modesty which Americans and Europeans may need to rethink.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Michael Beaman, West Bend, Wisconsin — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:40:46 GMT

This forum has some intelligent insight and is interesting to hear each of the opinions. S in Chicago is fascinating as his bias comes through loud and clear. What does his fascination with abortion have to do with the changes occuring in another culture? Pro choice is both a spiritual issue as well as a constitutional issue if you happen to believe in "the right to life". We could learn much from some parts of the morality of the Arab culture as we patiently stand with them to see women's rights improving, at least from our perspective. Please don't degrade the conversation with a pro abortion tie.

M from Wisconsin

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mylinfidele — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:41:48 GMT

I am glad these poor oppressed women find some place to take care of themselves. It does make me sick to think that they have to walk around veiled all the time and obey some male chauvinist pig they married or were born from. All religions are poison. Islam has been the worst one for a while now, but they're just going through the phases judaism and christianity have gone through in previous centuries. What a shame! All that in the name of gods that have NEVER been proven real, gods we are actually supposed to believe "on faith"! What a waste of a potential beautiful life...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mylinfidele, Tucson AZ — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:44:05 GMT

my message might not be displayed right away? or never? what is this? I am being polite and have not used foul language, and this is, so far, still a free speech country. Thank you for posting my previous comment ASAP.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

QuilloBellvuuene — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:47:02 GMT

Curves:
let the women exercise in peace. How I wish my wife would work out...
There is a Curves franchaise right next to a grocery store in my town. It is well protected, not by guards but by natural decency.
I used to have to do enforced/mandatory workouts when I was in the Air Force, having to wear what I called a "Man Bra" at that time (heart monitor while exercising) almost ruined my love for lingerie!
But now all you women... wear it all you want! And I somehow weigh less than what the USAF directed. Funny how things work out...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kat Jones Olypia, Washington — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:50:40 GMT

S in Chicago. Just plain silly. Curves is a place for Women, period. The franchises are owned by individuals, run by individuals. I have never heard any kind of religious topic discussed by anyone, in all the years I have exercised there. And where the heckover does this Christianphobia come from anyway?
Geez-get a life.
Kat

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Ravi Jain, Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 02:54:16 GMT

We have so much to worry about our day-to-day lives in America ...jobs ...inflation...health...education...elections. WHY WORRY ABOUT REST OF THE WORLD

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Cathy Sivils St. Thomas, USVI — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:01:27 GMT

First of all, any exercise is better than none at all so please don't critisize those who chose the Curves system. 2nd - Socialization has also been proven to be critical to ones health and well-being. So in cultures where women tend to live rather restricted lives, a place such as Curves would be a perfect place for those ladies to have another social outlet that meets their cultural needs. 3rd - There are tons of women everywhere and anywhere in the world who choose NOT exercise in front of men OR who have physical/health problems that dictate they only engage in mild, regular exercise - thus, making Curves the perfect place for them. So don't knock it. Remember, better you should move than you don't. And finally,#5, Vanna, you are rude. To critisize someone's educational background based on spelling is really showing a lack of class. Besides, Egypt isn't in the West, which is where the Curves of the artical is, so I'd think that we'd like to hear the opinions from Egyptan men.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

joan, Phx, Az. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:02:27 GMT

joan,Phx. Az.I loved Curves,when I was able to go in Peoria, IL. It gave me freedom to have a blast. I was the CRAZY one that tried to make every one have a good time. But it was really that I was afraid every would judge me for being FAT. I just wanted a place that had NO MEN to make fun of me, but somewhere that they really tried to help motivate you. Men are very critical of fat women. Hurray for Curves.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Michelle — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:08:45 GMT

S in Chicago, what in the world are you talking about? Christians don't discriminate against others if they are truly Christians. So what if the owner might be a fundamentalist Christian. Does that really make any difference to giving women of another culture a place to go to get fit? Why are Christians vilified in our country of America, hmm? Yeah, I'm sure Curves would like to force women to be housewives and "slaves" to their husband and children. Otherwise they wouldn't promote a place for women where they can feel good and take care of themselves. The truth is, ALL women need a place to be themselves, and even if that is just exercising or being a wife and mother (which is a pretty important job, by the way, being a mother). I am honored to be a mother myself, and do not feel ashamed or put in my place by devoting time and love to my child. Or my husband!;)
Anyway, that's great Curves is there for Egyptian women. Glad to see positive male comments about this article too! Wow, thanks guys. You are complimenting all women by showing your support of our rights as human beings.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

A. FAKHOURY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:10:03 GMT

Wow! This all shows how prejudice and shallow thinkers American can be. Not you Arthur.If interested educate yourself about other cultures and how they have contributed to our society. We Americans are great people with alot of achievements and contributions to other societies, but we have a long way to go compared to other cultures in regards to prejudice (race, religion, intolerance of other people that are just plain different.)We have alot of cleaning up of our own to do. To get back to the subject it's very nice to see good being done anywhere, specially right here in the USA.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jane Judal — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:13:25 GMT

Why do we always put our big ugly nose into other countries' business? We always know better. And then we find ourself in "iraq, vietnam". After that we find our national cemeteries filled up and say that's the price of freedom. Nonsense. It is just another way to fight unemployment. Send them to Iraq to get killed.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Eman, OHIO — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:16:11 GMT

I have read all comments, I am a Muslim woman from Egypt and I can assure you all that head cover is not mandated it Egypt and not all women are covered back there. According to the last survey more about 55% of women are working in almost every major and not isolated from men. they both working side by side. They could be both sharing the same office and in so many areas men are working under women supervision. May be ladies back there they don’t have the freedom western women have but it still not as bad as it appears in media. Ministry of public affairs and ministry of labor are run by two very powerful women in Egypt. I think Having such club in Egypt is truly a great idea specially that it is one of a kind which offers service for women all week long while all other fitness clubs in Egypt they either for both men and women or only offer one day a week for women only.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Educated One — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:17:56 GMT

"Also, after the Christian church declared all knowledge not in bible blasphemous,"

That would be the Catholic Church as true Christians were treated just about as barbarically as Muslims at the time; misplaced attempt at vitriol spewing.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Bob — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:18:26 GMT

More Power to women... Customs are hard to break and take a long time generally about a 100 years once the movement even starts and then there are that some always pine for the good ole days

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Dave,Arvada CO — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:24:59 GMT

Kudos to Curves in Cairo!!!! This just goes to show how backwards the middleeast and muslims are I mean these poor women have to wear these robes and cover their entire bodies while in public or take a chance on getting stoned or tossed in prison. jeez

Curves in the U.S. is good thing too, everyone can relax and not have to "posture & pose" for the opposite sex.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wade, Amarillo, Texas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:29:10 GMT

What a novel idea--a place for Egyptian women to gather to enjoy camaraderie and exercise. Way to go Ms. Alcala! May you prosper!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Brian, Eugene, OR — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:30:09 GMT

Many of your comments reveal your ignorance of Islam. I'm a male Christian who lives in the U.S. who has had male and female Muslim friends from abroad. I've also studied Islam from multiple perspectives. The news only focuses on the negative. Some husbands treat their wives very well, while others don't, just like in the U.S. and vice versa. Islam is not a repressive religion, just like Christianity and Judaism aren't at their core. Some people abuse religion, and those are the people you hear about on TV. The prophet Muhammed treated women with the respect, while other people at the time treated them poorly. The veil is a cultural thing, not a religious thing. The veil was also used in Europe. Don't act like it was just the Middle East where women weren't treated fairly. It happened in Europe, the U.S., Asia, and South America. If a Spanish or Portuguese male found that his wife committed adultery he could shoot her on the spot, even at the end of the 1800s.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mark Dockery, Reidsville, NC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:36:13 GMT

This is the most awesome thing I've heard in a long time.

This is proper news material.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Ruth — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:42:02 GMT

It's amazing to me how so many Americans who never before could even find these countries on a map -- and who have never travelled to or even read a book about even one country in northern Africa or western Asia -- are now suddenly so cocksure they know all about the laws, religion, and social customs of countries in the Middle East. No wonder we're so easily manipulated into wars.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Dave — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:47:07 GMT

Arthur, explain please:
1. Who burned the library at Alexandria since any learning not derived from or pertaining to the Quran was either heretical or useless?

2. Why is it that these paragons of social virtue were, a mere century ago, living just as they had in and prior to the time of Mohammed?

3. Why is it today, their society has matured in a tecnical sense (i.e., using modern technology) but not socially?

4. Why do these wonderful, upstanding pillars of the world hack people's heads off for daring to disagree with the "infallable" teachings of their "prophet"?

5. Why do these righteous but misunderstood people punish female crime victims, especially in the case of rape, worse than they punish the perpetrator, if he is punished at all, based on the supposition that if a woman is raped she brought it on herself? Incidentally, Moslems in Europe use that excuse--basically, it is the fault of western women since they don't dress appropriately.

6. How do you account for those poor downtrodden, misunderstood people you champion seeing terror, i.e., random murder and mayhem directed at civilians, including women and children, as a defensible tool of political coercion?

