Physical Activities Awareness in Saudi Students is becoming a rising concern, especially among those studying in healthcare professions. Despite having more knowledge about the benefits of fitness and movement than the average population, many healthcare students in Saudi Arabia are not practicing what they preach.
This article reveals eye-opening insights from recent studies and surveys that highlight the gap between awareness and action. It also offers practical suggestions to improve physical activity levels among future medical professionals in the Kingdom.
1. High Awareness, Low Practice
While many healthcare students in Saudi Arabia know the importance of physical activity, only a small percentage engage in regular workouts or sports. A 2024 survey conducted in Riyadh showed that 82% of healthcare students were aware of physical activity guidelines, but just 26% actually followed them.
This gap is troubling because these students are future doctors, nurses, and therapists. They are expected to promote health and set examples in their professional roles.
2. Academic Pressure Affects Physical Activity
One of the biggest barriers to regular physical activity among students is academic workload. Healthcare courses in Saudi Arabia are known for being intense and time-consuming. Many students report that they barely have time to rest, let alone exercise.
More than 60% of students in a recent survey said they skip physical activity due to lack of time caused by long study hours, clinical rotations, and exam stress.
3. Sedentary Lifestyle Becoming Normal
In recent years, the lifestyle of college students in the Kingdom has become more sedentary. Many students spend hours sitting in lectures, then go home to study or browse the internet. The lack of movement is becoming a habit.
Experts warn that a sedentary lifestyle leads to long-term health risks, including obesity, heart disease, and mental health disorders. Ironically, these risks are well-known among healthcare students, but awareness is not translating into behavior.
4. Social and Cultural Barriers Exist
In Saudi Arabia, cultural factors also play a role in limiting physical activity, especially for female students. Despite many changes in recent years, some social restrictions still discourage women from exercising in public or joining mixed-gender gyms.
A study conducted at a university in Jeddah showed that 41% of female healthcare students avoid physical activity due to cultural discomfort or lack of safe and private workout spaces.
5. Technology Is Replacing Physical Movement
With the rise of smartphones, gaming, and streaming platforms, many students are choosing screen time over physical time. This trend is increasing among both male and female students in health fields.
Technology, while helpful in academics, is also contributing to digital addiction and decreased outdoor activities. This leads to poor physical health and weaker stamina among students who are expected to become the health role models of society.
6. Mental Health Tied to Lack of Exercise
Many students report feelings of anxiety, depression, and burnout—especially during final exams. However, research proves that regular physical activity improves mental well-being.
Sadly, this is overlooked by many healthcare students who say they are too tired or stressed to exercise. In reality, they could reduce stress by just 30 minutes of walking or light exercise daily.
7. Call for Immediate Action and Institutional Support
Universities and medical institutions need to play a more active role in promoting physical activities. There is a need for integrated wellness programs, flexible gym hours, group workout sessions, and awareness campaigns tailored for healthcare students.
Encouraging activities like yoga, sports competitions, walking groups, and active breaks between classes can make a big difference. Faculty members can also lead by example and include health breaks in long lectures or workshops.
Why This Matters
Physical Activities Awareness in Saudi Students is not just about fitness—it’s about the future of healthcare in the Kingdom. Students who fail to build active habits today may turn into professionals who don’t prioritize health tomorrow.
It is critical for educational policymakers, university staff, and the students themselves to understand the long-term impact of poor physical activity practices. Fixing this issue today will shape a healthier society tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
The current state of Physical Activities Awareness in Saudi Students shows a big disconnect between what healthcare students know and what they do. With academic stress, digital distractions, and cultural limitations, it’s easy to ignore exercise—but the risks are too high to continue like this.
By improving awareness campaigns, creating safe spaces for physical activities, and embedding exercise into student routines, Saudi Arabia can ensure its future healthcare workers are healthy, active, and ready to lead by example.
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