Afghan tough guys swap guns for gym

[emad]

Schwarzenegger becomes a role model in Kabul as young men strive to build the beautiful body

Declan Walsh in Kabul
Saturday November 6, 2004
The Guardian

Afghanistan's tough guys used to wear beards and wool caps, study the Qur'an and fight mountain battles. These days an increasing number have waxed chests, cheesy grins and bulging biceps.

"People don't want to fight any more," says Temour Shah, a beefy 23-year-old, pumping weights under an Arnold Schwarzenegger poster at Gold's Gym in central Kabul. "They want to look healthy - like in the movies."

Bodybuilding is the new craze of postwar Afghanistan, particularly among young urban men. The number of gyms in Kabul has doubled to 46 in the past two years, while a further 30 are scattered across the country.

Every day from 5am men crowd into sweaty halls across the city, grappling with clanking weights machines before cracked mirrors.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/afghanistan/story/0,1284,1344794,00.html

[Deja Q]

1. Is Governor Groper also shilling Pfizer brand steroids?

And, Temour is an idiot. The movies are NOT a reflection of reality. :eyes:

[IronLionZion]

2. So Arnold finally accomplished something good?

I hate that guy.