7. Would you be able to pass the flashlight test?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Joni, Seelyville, IN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:53:15 GMT

Yusef--learn how to spell the city you are living in--Idiot.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Christina Smyrna TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:56:09 GMT

S in Chicago : thats a little closed minded about Christians. You just called this person a "Fundamentalist Christian" who owns curves, that "They are against a womans right to choose" stating that they are for a woman staying home. Hello? This WOMAN is the OWNER. If what you say is true, than why does this Christian woman own a gym that is aimed solely at women, and encouraging them? Why is it when there is a need somewhere and a Christian comes to their aid, without any kind of discrimination, but people continue to call Christians monsters? I truly am confused by your concepts. Can't someone truly do something nice for another person without catching wrath from another?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Marsha, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:57:23 GMT

Yes Mike, it is a double standard. Though i am a woman, i think it's bullcrap that a woman can sue over not being able to "play with the boys." I think it's nice to have SOME places where it is same gender only. It's a nice break to get away from the opposite sex. I do like the idea of a women's gym only because I can't stand being stared at or bothered while i'm working out. I actually do go to the gym to work out not flirt.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Marsha, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:59:11 GMT

My last comment was for Duke. Forgot to include that.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mary Doe — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:00:08 GMT

I think everyone needs to exercise because it relieves stress, improves health and that is not a restriction to any one culture, country or people.
Everyone needs to be in good health in mind,body and soul. Live and Let Live! All people are beautiful and God made us all.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Stephen — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:04:11 GMT

One previous post postures, "fundamentalist Christian" (I am as sick of hearing that as "radical Muslim")...and "speculation"...which betrays the personal fear of & aversion to, what, the word of grace & unconditional love? As for the veiled pro-choice-thing, that promotion then must be inclusive of [the threat of conversion to] any religion (hypocrite). Free to choose...duh.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wade, El Paso, TX — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:06:27 GMT

I have to say something about the double standards spoke of earlier...why is it that women have these "exclusive" clubs, but men can't without a lawsuit? Or a mens-only golf course/club? Why is it that this is not addressed?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Steve, CC, Texas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:08:38 GMT

Having worked around Muslim men and women I don't see the society as restrictive as many would imply. Yes there are women who live in Islamic countries with choice and some without a real choice as to whether to cover or not. The vast majority choose to cover themselves. It doesn't make them better or worse, it is a set of values they are raised with those values.

If you are Christian or Muslim or Jewish or Athiest it doesn't really matter it is the values you have that make you who you are.

The article states the women seem sober in their outside dress, that is the point of dressing like that, it keeps the creeps at bay.

How many women complain that men look at them like sex objects and run around the wester cities dressed in clothes that cover less than 1/2 of their bodies?

Hmmmm....just food for thought

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mike, Toronto, Ontario — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:08:52 GMT

Wow it's so dumb that people here think that Middle Eastern men don't treat woman like human beings. I came from the Middle East and we treat woman like humans. Im glad this woman is having fun and everything and as a man I have respect for her but enough with the stupid sterotype only few countries are bad but alot let people have fun.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Moira, Alexandria, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:12:15 GMT

I've been to over a half-dozen Curves gyms in various places and in not one has any word of religion ever been uttered, nor have there been any religious artifacts. I would suggest to S in Chicago that perhaps she check out snopes.com before spreading conspiracy theories.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Esma, Melbourne, Australia — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:18:24 GMT

How many of you actually know any Muslim couples anyway? We all seem knowledgeable when throwing "facts" out about Muslim women, Muslim countries, when it doesn't sound like we've read about all sides of the issue.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

J, Bremen, GA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:21:38 GMT

Yusef, if you are so scornful of us why are you living in the U.S.?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Liz G. Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:27:17 GMT

I think you need to use this link! http://www.find-a-therapist.com

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Lisa, Mississippi — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:40:30 GMT

Americans only go by what they see and have heard just as other people do from other countries, if they have not been to the country themselves and experienced it.

So lets make things better. Before one gets defensive and decide one want to act someone verbally, one should explain what something is or is not. the person should inform the others so that the others are no longer ignorant.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Claire, Fort Washington, Md. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:55:00 GMT

I'm an atheist and a Curves member. There is one Christian CD that glorifies death (to a dance beat) that some of the staff like to play. If it's on when I arrive, I just leave and do a little shopping or read a book in my car, and come back so I don't have to hear it. I like all the other CDs. The workout is like Bally's ladies' circuit weights mixed with some low impact aerobics. I enjoy it, it's close by, but the hours aren't very convenient.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Umm Abdullah. Kuwait — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 04:57:47 GMT

This post give the usual distorted impression about women in the Middle East. Kuwait, considered more conservative than Egypt, has many health clubs for women, and had them for years before Curves showed up. We're not all oppressed and dying to throw off our hijabs (or niqabs, which is what the face veil is called), and it's kind of ridiculous for readers to feel so happy, as if we finally have a place where we can be "free" and rip off our hijabs, thanks to some Western woman (even more so if it's true about the Chistian missionary aspect). Of course, we want to exercise without wearing hijabs and without men around. But we WANT to wear the hijab in public. We can have plenty of fun with or without Curves. (By the way, did Curves pay for this advertisement?)

As an American woman who converted to Islam after moving to a Muslim country to work, and seeing the reality of Islam and its treatment of women, I'm sorry that some of you have such ridiculous ideas. Please, leave us alone and worry about your own countries.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Maria, FL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:03:04 GMT

I'm happy to hear that they put a Curves in Cairo, Egypt. I think it's a great opportunity for women to feel comfortable working out in that kind of environment. However, unless you have traveled to the middle east, I guess you have a biased opinion, basing it on media outlets only. When I was in Egypt, 3 times by the way, not long ago, just a few years ago, it is basically a secular nation. Women have rights there, go out and socialize, work and commit themselves to a higher education. The hijab is not manditory for women to wear it in most Arab/Middle Eastern societies, rather women choose to wear it. I won't lie and say that some women probably feel pressured to, or compelled by what others might think. I am American and I saw many Egyptian women wearing less clothing than me, smoking sheesha with their male friends, drinking cappuccino, while watching Jay Z on a big screen t.v. in a trendy bar. That is more common now. Ever hear of Sharm El Sheik? Islam never took the rights of women away, rather it was the first religion to give women the right to divorce, right of inheritance, right to education, and even to work. During that time, other major religions didn't offer that to women. Besides, most middle eastern societies are now secular. However, I do think it's great for the women over there, and I hope many more will go to the gym for fun and a healthy lifestyle.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Timothy — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:05:06 GMT

Just wondering, does anyone hear know about Islam? I mean, we should be learning about this issue from those authorized to give that knowledge instead of relying upon our movies and media.

FYI: Arab does not equal muslim; middle east does not equal Muslim (Israel is in the middle east)

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Candy, Las Vegas,Nv. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:06:12 GMT

I think you all are getting way too deep about this. Let the women enjoy themselves and that' the end of it. It doesn't matter what religion you are or who you believe in, we are all human beings and we deserve a little fun now and then. Duke.. how do you know they hate their lives of "subservience"? Unless you've been in their shoes, and raised that way you will not know, so don't assume.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Dynasty — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:08:53 GMT

I am a Muslim, and I get tired of people saying that we treat our women like slaves. My wife is Muslim, and she is not slave, she's a doctor! Curves is making a sound business decision to expand in the Middle East. Hopefully it will be successful. Good luck in Saudi Arabia though.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

David Keelung, Taiwan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:12:05 GMT

WOW~~~ some people are just STUPID!!! All of these negative comments about Curves and especially Yusef saying what he said. It's obsurd. You guys need to get a life and REALLY need to look at the bright opening opportunities different organizations, CHRISTIAN or not, are giving to the "backward" countries in this world. It's so amazing and wonderful how some people are so smart and think if amazing ways to help the repressed, depressed, and afflicted people around the world. YOU GO DEBRA!!! and best of luck to everyone trying to get away from the repression of man-made religions and made up laws.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

J, san diego, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:12:34 GMT

It amazes me how we as Americans can pass judgement on the arab world as a whole, yet we have the slightest clue as to who they are and how they live! How many of us have actually traveled to ONE middle eastern country?!?! I am an arab-american who is born and raised in the US and plan on being here for the rest of my life. I understand ALL there is about women in the middle east as I have visited often. The media is showing you the 1% of what really happens in the middle east.....and it just so happens to be a twisted picture. The day my husband thinks he owns me is the day he will no longer be my husband. My mother and grandother are the same way and they were both born and raised in the middle east. Despite all the misconceptions the media portrays, Islam respects women far more than any other religion.....google it! Islam gave women rights that women in the west did not have up until decades ago. I can go on for ever, but I have a life to continue ;)
So please, do your research before you start throwing ignorant comments about a culture and religion you dont understand.
And in regards to A in wyoming....you are clueless! You really need to educate yourself on other parts of the world!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

hh, denver, co — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:22:46 GMT

most of the comments above seem to be based on assumptions and stereotypes. How would the reader in this forum feel when some Muslim ( men and women) stereotype you by saying Women is west just treated as sex object. While it is true that some Muslim/Arab men would not like to treat their women folks well, it is also true that many men in the west would like to treat a women nothing more than a sexual object. That may explain why Curves has established female only club. But both the above stereotype is just that stereotype. I would urge the readers of this article to go beyond stereotypes. Women in the Muslim world are not oppressed as you may like to think. There are women doctors, lawyers, professors and even women prime ministers. They provide leadership in every walk of life. They have property rights, inheritance rights, right to accept or reject marriage proposals, right to field for divorce. Actually many of these rights which women in west take for granted didn't come to them until in the last couple of centuries. Muslim women always had these rights since last 1400 years as their religion explicitly guarantees them these rights. This is not say that there is no no room for improvement. There certainly is and popularity of Curves just is one avenue to utilize and promote their health and their rights.

