In a world where traditional gyms and bodybuilding once dominated the fitness scene, a new wave of exercise is sweeping through Saudi Arabia — and leading the charge is Emad Alshameri, a passionate athlete, coach, and fitness entrepreneur. Known on Instagram as @e_cali89, Emad’s journey is not just about building muscle but about transforming mindsets and creating a healthier, more empowered society.
Born with a love for sports and football, Emad’s early years were shaped by a culture that didn’t prioritize physical activity as it does today. He often speaks about how he lacked encouragement from his parents and how sports were not seen as a serious pursuit in his community back then. But rather than letting this discourage him, Emad made a promise to himself as a child — that one day, he would dedicate his life to fitness and become a positive force in his society.
Discovering Calisthenics And Breaking The Mold
While many young men gravitated towards bodybuilding and heavy lifting to sculpt their bodies, Emad was drawn to something different. He fell in love with bodyweight training, known as calisthenics, a discipline that focuses on mastering your own body’s weight through strength, balance, and control.
“Your life depends on your body — you must master its weight before lifting external weights,” Emad often says, a personal philosophy that has shaped his career and message.
Calisthenics was largely unknown in the Arab world during the early 2010s. In fact, when Emad discovered it by chance in 2012, there were barely any resources, tutorials, or communities for it locally. Driven by curiosity and passion, he began learning the art of calisthenics in 2013 and 2014. But to truly master it, Emad knew he had to venture beyond his comfort zone.
A Global Fitness Journey
Emad’s commitment took him across borders. He traveled extensively to learn from the best trainers and athletes worldwide. From Bahrain and the UAE to the United States, Germany, and Spain, Emad absorbed techniques, philosophies, and coaching methods from each culture, blending them into a unique approach tailored to the needs of his people back home.
This wasn’t an easy path. The physical and financial challenges of traveling, the language barriers, and the lack of support made his journey difficult — but it was also deeply rewarding. Emad turned every struggle into a lesson, and every setback into a new reason to push forward.
The Birth Of Rhythm Calisthenics — A First In The Kingdom
After years of training, learning, and testing his skills, Emad took a bold step. He founded Rhythm Calisthenics, the first-ever calisthenics-specialized gym in Saudi Arabia. This wasn’t just a business move; it was a cultural shift. Emad wanted to spread awareness about the importance of functional fitness and encourage people to see exercise as more than just lifting weights for appearance.
“We were created to inspire and share positive messages in every field. My message is through calisthenics,” says Emad.
Today, Rhythm Calisthenics is not just a gym. It’s a community hub, a place where beginners and athletes alike can learn, train, and grow together. The gym regularly hosts workshops, events, and public awareness campaigns to introduce this form of training to more people.
Spreading Knowledge, Empowering Others
One of the most remarkable aspects of Emad’s journey is his dedication to sharing his knowledge selflessly. Every person who has crossed paths with him — whether as a team member, client, or student — speaks of how Emad gives his time, expertise, and heart to help others reach their goals.
He believes in shortening the path for others, using his experience to help them avoid the mistakes he made early on. Whether through personal training, motivational talks, or free community events, Emad has touched countless lives in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
“I want people to smile when they remember me. Especially those who trained and worked with me,” he humbly shares.
A Vision For Global Impact
But Emad’s ambitions don’t stop at national borders. He is actively working on plans to expand Rhythm Calisthenics across the Kingdom and eventually to bring this movement to an international audience. With the fitness culture in the Arab world evolving rapidly, there is a growing appetite for alternative, functional fitness methods — and Emad is perfectly positioned to lead this change.
He continuously invests in his personal and professional growth, staying updated with the latest in fitness science, coaching methodologies, and community building. By nurturing the next generation of trainers and athletes, he aims to create a sustainable ecosystem for calisthenics in Saudi Arabia.
Life Lessons That Inspire Beyond Fitness
While Emad’s story revolves around fitness, its lessons extend far beyond the gym. His emphasis on patience, consistency, and working with love and integrity is advice that resonates with anyone chasing a dream.
He openly talks about the importance of making your intentions pure and doing your work sincerely for the sake of Allah. This deeply personal approach to his career has helped him build a loyal, supportive community around him.
In a fast-paced world obsessed with quick results, Emad stands as a reminder that success comes step by step, and that good things take time and effort.
Current Projects And What’s Next
Emad is currently focused on expanding the reach of Rhythm Calisthenics within Saudi Arabia. He’s also working on new fitness programs designed for schools and universities, aiming to introduce the youth to calisthenics early on. His Instagram, @e_cali89, remains an inspiring platform where he shares workout tips, motivational insights, and glimpses into his personal journey.
His long-term dream is to organize international calisthenics competitions in the Arab world, giving local athletes a chance to shine on a global stage.
Final Thoughts
Emad Alshameri’s story is a shining example of how passion, patience, and purpose can turn dreams into reality. From a young boy discouraged from pursuing sports to a national fitness pioneer, Emad has carved a unique path that continues to uplift and inspire.
In a region where fitness trends often come and go, his message of self-mastery, body control, and positive community impact is timeless. And as calisthenics takes root in Saudi Arabia, much of the credit belongs to the man who believed in it when no one else did.
Follow his journey and get inspired at @e_cali89.
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