What is the best time for practicing sports in Ramadan? 

Exercise  must be practiced regularly, even in the month of Ramadan, because it is necessary to maintain health in general and prevent weight gain, but what is the best time for practicing sports in Ramadan?

According to Coach Bayan, who has 10-years of experience in  Aerobics exercise in several gyms in Damascus, the best time for sports in Ramadan can be divided into two periods: before Iftar [Breaking fast] and after it.

“Practicing sports about an hour or an hour and a half before Iftar could guarantee the completion of exercise with the approaching time of eating, and thus it is easy to compensate for the body’s lost fluids and mineral salts, as well as obtaining the necessary energy after making an effort,” she told Syria Times.

The coach added that people can also practice sports about 3 to 4 hours after Iftar in order to ensure that the body digests food, and to avoid gastrointestinal disorders.

“Choosing the best time for sports during Ramadan depends on the following factors: age, health condition, and working time,” she clarified, pointing out that practicing sports in Ramadan reduces weight and maintain physical fitness.

The coach in addition spoke about the different types of  exercise that can be practiced during Ramadan.

“Running, walking and light exercises are recommended in Ramadan….It is easy to practice running and walking anywhere, while in gym it is important to choose the appropriate exercises  … It is advised not to make excessive effort during fasting  as the body does not get the fluids and energy needed to make a great effort,” she said.

Coach Bayan concluded by saying that it is  advised not to prolong the period of exercising before Iftar in Ramadan, so that it does not exceed an hour, but after Iftar, the time can be increased slightly according to the capability of each person…. It is important to stop exercising if you feel tired.”

Exercising does not only change your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.

Interviewed by: Basma Qaddour