At the same time not all women are emancipated in the west either. Having lived in the east as well in the west, and being involved in the social work, i can tell you that there are many women who are denied their due rights right here in America. Have you wondered about elderly especially women and their needs in this society? In the Muslim community, generally the elderly are well taken care off. Islam makes it compulsory for children to take care of their elderly parents. Though not very body is exemplary in his treat of his parent, my experience is that elderly lot is much well respected and treated among Muslims than here in enlightened west. I can cite many examples like this. However this is not an indictment of west, but rather an attempt to bridge the divide. Just like Muslims/Arab can learn much from west, the west also can learn many valuable things from Muslims.

Again it is humbly requested to the readers of this post to think through and think beyond stereotypes.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

mzklever, Austin, TX — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:24:17 GMT

Ladies, I hate to break it to you, but the Curves a block from my house is co-owned by a man, and he IS the trainer! No, he is not gay, as he is married to the female co-owner. I was happily a member there until I read one of several articles about the ultra-"Christian" founder of the company; in the article, he states that he does not want health classes taught in schools because he does not want his daughter to hear that masturbation is normal. So, there are fanatics in every country, of every religion, including fanatical athiests. Whatever happened to true Christian beliefs such as tolerance and love thy neighbor??

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Bill, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:26:52 GMT

Great comment Steve! I totally agree! This suppressive culture contributes nothing but the repression of women, hatred and intolerance toward other religions, free thought, and free speech!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

AbuHeraa, denver, co — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:30:26 GMT

Most of the comments above seem to be based on assumptions and stereotypes. How would the reader in this forum feel when some Muslim ( men and women) stereotype you by saying Women is west are just treated as sex object. While it is true that some Muslim/Arab men would not like to treat their women folks well, it is also true that many men in the west would like to treat a women nothing more than a sexual object. That may explain why Curves has established female only club. But both the above stereotype is just that, e.g stereotype. I would urge the readers of this article to go beyond stereotypes. Women in the Muslim world are not oppressed as you may like to think. There are women doctors, lawyers, professors and even women prime ministers. They provide leadership in every walk of life. They have property rights, inheritance rights, right to accept or reject marriage proposals, right to file for divorce. Actually many of these rights which women in west take for granted didn't come to them until in the last couple of centuries. Muslim women always had these rights since last 1400 years as their religion explicitly guarantees them these rights. This is not to say that there is no room for improvement. There certainly is and popularity of Curves just is one avenue to utilize and promote their health and their rights.

At the same time not all women are emancipated in the west either. Having lived in the east as well in the west, and being involved in the social work, i can tell you that there are many women who are denied their due rights, right here in America. Have you wondered about elderly especially women and their needs in this society? In the Muslim community, generally the elderly are well taken care off. Islam makes it compulsory for children to take care of their elderly parents. Though not very body is exemplary in his treatment of his parent, my experience is that elderly lot is much well respected and treated among Muslims than here in the enlightened west. I can cite many more examples like this. However this is not an indictment of the west, but rather an attempt to bridge the divide. Just like Muslims/Arab can learn much from west, the west also can learn many valuable things from Muslims too.

Again it is humbly requested to the readers of this post to think through and think beyond stereotypes.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Marie Naples, Fl — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:31:18 GMT

Vanna, "more great"? I do not like to focus on others weaknesses but instead I prefer to focus on the positive. However, your comment to Jean really upset me. There was no need for that as this is not a grammar or spelling lesson.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

L.A. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:36:35 GMT

I think this is great. I'll admit my ignorance of Middle Eastern society here but it's good that these ladies have a chance to let their hair down for a little while each day

as for Curves. . . I used to belong to it (it got too expensive w/college biils to pay) and even here in the states, it's nice to be able to run on a treadmill w/o half a dozen guys oggling your bouncing boobs!!!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Arshad — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:43:42 GMT

Enjoy your work out ladies, it is nice to see around curvy ladies after the work outs

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Paul, Kuala Lumpur — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:47:34 GMT

Hey Duke very very very good point. Maybe we should sue curves eh?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Umm Abdullah, Kuwait — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:47:36 GMT

By the way, this post reminds me of a report on the BBC website a while ago, where their journalist insisted on using the hotel swimming pool and then claimed to be the "first woman to swim in Saudi". They quickly changed the title to "making a splash in Saudi"; I assume that they heard from plenty of women (besides me) telling that many women swim in Saudi, and that the attitude was ridiculous. But the ignorance (not to mention arrogance) of people who are supposed to be journalists, and who claim to understand the societies they're reporting from, is amazing. If Charlene Gubash (the NBC producer) and Debra Alcala (the Curves franchisee) actually believe that all Egyptian women are unhappy and just waiting for them to rescue them, then they obviously haven't even gotten to know Egyptian women - and they have no business misrepresenting them.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Susan, Silicon Valley, California, USA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:50:46 GMT

Athletic women in India and the middle east have often had to hide in friend's basements to workout, and do it in a clandistine and back-room manner. Anything that brings professional-level equipment and training on how to properly work out without injuries is a big plus. I think it is GREAT that Debra thought of opening a franchise over there, and had the belief in it enough to invest most of her life savings and move half-way around the world to follow through on it. IMHO she has more balls than most men. Go Girl!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Graham, Lloydminster, AB — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:51:00 GMT

Isn't it wonderful that all of you in "equal rights america" are applauding this as a lovely advancement of women's rights! Keep your noses out of other cultures business!! As for myself, I applaud equal rights and treat those women in my life with the same respect and regard as I do the men.
Still this is not America or in my case Canada!! Most of you who write know nothing of Arab culture other than what Fox and CNN send you so stay out of it. It is another world with another mind set. Look after your own backyard before you start to comment on another's

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Hassan, Cairo — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:55:41 GMT

I would like to address some of the comments made above, particularly the one by Steve about being 200 years in the past. The railway in Egypt was developed just after Mr. Stevenson launched it in the UK, and much before it came out in the USA. Cairo's telephone exchange is one of the oldest in the world. The Gezira Sporting Club where my family has been socializing for decades has coed recreational facilities and you see both veiled and unveiled girls exercising. The same may be said for Egyptian beaches in Alexandria, Ain Sokhna, Sidi Abdel-Rahman, Sharm El-Sheikh, Gouna, etc... where Egyptian women dressed in the latest fashion swimsuits (bikinis, etc...) bathe next to more conservatively dressed people. I think that we should refrain from comments like "if it wasn't for the west, the east would be backwards". I have seen loosely clad women in Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait just as I have seen very conservatively dressed women in Utah (isn't that the west?).

As for myself, I come from a conservative muslim background but pride myself on the opportunity of having met 3 of the past four christian popes (Paul VI, John Paul I and John Paul II) whose pictures figure prominently in my office and at home.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Noor Wells, Sharjah, UAE — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:56:18 GMT

As an American woman living in the middle-east, I can tell you that while some woman are treated unfairly, as in EVERY culture-even in the US women are beaten every couple of seconds so quit the BS as if it's only the poor Arab women, the vast majority are treated equally and respectfully and wearing a covering is TOTALLY our (b/c myself is included) choice. We are not slaves and our husbands cherish and adore us for taking good care of them and our families and shunning the idea that we are not valuable to society if we choose to work in our homes. Please people, seek knowledge and do not pass judgement about things you have no idea about-other than what you have been fed thru a biased media for decades. As for the gym, most of us have a few pounds to loose, what a great opportunity to have a place to go and let loose for a while. Just b/c we laugh and play in the gym doesn't mean we are oppressed! It just means, like every women, it's nice to leave the same ol' routine and see your friends and get in shape.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tim, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:58:00 GMT

It's about time the women of Islam stand up and take charge. I'v been living in Afghanistan now for 7 years, trust me, the women here are the ones with brains. If only they were stronger. GO CURVES!!
Oh, and Yusef...you're a toolbag.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Tom Laguna Niguel California — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:02:39 GMT

WOW, I have Egyptian GF's, been there and I am sooooooooooo glad that this country is finally opening up in the new century------hats off to the females to enjoy and working out as well

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mike Goffstown, NH — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:12:00 GMT

The American entrepreneurial spirit again trumps international boundaries. Way to go, Debra! I wish you great success in your venture!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jill, Vancouver — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:13:56 GMT

I'm curious when an article such as this is allowed to be posted on the news networks as well as the responses. We Americans first of all seem to have a predisposition toward believing countries that have a different way of viewing modesty or women are somehow backward. Even an article such as this seems to point the finger at the apparent backwards nature of these cultures. I think these ideas really point the finger back at us in that we truly don't understand the nature of these cultures and therefore feel the need to somehow "fix" them. This is further purported by some of the gross exaggerations and stereotypes on a few of these comments. We have not learned yet America to deal with differences without calling them wrong. I hope we someday do.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nelson Fernandez, Las Vegas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:14:05 GMT

Did you notice that in all of these comments people were discussing how great it is that these women have a place for themselves then along comes Yusef Shaban and starts insulting people.

