Lifestyle

Arbat’s new show: Bodybuilders captivate crowds in Almaty’s pedestrian heart

Muscle men take over central Almaty in a viral street show
Muscle men take over central Almaty in a viral street show / Photo: Instagram.com/paranoid_gym, photo editor: Adelina Mamedova

Almaty’s Arbat (officially known as Zhibek Zholy Street) has once again confirmed its status as one of the city’s main creative and social hubs. A group of athletes staged a striking performance there, briefly turning the pedestrian promenade into an open-air posing stage.

Crowd reacts to spontaneous show

In the video, several athletic young men showcase the results of hours of training — both in the gym and on outdoor pull-up bars. The reaction from passersby is immediate: some smile and record the moment on their phones, others watch with visible curiosity, while a few onlookers nod in approval.

Fitness influencer highlights discipline behind the image

One of the central figures in the video, fitness blogger Arsen Asylkhan, appears alongside friends, emphasizing that their physiques are the result of years of disciplined training. The group promotes the aesthetics of a fit body and a healthy lifestyle, though commenters often joke about what they see as an overly self-focused presentation.

Videos quickly gain traction online

Despite the mixed reactions, the clips quickly went viral, collecting thousands of likes and reinforcing the Arbat’s reputation as a stage for spontaneous urban culture.