No wonder these women want time alone if he's an example of an arab male. Calls everyone idiots and ignorant then claims women in egypt are equal to men. I've been to egypt and more than once the women are NOT treated equal.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kelli, Hot Springs, AR — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:16:42 GMT

Yusef, bravo to you for not viewing women as inferiors, so now why don't you help to educate those whose only opinions about the middle east are formed by watching american television?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nadia Ahmad, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:28:44 GMT

I think this is a great idea for the Muslim women. For those of you making stupid remarks about the Muslim woman being a slave, you dont know anything. Women in our religion have the same rights men do and are equals to their male counterparts. If you havent studied the Muslim faith you have no right making horrible comments like those and putting down our faith.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Linda Oc Perkasie Pennsylvania — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:38:16 GMT

gee shari i am only a stupid american, but i know i can drive my car, own my house and leave my country without my brother

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Ahmed El Sonbaty, cairo, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:57:11 GMT

Most of you guys are so ignorant about arabic and islamic cultures,so dont post comments except when you know. Women are not slaves infact they are highly respected and thats why they wear these veils and they dont go to the gym with males for more protection ( You can see statistics about wives abused by husbands or rape crimes all over the world, and you will know that muslims have the lowest numbers)

Egyptian women embrace Curves

George Andreadis, Los Gatos, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 06:57:17 GMT

My, my, my! We have a Middle East man gone nuts, a middle man who is sympathetic to the ME man, and every one else. I lived in the Middle East for 11 years, and here are my impressions:
Egyptian women are the most 'Westernized' of the Arab world, followed closely by the women of Lebanon, and Jordan. This 'freedom' holds true in the large cities. But to say that women are equal to men in the Arab world is absurd. I believe that Arab men are intimidated by intellectual women, not to mention women that can kick their butt!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Elroy Salt Lake City, Utah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:01:48 GMT

Why can't we all just be happy that anyone was able to come up with a idea that seemes to work for the good of woman on a global scale?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kerry, Cairo, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:03:46 GMT

I'm American and I live in Cairo, Egypt, and actually, I am really glad that there's a Curves here. There are a handful of other great gyms, including Gold's Gym, but many Muslim women would not use them because they are co-ed, as everyone's stated. I grew up here and have a lot of friends who are in the more liberal Muslim category who do participate in co-ed physical activities (PE, sports teams, and now gyms.) Women who could afford to go to Curves are in the upper echelon of society, so this is a great opportunity for well-to-do Egyptian women who are in the more conservative branch of Egyptian society (either conservative Muslim OR Orthodox Christianity,)- they are educated enough to know that fitness is essential for health, and are motivated to do something. But, this is NOT the majority of Egyptian women. Remember, Egypt has a small percent of the population with all the wealth, and a HUGE population that is poorly educated, and a very very small middle class. Unlike the States, where it's possible that Curves is a viable option for women of all manner of incomes, most women in Egypt couldn't afford to go, nor is exercise a part of their lives at all. Debra's franchise does not fall in the categories of NGO/development work, nor is it a tool for civil rights activism. Her mission is not to address equal rights, or any of the issues many of you brought up about conservative Muslim tradition. It's purely to provide a gym for women who can afford it, and want to go in a female only setting.
So actually, Vanna, I don't think Debra has anything to fear. 15,000 Americans alone live in Cairo, and like I said, only well-to-do women are customers who obviously have the support of their families.
If you have issues with discriminatory laws, behavior/attitudes, and unequal rights that you perceive in the Middle East (and I probably share some of your views, and have experienced their effects first hand,) don't look to Curves to solves those problems. Egypt will have to define for itself how western and liberal it will become.
I have to address a few other snide comments:
I don't know anything about the conservative Christian agenda someone said was behind the gym Curves, but trust me, that would not be allowed here, it's illegal to approach or try to convert a Muslim, even if they're interested.
Whether or not you think Curves is a "real" gym, Vanna, can we at least agree that it's a great fitness option for women who might feel uncomfortable in a large gym? Or who are just learning now to workout? And that perhaps insulting Curves is unnecessary and discouraging to women who have found great hope there?
And finally, the ignorance goes BOTH ways. I can't tell you how many times I've been treated like dirt here by ignorant Egyptian men who think that all American women are like Britney Spears (and I am very modest in dress.) It is going to take a long time, and a lot of international effort, and a lot of willing minds to come to mutual understanding about our cultural differences. But, you can start by introducing yourself to a Middle Eastern family in your community and try to become friends.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

SK, toronto, ontation — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:07:41 GMT

I was born and raised in Saudi and that place is strict but there are women who enjoy different kind of freedom. Ive been to many middle eastern countries and have a lot of friends in Egypt, beirut, many other countries and you will be surprised at how western the areas are - clubs and other social activities that they enjoy more then westerners. There are still some older areas that may still be more traditional- but few. One of my close friend is in Egypt and from what she tells me and sends me her pics, she mite as well have been in party city. So if there is such a club in Egypt - its not that suprising and people need to be educated more

Egyptian women embrace Curves

M. Smith, New York, New York — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:11:20 GMT

This is an interesting link
http://www.snopes.com/business/alliance/curves.asp

Pro Choice people sometimes are very demanding of the choice that other people make. You would think that the Pro Choice movement would allow for people to make their own choices with their income, beleifs, purpose, etc. It doesn't seem that Pro Choice means that to a lot of those who associate themselves with that 'coined term'. Too bad.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mohammed, San Francisco, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:11:20 GMT

In Egypt, women are wearing veils or hijab upon their discretion. There is no forced measures taken. It is ironic that a woman wearing virtually no clothes in the United States is considered free and modern whereas a woman covering her body is automatically considered oppressed. No religion (including Islam) supports oppression for its people. It would be incorrect to blame religion due to actions of a small group of Muslims. It would be similar to linking Christianity with Hitler. Let's not assume that all covered women are oppressed.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

John Daytona Fl. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:18:05 GMT

A message back to one of the write-ins, Yusef Shaban, 4:02. The only good thing about you being a middle-eastern, besides you getting the right to use the word idiot,is that thank God they have planes going back to the middle east, do us a favor....get on one.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Susie G., Bluefield, VA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:29:49 GMT

What is up with this??? First of all, Christainity is not backwards nor do we think that all extra-Bible based knowledge is blasphemous.. maybe you should read one and you would understand. And for futher information this is about these ladies who are given a chance to be themselves. Not about who is wrong and who is is right. Everyone is ignorant at some point.

I think that she has been given a great opportunity, and she should continue with it! WOOT WOOT 4 U! You should consider expanding!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Juwana, Saudi Arabia — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:30:05 GMT

This gym or health care center is great. It sounds that they are having fun and enjoying each others company, but after reading all the comments, I really do have to clarify something. Women in the middle east are really happy and they are not what you think they are. Their husbands love them and many women work, travel, study, and just CHILL. I think many Westerners should come and visit the Middle East sometime. Women aren't considered property at all, I think people say that based on stereotype. Honestly, I grew up in the states and used to think thje same thing, but when I went back to Saudi Arabia, my whole perspective changed. So I think that people should look into Arabic and more precisely Muslim countries ... you would be surprised.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Lyn Mol — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:37:36 GMT

There is also another player in the Ladies-only 30 minute workout concept in the Middle East, and that is Shapes for Women. Shapes for Women is a South African company who has just opened their first overseas branch in Kuwait, which is doing very well indeed. The ladies feel comfortable and safe in this environment, and are attracted to the gym, not only because they are able to workout in a female only setting, but there are also several women who understand the needs and benefits of regular exercise, but feel intimidated by going into a mixed mainstream gym due to lack of self-confidence. This facility is owned by Kuwati nationals, who obviously understand the needs and culture of the local market, and is operated soley by female staff. The hours of operation are convenient for most women, as the gym is open from 9am-8pm Saturdays to Thursdays.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Aalia — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:40:32 GMT

Some of you need to stop taking your media so seriously. Us women in the Middle East consider ourselves more free and treated with respect than the average Western woman. We all go to school, University, we drive BMW's, we work (or stay at home, whatever we CHOOSE to do) and we are treated like diamonds. Whoever says a Muslim woman is an object or slave to her man is a FOOL and needs to learn more about the beautiful religion of Islam. Dont just go by Taliban style news reports etc. Open your eyes and quit believing everything you see or hear in the media---it's run by your government who like to twist things around!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Aminah, Seattle WA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:50:37 GMT

YOU PEOPLE ARE AMAZING. NOT ONE OF YOU KNOW A MUSLIM WOMAN. not one!!!!!!!

you think our brothers and fathers and cousins and husbands hate us,?!?! which makes no sense whatsoever. the comments on here are so ignorant, with NO NO NO KNOWLEDGE of islam. all i hear is what the news has told you, and it makes no sense!!!

i am a muslim woman. the concept of curvers IS AND WILL BE WELCOMED THROUGHOUT THE MUSLIM WORLD. why?

as long as the women is protected, why would their be a problem.

and you people speak of us muslim women as if you know us! YOU only ignore us.......you dont know us, you have never met any of us!

muslim women smile, laugh, play, haave much joy in our lives, just because YOU PEOLPE CAN SEE BEYOND my HIJAB not veil(face covering"niqab") doesnt mean theres nothing there!

---Banks dont leave the vault open to the public!--

Egyptian women embrace Curves

James , Texas — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:57:47 GMT

Ya'll are strange. Who cares about middle east culture, or why they do the things that they do? It's great that this woman went for broke and started her own buisness. Heck it's hard enough to do that in America let alone another country. It's also fantastic that these women get to have a great time. Outside of that building is their choice. They want to stay or they would leave in droves. Jeeze. Americans arguing over the practices in another country. Sounds dumb to me. We have our own problems right here. I forgot noone cares about those women though they are only AMERICAN.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Stefan, El Paso, TX — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:01:58 GMT

Vanna, do you write and spell my language? I think not, so don't insult thus who don't speak your English correctly because you don't speak it right either America is land of emigrants or have you forget that important fact. I'm one of them, not so proud anymore as I used to be but proud. Maybe I don't write or speak correctly but I'm conversational and I'm sure you understud everything I have write here. And that is what is important understanding, sadly most of the Americans don't have that. I hope Muslim women will enjoy their freedom soon.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

A, Seattle WA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:03:19 GMT

Wow... "killed"?? I guess they take their gyms pretty seriously in Sacramento. Poor Mike. Ask a (mildly) silly question and that's the end for you.

Anyway, I have to agree with Duke. We go gaga over a female only gym, but a male only gym would be sued out of existence. What a strange society we live in.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

john doe — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:11:06 GMT

Errrmm, men are barred from curves gyms ? Isnt that sexual discrimination? Isnt that the same as saying black people are barred - discrimination?

Do the owners of Curves know that barring people from their establishments for reasons of race, religion, culture or gender is illegal internationally and contravenes human rights?

Anyone out there with the wherewithall could sue the Curves franchise and easily win...

Dont believe me? Try opening a restaurant where hebrew males are banned.... lol - you will get your arse kicked in...

Curves = Discrimination = $$$

Another example of hypocritical capitalism

Egyptian women embrace Curves

shahira, Cairo, Egypt. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:21:12 GMT

It is so very sad to learn that the west has this very wrong idea about Egyptian women being opressed and leading a miserable life. I am a 39 year old veiled muslim widow supporting 3 children. I have a university degree in English literature and I am an HR manager in a major local company in Egypt. I finished my degree while married, my late husband fully supported me paid for the university fees although he did not need me to work . I also have a certificate in HR from the American University in Cairo.The decision to put on the veil was entirely my own and no body forced me into it whatsoever.I do not know why you believe the muslim woman is like a slave This is entirely not true. Islam urges men to protect and care for women. A muslim woman keeps her family name after she gets married and no one has authority over her finances except her after she is 21 years of age. Please stop the prejudices and try to learn more and from the accurate sources before you make wrongful comments. As for the gyms for ladies, this is not something new, I have been going to the ladies's gym at our local sporting club since 1992.The franchises are recent and starting to spread as a new trend, other than that is common to see girls and women going to health clubs and gyms in the large cities.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Andrea Byrne, Dubai, UAE — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:21:43 GMT

I think this is a fantastic idea, I am a westerner living in a very liberl Arab country but i would feel much more inclined to join a female only gym than a coed one, simply to feel more comfortable. I hope Curves comes to Dubai next!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Chyla, Oakville, Ontario — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:29:23 GMT

go for it girls...its about time...as previously mentinoed...it takes time to evolve...and this is what people do...they evolve and every new generation brings in changes for the better...well...one hopes anyhow...the reason for the vails is so ...temptation when looking at a woman thoughts of "lust" are kept under control...cant trust one an other so the big powerfull men must set laws and to hell with HER rights...she is just a meer woman after all...how sad to think there are parts or this world that forgot how to feel...would it not be a blast to see how these men would feel if the shoe was on the other foot for one week...have the men hidden under a trillion layers of clothing in the hot sun...or have the men be beaten or stoned for showing some skin...supressed people in history have eventualy managed to organize and fight for their rights...but these girls have had it stamped in their heads that its just the way it is or else...and the fear of some man getting wind of having dreams of sheding the olden ways hold them back...i bet they all have seen some woman get stoned in the past....and a lot of time by their love...the man they married and father to their kids...your dad or brother ..all which are supposed to love you...being able to stone you or have you stoned...gotta hold back the changes just a tad...tv must be monitored also...cuz if these people were able to see how the rest of the world lived...they would ponder the "whats up with that"...as i'm typing this it comes to me that i should not be so surprised they have not evolved in some part ofthe world...after all there are part of the world that have been fighting amungst them selfs and with neighbouring lands since the "BC" era...guess some are just slower at evolving than others...but as China gave up the binding of those poor girls feet...i have complete trust in a lot of the new generations growing up today..to finaly make a difference...tv. internet and other forms of media will in time educate the masses to the possibilities out there...i'm keeping my fingers crossed for them all...

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Rohan, Chaska, MN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:30:22 GMT

You people are funny. LOLOLOL!!!! Everytime somebody does something good for a change, there's always someone out there that'll put them down. Accept the good, people, and don't talk about the bad.
We are lucky to live in a country where we are free to say whatever. So say it accordingly and the rest of us will judge whether you're an inteligent person or just another closed minded being. Not all of us are open minded about people's religion. Take their religious beliefs away and you'll have more peace in the world. More people are needed to do good for others and we all need to unite on one front for this. We need to silence those people who want to pass judgement without knowing the facts and allow them to their own undoing.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

bilal from Jordan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:30:39 GMT

Dear All,
I decided to write in this blog because Mr. Tim from Arizona asked for an explanation. First of all I am a Jordanian National that lived and got educated in the United States, and I was married to an American woman from Louisiana where I used to live. Now I live in Bahrain, an Island in the Arabian Gulf where the Fifth Fleet of the American Navy is stationed.
Women in the Middle East are not treated as property, slave or inferior to men. Women are our mothers, daughters, sisters, wives, and grandmothers. Islam is religion that protects women and considers them as the most important part of the society because they carry the difficult burden of raising the new generations, generation after generation. Islam is like all the other religions can be explained wrong and some of the verses in the Quran can be taken out of context like in any other religions. If you go to the Holy Bible or the Old Testament you will find verses in these books that if taken out of context would mean opposite of what they are supposed to mean. Islam is not different from these religions. You will always have people that will either understand the religion wrong or try to use religion for their personal gains.
I am not going to give you a lesson about Islam here, but if you are really interested you can go to your local library where they have a lot of books that explain about Islam. If you like to know more, you can email me at bkbahrain@hotmail.com..
Two things I would like to say. The last thing that the Prophet Mohammad said before he died is to take care of the women; this is to be his last will to all them men in Islam.
Islam considers the gates of heaven are under the feet of our mothers. I think this statement would some up how the REAL Islam considers women.
Now I have a question for all of the rest. Why would a project like curves start or even succeed in the U.S. Why do American women want to work out without men to be around them? And a Question for Anna, Maybe the American owner of the franchise feels safer to open a place in the Middle East than any other city in the U.S. like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, were in these cities the police do not even dare to go into some of their suburbs. (Or I am stereotyping here). Also for Micheal Zachary, Steve, Jeanette, and A from Wyoming, have you ever been to any country in the Middle East to prejudge how women are treated in the Middle East. Thank god that I have been to the US and lived there for a total of fifteen years or I would think that the U.S. is like what we see in the program C.O.P.S… Millions of American women are beaten by their drunk and drug abused husbands.
By the way the women only health clubs in the Middle East are there for over 15 years, but this article is an advertisement for the Curves brand.
Sincerely.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

john doe — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:34:25 GMT

Lol, if an an arab woman talks to a stranger without permission she risks being stoned to death ??? Like what the F**k is that? Which century are you people coming from because it is certainly not this last 1,000 years - hey wake up you idiots - the world has changed somewhat

I grew up in Egypt, I not egyptian, but the people I knew from egypt were great folks, all of them that didnt accept the muslim way... the muslim way is prehistoric in its interpretation, most of the girls I knew in egypt hated the muslim way... it is the males of that society that try to enforce the muslim way on the females... they do this because they are scared, incompetant, ignorant machos - you can see the same today in most latin countries... the macho male clutching his woman so tightly that if she even dares to look at another male he will beat her up when they get home...

The muslim religion is designed for men to treat and own women who they regard as inferior animals...

Stoning a woman to death??? Do you believe in that? Then you are f***g prehistoric monkey idiots...

Enough of this crap - let the women go free - wherever they might be in the world - and stop this male ownership crap once and for all

Egyptian women embrace Curves

A. A. Cairo, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:39:42 GMT

The ignorance of the posts on here is appalling, Egypt is one of the most progressive arab societies, there are absolutely NO I repeat NO LAWS enforcing any woman to do anything, we have women as judges, women on the police force. There are no beatings, stonings, etc...
Culturally some of the more ignorant people impose on their sisters / mothers daughters wearing hijabs and other stuff, but legally no one is obliged to.

Know the facts before you start posting B.S.

Maybe more of you should visit countries like Egypt, U.A.E., and lebanon to see that not all arab countries are restrictive and oppressive to Women, and to get out of the coccoon you live in, oblivious to what actually goes on in the world other than the crap you hear and watch on right wing media.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

john doe — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:44:13 GMT

TIM - OHIO
Quote "While I understand that the women in Egypt and other Muslim countries find it important to cover themselves, and I even approve so long as they do so by choice instead of by law"

Tim you are one of the most guilty MutherF's out there - cover themselves from what??

It is the males of the muslim society that require a woman to cover herself - but from what? Perhaps because you arab males are incompetant sexually that you "ordain" that your women "cover themselves" to avoid attention from other males that might be better than you???

As I have already stated in a previous comment I grew up in egypt, and I had a lot of wonderful sexual experiences with your girls/women... they hate you muslim incompetant machos... and they will readily take the risk to get away from you...

You muslim males stone females to death ? Then you are pig shit.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

D.Peets — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:46:11 GMT

You all think this matters,it dont... who cares what they do,start thinking about important things, like how long the world will be here after we are done with it,not long.. so all the petty crap you worry about means squat,lets fix important things in the usa then maybe the rest of the world will follow..

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jose, San Lorenzo, PR — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:49:13 GMT

HURRAY FOR OUR DIFFERENCES. THE WORLD WOULD SHURE BE
A SAD AND GLOOMY ORB IF WE EVERYONE ACTED AND LIVED THE SAME WAY. ENJOY THE FLAVOR THAT IS ADDED BY USING DIFFERENT SPICES. ENJOY THE CONTRASTING VIEWS ON HOW TO ENJOY LIFE.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

ChinaRose — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:50:03 GMT

What a wonderful idea!! Great for a culture that does not allow women to do or be anything they want. Place for workout and socializing. Wow!! Ms. Alcala I thank you for bringing the women in Cairo out of their "cocoon" and open up a world of fitness for them.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Wael Tawfik — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:50:06 GMT

I would like to illustrate some points :
1- Egypt is not a part of dark ages , we are civilized people ,and if really want to know our culture you should live inside , and dont listen for other opinions, It is just one question for americans civilized people , can you ever walk alone (man or a woman ) in the streats of your civilized cities as Newyork , in egypt anyware you can walk anytime , expect help from anybody if you need it , we are not savage , or rude may be we have different cultures .but we do respect women may be more than you are. Try to look to Muslims out of your media , I m sure you will find the truth , by the way I lived in egypt for 40 years I never so a camel in the streats like some of you imagine .

Egyptian women embrace Curves

De Etta, Sharjah, UAE — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 08:59:50 GMT

I think the point of any 'all-women's' gym in any part of the world is that an out of shape woman would rather no men see her workout. I am an American woman living in an Arab country. I am not out of shape, but I still feel more relaxed 'sweating' and letting go only in front of other women! AND those comments about muslim women needing some place to 'escape' the oppression of men..don't tell me some western men don't abuse or oppress women as well. Do western women not need an 'escape' from the daily grind of work, kids and other life pressures? This Egyptian woman in the article was only taking a break from the pressures of normal life that even western women face, especially stay-at-home mothers.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

JayJay — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:12:39 GMT

what i dont understand is why is it every time a Foreigner goes to any Isalmic country they try so hard to prove s terrible prejudice point of view that Hijab is A CRIME !
YOU ALL woman out there - Im muslim young girl and im not weaing Hijab but i know for a fact that a day will come i will because thats what my Religion requires and we like it this way .. why dont you just all back off and go back Home ( where ever home is ) and try to solve and comment on larger and more desasterus issues you have like all those babies around the globe that does not have fathers to belong to where they stand in all eyes as ( son of bitches ) so go slove your issues and leave Islam alone at peace .
so wat!! I dont like goin to a mixed gym!!! and its not double standerd as some referd to as , i just feel more comfortable with it .
so chill OUT all of you and let it be we like it as it is and the more you ( americans, english, dutch ... ) stress on it the more we are attached .

Egyptian women embrace Curves

simon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:14:11 GMT

steve r u that naif??? u still believe that image about muslim world.. it is true in some areas still ignorant yes..but dont forget the bigest wars in the world ..and in history..thank u.. west. so dont believe poletics. and ask this great lady why she drove all the way to invest in such hostile area..is fool investment or a mession..of mercy..

Egyptian women embrace Curves

JayJay — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:14:19 GMT

Hey Mrs.Debra Alcala it seems like you have no idea what you talking about and you seem pretty shallow to me , so before wasting all the ink in the world and stressing you pc typing this no-sense try to go deeper into it .

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Larry — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:17:33 GMT

Yusef.......your your whole demeanor screams....I am exactly the stereotype of arab male that exists in western culture.....What form of put downs do you use on your wife and daughters?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Helena — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:27:15 GMT

Debra's intention is to be praised considering that she means well for the Egyptian community. Egyptian women and men are all benefitting from it! What was extremely interesting was to read the comments from different perspectives. Fair enough, the western/ American perspective can be faulty at times evaluating other cultures but the oriental culture has also its drawbacks in order to mend that a compassionate attitude needs to be adopted by all.

Helena from France

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Afaf, Cairo, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:45:48 GMT

I'm Egyptian woman, not Moslem. Not all Egyptian women are veiled nor they couldn't move around without their men. I'm not veiled of course because I'm Christian and I work and move so freely wearing up to date fashion.
And to say the truth even the veiled Egyptian women have freedom to work and have much activities in the society in all levels, but it is the traditions of the Middle East that make us different ( whether Moslems or not ) and more preserved in our contacts with men.
I hope you can have more true information about Egypt.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

David Medford Oregon — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:48:09 GMT

This is interesting to me. We had an all male gym here in Oregon USA and a woman sued the gym because they would not hire a woman locker room attendant. Hmmm. Double standards? I think I will apply to clean the locker rooms at Curves. I bet my discrimination law suit would be denied--right ladies??

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Laura Chidsey,Chesterfield.MI. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 09:48:22 GMT

I'm glad to know that other countries have Curves for women,We All (women) need a place where we can be someone eles if we want to.I belong to Curves in Chesterfield,Mi.and I love it.It gives me a chance to met other women and take about life in general.You Go Girls!!!!!!!!!!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

David Medford OR — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:01:26 GMT

One other fact that seems to be missing. Here in our American society, women don't have to "cover" their bodies. In fact, many burned their bras when i was a little guy. In our country, if you aren't a Cosmopolitan or GQ look alike, you are treated like raw fish. Perhaps our liberalism, and our false sense of what a man or woman should look like is not wanted in the Arab world. Tread lightly ladies as you attempt to spread our vanity and liberalism in certain parts of the world---it may not be welcomed with the open arms embrace that our country yields. I personally am sick of the women and minority movement here. It reminds me of a bunch of snibling little whining brats. You all stereotype the "American White Male". I am American, White, and I work darn hard for the little i have. I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth, nor have i achieved that status, but i work hard to contribute to my family, and we are happy and we have clothes, food, and a roof over our heads. Heck, i even have a car to drive to work. Get over it all you spoiled American brats, and if you want something try working for it--you might get it AND YOU MIGHT NOT!!!!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Walt Owens Ft'Inn SC. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:33:28 GMT

Mike get your head out of th'gutter.You'll get old some day:and Ask your self"WHY" did I wast all that time,I could have been Fishing!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

James Elcritico — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:42:10 GMT

I bet, if it was about men only workout places, all women would be screaming descrimination, decrimination, but it's for women it's ok, right? Typical westerners always interfering in everyones's business, always self righteous and believing "we know best".

Egyptian women embrace Curves

GG from Maadi, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 10:50:08 GMT

I am an american woman who has been living in Egypt for the past 10 years. We have women here who wear scarves (like our nuns do)because they are very religious and that's their choice. We also have egyptian women here who wear low rider jeans and tank tops, and who can out salsa dance even the best of you. Yes, some women here have it hard, and some harder than others. Egypt is a country that is mixed with older and newer mentalities...oddly enough, they seem to tolerate each other's presence. Some Egyptian woman here are highley educated and some are poverty stricken. Especialy those who are from less fortunate families, or live in remote areas like the Beduin tribes. Egypt is one of the poorest countries in the world, and where there is poverty you will always find a lack of education and ignorance. I would like to know what back woods part of America Helen is from. She and A from Wyoming, outta hook up since they both seem to be spreading the word with a common interest...and I am not talking about LOVE.
Things are changing in Egypt. Their are female doctors, scientists, and even politicians. They
still have a long way to go, to catch up to the equality we have in America...not that we have made it there quite yet, either. We will see how Hillary does.
There are women here who need real help, and there are women here who raise thousands of dollars to help them with real problems, not just to help lower someones cholesterol. This is a business, not an act of charity. I don't think it's right to use the women who are less fortunate to promote a business. It's not like any of the women who really need help here will be joining Curves to get it. What do they mean a couple of hours a freedom? Most women who can afford this type of facility, don't arrive there by way of donkey. Most of these women drive cars, and have jobs of their own. We have a Golds gym here and it is co-ed. With both male and female, american and egyptian instructors, and it doesn't matter to anyone. Some of the women wear scarves and some don't, and when the arobics class starts, they all get in there and work it. Religion doesn't factor into it at all. You won't find any angry fathers or jelouse husbands lined up outside waiting to beat them, either. You are the ones portraying these woman as camels. Some of them need help, but they are not helpless. You undermine the achievments of the women who are helping to shape these countries by insulting them this way. Middle eastern countries are not all the same.Their customs, beliefs, and attitudes vary greatly from country to country, and even from person to person.
It is sad for me as an american to read all these comments you are making. You sound like a lynch mob. So much hatred, and so little understanding.
This is a business, that's all. Curves offers women(all women) who do not want to excercize with men, the oppertunity to do so. That's all there is to it. Good publicity for her though. Smart lady.
By the way, Jean from,Hillsboro,OR. YgRETCHEou should find a new set of friends.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Snarla2, Chicago, IL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:06:54 GMT

S in Chicago writes: "solely by a fundamentalist Christian who is against a women's right to chose"

I don't support a religious viewpoint that is anti-choice regarding abortion rights, or a religion that tries to use the force of law to impose their viewpoint on others.

However, it seems to me that (if this is true about Curves ownership and motivation) it's the lesser of two evils. Denying women the right to choice in regards to abortion. Denying women the right to choice in terms of who they date and marry, how (or if) they're educated, how they dress, their right to drive a car, divorce an abusive spouse, or to earn a living is far worse.

Many unfortunate women in the middle east live in a repressive theocracy that denies them basic human rights; their lives are in danger if they leave aren't dressed like beekeepers when they walk down their own streets. Even the attitudes of the far right in the U.S. are delightfully liberal in comparison

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Eli Philadelphia, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:08:18 GMT

hey Yusef Shaban! I am also Middle Eastern, but unlike you I am a female. My mother and I ran away to America to get away from my father who was mentally and physically abusing us. Before you go spewing your equality garbage get the perspective from a female. You don't live it as a male when you are being waiting on hand and foot or being forced into wearing these restrictive clothing. I am quite excited to hear that curves is avalible in Egypt it is time for real equality for once in this male dominated area of the world!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

gail, — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:15:38 GMT

to "s in chicago" - interesting comments. i've been going to curves for years here in the "bible belt." NEVER have i heard anything to which you alluded.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Mia, Nashville, TN — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:24:55 GMT

I'm glad these women could have some place to workout. You see, I don't think ALL Muslim women are treated badly. They're loved, too. It's just sad for us to be rude to other cultures when we don't study them well.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Magda — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:30:20 GMT

Dear Westerners,

I am an Egyptian woman, Muslim, not veiled and have the freedom to do as I please.

I would like to clarify a few things:

1- Not all women in Egypt are veiled.
2- Egyptian women can work in any filed (they are not salves to their husbands).
3- We have co-ed schools and universities, actually most universities are co-ed.
4- Egyptian women have the right to vote.
5- Islam does not discriminate between men and women.
6- Muslim men DO respect women.
7- We neither live in pyramids nor use camels for transportation.

Basically, Egypt is not as negative as it’s being portrayed by Western media, yes we do have our problems but they are not related to religion or the government.

Please try not to confuse Egypt with Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

emmajean — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:31:34 GMT

Does anyone else think it's funny that us women can have their own place to workout (no men allowed) and get away with hiring all women, but if a man tried to do that (i.e. open an all male gym with only male staff), we (women) would be up in arms from here until Christmas? I'm definitely not saying Curves is bad, and maybe there are all-male gyms that I don't know about...but I just find it amusing that us women are constantly crying discrimation and breaking into all-male institutions and clubs, but we still expect to have something "just for us". I'm not the anti-feminist or even radical feminist, ok? I just think it's a bit of irony that most men don't bat an eye at. Just think about it.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Gayle Drexel Hill, PA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:34:05 GMT

Yusef, As I am sure you are aware, the official law and the reality are two quite different matters in the middle east. There are tremendous societal pressures, beginning with the husband, on many Egyptian women to dress and behave in accordance with fundamentalist Muslim standards. My Turkish husband is pretty domineering (attractive when one is dating, challenging in marriage) but he is nothing compared to some of my middle eastern friend's husbands. Stereotypes usually have a basis in reality. Way to go, Debra! I wish you great joy and success in bringing this wonderful outlet to these dear women!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Gretchen Oufsta — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:35:48 GMT

Wow, I'm embarrassed by the ignorance of so many and yes i said ignorance. Sorry Yusef

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Akmed, As saud Arabia — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:36:12 GMT

I think bad idea. Women need to be covered, no makeup and shall walk behind the man. Women should obey the laws of islam and remember there is punishment. From fraterinising with infidels comes great punishment. They shall understand that not wearing hijab and being llike western women makes them unholy. There will be great punishment.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

J. in the Northeast — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:37:07 GMT

To S in Chicago,
You have an interesting view of Curves there in Egypt. I may be mistaken, but as a former member of a Curves in my town, I never once had a discussion about religion in any form, and as a non-Christian, was never discriminated against. As a matter of fact, no one cared one way or the other what my religious beliefs are. Also, the Curves in our town is open until 7 pm at night, which means (gasp!), women are free to attend during the time they "should" be home with their families eating dinner. Yes, the Curves corporation is owned by Christian fundamentalists, but then again, our president is ??????
I truly have no idea about any "underlying" motives Mrs. Alcala had when she opened the Curves in Egypt, but in reality, it is a pretty good idea. Advertising is done word of mouth, which is respectful of the surrounding area and done in such way as to not offend. Alcaca wishes it could be different, but is respectful of the way it has to be for now. Women are encourged to work out and socialize, which is good for them both mentally and physically. My guess would be that if Mrs. Alcaca were pedddling "hew religion" and discriminating against Egyptian beliefs, someone would have found about it by now and she would no longer be in business.
And yes, Curves isn't the end all, be all gym experience, but it is much better than doing nothing at all, and women who are intimidated by co-ed gyms or gyms that pander only to fit women can feel comfortable there. So for these women, it is an all around good thing.
Why did I quit my Curves? My husband put a gym in our garage, so I go there.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Frederick Christensen Uppsala Sweden — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:53:43 GMT

Ah yet another female empowerment story which the wretched media just love to impose on we jaded and very bored readership.Personally,I do not give a rats ass what these little wog girls do as long as they stay out of my face!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jayne, Nicosia Cyprus — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:00:37 GMT

I visited Cairo last year on business and utilized the hotel's exercise room with my husband. I was dressed very conservatively: big baggy t-shirt and sweats. After feeling the unwanted ogling of several men there, I can certainly understand why Egyptian woman are glad to have a venue to exercise in peace! The general attitude of men towards women really infuriated me.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Debbie Greenville, SC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:04:10 GMT

I think it is excellent that the owner is conscious of the insecurity that the women are feeling about being able to go work out for their health.That is why I first joined a gym after surgery to rehabilitate. My husband and I agree that it is often used as a place to seduce people who look good for a date or to just oogle people who are in Sweaty Tshirts and shorts and I have actually had 2 men follow me to my car! That is one of the reason's that I quit my gym and bought similar workout equipment to use with my husband at home. It also helps strengthen our relationship by helping each other with workouts and giving praise, to what we see, is an honest effort to help each other with our health and our well being to help us stay strong in our retirement time.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Princess Ann, Fairmont, NC — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:13:30 GMT

Yusef,
I also agree I visited cairo for 2 weeks and also lived with egyptian males and females while I was there. The egyptian women would where shirts showing there bare arms and their hair down with no veil they even smoked shesha with the men I enjoyed my trip the men treated their wives like queens while I was their. It's their choice that they ware veils.

Princess Ann North Carolina

Egyptian women embrace Curves

christy keyes, jackson ms. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:17:30 GMT

When i was single in my late twenties i dated a man from Kuwait,a man from Egypt and a man from India. I live in Jackson Miss. Not the most progresseive place in the world either. I lived near a University of medicine and thats how i met such an array of men. they all treated me with the utmost respect and wanted to learn more about our culture they were all Muslims. they were very curious about Christians and why there was a church on every street corner which is "literelly" true in Jackson. They all went to my church with me out of curiosity. How many Americans have gone to a Muslim place of worship with an open mind or sat douwn with a muslim to hear about their faith.Well i have and so did they. Each one of them was curious about my faith and why it was so important to me and why as a Christian so deeply religous would i date someone out of my faith and i told them Christ taught me to love all people regarless of everything. Each one responeded the same thing your not real Christian your something else. i was thrilled when i read this article because the women were free to have fun and play. then some of the comments came and i was deeply saddened it turned into a slam the middle eastern religion debate. Can't we allow a gym to be a gym without starting to slam people from other parts of the world we have spent little of our personal time trying to understand. vanna please don't chastise me on my grammer i really didn't think someone was grading this assigment.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

debbie edmondson loisville,ky — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:20:54 GMT

yusef, keep your idiotic remarks for your women that will put up with your mouth, american women wont take your crap here.the whole point of being american is we can say what we please. if you want to educate another person, dont start off calling them an idiot

Egyptian women embrace Curves

N, New York, NY — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:28:15 GMT

I agree with Tim's comments about Yusef's response. I am a Middle Eastern woman in the US and the one thing that I know for sure is that most people in Arab countries like to hide their faults instead of address them. The Arab culture in general always worries about shame and honor. So, realizing and admitting that something is wrong is a sign of weakness and most often people are quick to defend and call anyone criticizing "ignorant". I know what it's like there. I've lived there. Women are not equal to men and if you say that then you are living in denial. I don't think that it is as bad as some people may think that it is and it is different in every country - but it is all different extents of the same issue. Egypt happens to be one of the most open societies of the Middle East and not all women are living in the dark ages. But in general in the Arab world women do not have rights. They are not given the chance to live fulfilling and happy lives. Let's address that instead of bury it in the sand and pretend like it's all good.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

J, Amman, Jordan — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:34:26 GMT

I'm a US born Christian married to a Muslim Palestinian living in Jordan. I can go wherever the hell I like with whoever the hell I like.

Muslim women can too. That doesn't mean that they can be uncovered in front of males they are not closely related to, but they can have lunch with co-workers and go to business meetings etc with men.

It's obvious some US men think that all women should walk around in short shorts and halter tops. In fact, Muslim women choose their own interpretation of the prophet Mohammed's teachings regarding how to cover themselves (no hijab, hijab, burka...). Most of my family here are feminist Muslims who would take most of you ignorant men to town for what you are posting.

Read something written by a Muslim woman and not by Westerners who don't speak arabic and know nothing of the Q'uran. Saudi Arabia is Saudi Arabia. No other country has the same religious requirements, because Mecca is located there...

Read and stop making people in the US sound like ignorant hicks.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jack — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:35:53 GMT

Well, someone in the Muslim world has allowed ladies to enter the 20th century. What would happen if they entered the present century !
Too bad, that a religion depresses woman, in a society !

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Jennifer Springfield, Ohio — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:44:44 GMT

Please spell check before you post, anyhow .....
Why must we always see the negative? Why can't this just be a great success story about a person (woman) who took an opportunity and is doing something she enjoys and that allows others some enjoyment too?!
Also before we make comments we should make sure we have the facts right, great opportunity to explore and discover the truth versus myths.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Odilon, Lubumbashi, Katanga, Democratic Republi of Congo — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:45:43 GMT

I am happy for those women and sincerely hope that one day they will be free to show thier beautiful faces in public. To be forced to wear those veils and watever even when it's hot, that's torture. Hope men in all countries with such laws will come to their senses and give to women the freedom they deserve.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

PenelopeX, Vista, CA — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:48:43 GMT

Congratulations, Debra! I'm sure it took a lot of guts to put "all my eggs in one basket" and try something new in a new place. Cudos to you!

As for all those responses that would be negative or speculative about the endeavor, blah...blah...blah. Spend perhaps 1/10th the energy this female entrepreneur has to try and improve the lives of others, much less those in a foreign country, and you'd be too busy to criticize. I'm sure the patrons of "Curves" are getting a bit of a laugh out of all these responses as well. YOU GO GIRLS!!

People, people...try and find the beauty and goodness in life and you'll have far less time to be negative and ugly. The reality is, if you continually suppress the desires of the heart and mind of a person, their spirit dies. And I don't know about you, but I'd rather be married to a live person. Encouraging the fulfillment of the person, doesn't mean they'll jump off a cliff and become a pervert or social deviant. Typically, they become the next Einstein or Amelia Earhart! YOU GO GIRLS!!

Egyptian women embrace Curves

mo — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:55:49 GMT

Muslim women never be same as other women and they are well protected in the releigion. Hey muslim ladies do not follow or imitate like western or any othe non belivers. Be proud of muslim ladies with your islamic dress code. Be patient with all these fuss these people making and you know award will be paradise.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Nisah — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:55:56 GMT

I scrolled to the bottom to comment on the ignorant comments addressing the islamic/middle eastern culture(s), but I see people have beat me to the punch! - Thank you
Also this is a great & positive innovation! Great job

Egyptian women embrace Curves

mike, WPB, FL — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:56:37 GMT

To those who are saying that covering women up isn't a law in Egypt they're right. But sometimes social pressure is much more effective. What do you think the society's reaction would be if she decided to ditch the scarf and wear jeans and a t-shirt? She may be "free" to do so, but I doubt she'd be happy afterwards.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Kenneth Wiley Hudson Florida — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:58:26 GMT

It make me wonder in the arab world the mostly controled muslim religion by islamic men are SO controling to make their women 2th class citizens are being concerned that other man should not see their woman that they must have a guard out side to keep them from seeing women-It seam that if THEY make rules to keep woman apart from men- then why do they need a guard to keep the MEN away from the woman --its not the woman with the problem ITS THE INSECURE ARAB MEN PROBLEM-ITS A DOUBLE STANDERD FOR ISLAMIC RULES---

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Upon Further Review — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:58:55 GMT

I take issue with the statement that Americans have not learned yet to deal with differences without calling them wrong. Try carrying a Bible into a Muslim country and see how it goes. Try preaching Christianity on the streets. Try wearing a mini-skirt. Heck, you can't even depict Mohammed in a cartoon without moving some Muslims to violence. So let's drop the political correctness and embrace the fact that America is an amazingly tolerant country.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Lovette, Lagos Nigeria — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 12:59:50 GMT

It is high we begin to realise that virtue starts and ends with the heart. It is time to release our poor Egyptian women from the bondage of Hija. When God made these women they were to bring joy and laughter and not as a subject to satisfy male selfishness especially in that part of the world

Egyptian women embrace Curves

anna, clinton — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:05:32 GMT

In response to being beaten and abused sexually and mentally are we forgetting that 1 in 3 girls is sexually abused in someway by the age of 13,in the US if you don't think that is the right number look it up. 1 out of 5 boys in the Us are sexually abused by the age of 13. This crosses all race and socioeconomic classes. In a country where spousal abuse is raging how do we have the right to judge others. I was raped as a child until the age of 16. at which time i thought i was being smart enough to get out of it by getting pregnant by a boy that professed to love me very much and wanted to marry me and knew what was going on in my house. It turned out i just married into another nightmare i had no where to go the church we attended said divorce was the same as damning yourself to hell. The elders told me i would only have to put up with the abuse for 50 or 60 years at most but divorce would send me to hell where i would suffer worse abuse for my eternal life. this was a Christian church, They told me they would also suffer punishment for my sin of divorse because as my eldsr they were responsible for my soul.Gayle said official law doesn't match up with reality it doesn't in the US either. when i did get a divorce i had no character witnesses because we were not to mingle outside of our chuch group.But my ex-husband had half the church lined up to tell horrible stories of how i had show horrific signs of schzoprenia i had no money to pay for an expert witness, i had been in a mental hospital i had gone in to get away from him my diagnosis was adjustment disorer, caused by marital discontent. i lost custody of my children for which i had been the sole caretaker of. i often stood between him and my boys to take their punishhment but when i was gone they had to take my punishment plus theirs. After six years in therapy my therapist suggested i start a abuse recovery group it only spread by word of mouth but every week new people came and shared their stories of gut wrenching pain and their will to overcome it.I think yntil we clean up our own backyard we had better leave others to clean their own.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

a guy who respects women — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:06:14 GMT

Hey Akmed, you "think bad idea" because you have probably had it pounded into your head from day one that women are somehow unequal to men. Put your fundementalist Islamic view aside for a second and try to imagine if you could live under the same social restrictions. Try to imagine if you were expected to put HALF the population of your country on a pedestal wether they deserved it or not. Forced respect isn't respect at all. Every human being has the right to equality and to make their own choices. If you respect them, they will respect you, not because they have to, but because they want to. When you pressure women to cover themselves from head to foot, they no longer have an identity outside the home. Imagine yourself in that situation. A proud, happy woman with a strong sense of self makes a much better partner then one whose behavior is dictated by the punishment she will get if she behaves otherwise....oh yeah, why don't the men in Egypt wear blinders when they are out in public instead of the women having to cover up?

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Shannon, Cairo, Egypt — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:08:27 GMT

As a Western Woman living in Cairo and somewhat linked to this exact story, (my partner was the designer on all three of these gyms) let me dispell a few myths. I have never met a muslim woman who did not wear hijjab or abaya (headscarf or full veil) against her wishes, although I'm sure some are bowing to family pressure. Egypt is not a fundamentalist country, I have lived here comfortably, I have met a wonderful Egyptian man who I adore, we go dancing and drink wine and socialize with muslims and christians alike with no conflict, I wear t-shirts and tank tops and skirts and feel safer here than I did walking around downtown Vancouver, BC, my hometown. The arab world gets slammed, when what the western world dosn't understand is that it is a personal choice to belong to any religion, and that if you do, you choose to abide by the moral code of that faith. The veiled women I know come mostly from wealthy, educated backgrounds, and have made a personal decision to adopt "modest dress" for a variety of reasons. To say that the middle east is backwards, "200 years behind the times" is ludicrous, and is obviously the rambling of a sheltered fool.

To the man who said he was the father of 2 girls and would be appalled if either of them married an "arab", my father thought the same thing until he came here and met my partner, now he couldn't be happier that I am with a man who loves and respects me. (FYI- not every middle easterner is an arab,Egypt is full of Pharonic, Bedouin and African peoples, as well as those of Arabic descent.)
The long and short of it is this: come on over and check it out before you pass judgement on a place and a people you have only ever seen on CNN.

Egyptian women embrace Curves

Richard Phillips, Cambridge, Mass. — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:11:49 GMT

This is all well and good. So much so, that it points out the flaws of Muslim society. Moer importantly, it screams out that whatever is acceptable in Egypt and the Islamic world does not belong here, especially at the student facilities at Harvard University for example. So inconclusion, Islam stays in the 6th century and it has no place here in the 21st century America. Assimilate or leave now.

You want freedom? Liberty? Fine, you have a responsibility, no a duty, to be one of us. We don't want your baggage from the very very old world here in Michigan, Minnesota, New England or anywhere. WHy did you leave in the first place?

Here we treat women with respect, so that they feel that they are a part of society. Well at least I do. I can't speak for rappers and hip hop recording stars.

No one goes around trying to hide in te plain light of day. If you want to wear the veil, then go to Curves, but don't foist this on us, where I again refer to the student health facility at Harvard University.