The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan
How to optimise your workouts
The best time to train during Ramadan may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. However, many Muslim athletes train outside fasting hours before sunrise or after sunset. This allows them to stay hydrated and fuelled with proper nutrition before and after training.
During Ramadan, if you want to do a typical CrossFit workout, the best times to train are before Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and after Iftar (the evening meal). These times are optimal because they allow you to fuel up on energy and hydration before training or replenish your body after training. It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially during fasting.
If you are happy to adjust your training intensity, starting your workout before Iftar can be a good option.
Below I'll give you some of the pros and cons of each time with tips to optimise your session.
How to optimise your workout during Ramadan
Training just before Iftar (fasted state)
It has been demonstrated that resistance training (weight lifting) in a fasted state affects the post-workout anabolic response to weight training more favourably than training after a fed state, but only when a carbohydrate/protein/leucine mixture is ingested following a heavy resistance training session.
There is an ample amount of evidence that ingestion of protein after exercise will stimulate net muscle protein synthesis. This begs the question as to whether the daytime resistance training during Ramadan (i.e. fasted state training), might accelerate adaptations to training and ultimately result in increasing muscle mass, although the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia may be increased.
Tip: Time your workout so you finish just around Iftar and can immediately rehydrate with a post-workout shake that contains a mix of carbs and protein.
Training after Iftar
Training just after Iftar can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to refuel their bodies with nutrients and hydration after a day of fasting. This allows them to train with more energy and less risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia. However, it's important to remember that the body may still be digesting the food from Iftar, so it's recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before starting a workout.
Tip: Choose easy digestible food to break your fast. If you want to exercise with more intensity then this is probably the best time for it.
Training at night
Training late at night, around 10-11 pm, can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to prevent dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and possible drops in performance during fasting hours. However, it's important to keep in mind that training late at night may interfere with sleep schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms, which can have a negative impact on overall health and performance. Additionally, training too close to bedtime may affect the quality of sleep.
Tip: Stick to lifting weights and keep intensity moderate to low. This will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
Training before Suhoor
Training before Suhoor can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to start their day with a workout and have ample time to refuel and rehydrate before the fast begins. This allows them to train with energy and focus, without the risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia during the workout. However, it's important to keep in mind that waking up early and training in the morning may not be suitable for everyone's schedule.
Tip: Wake up early enough to allow ample time for a light pre-workout meal and hydration. Focus on low to moderate-intensity workouts such as cardio or mobility exercises to avoid excessive fatigue during the day.
Closing thoughts
Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods during non-fasting hours, and get enough rest to support your body during this holy month!
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
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Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
.jpg)
We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
The best time to train during Ramadan may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. However, many Muslim athletes train outside fasting hours before sunrise or after sunset. This allows them to stay hydrated and fuelled with proper nutrition before and after training.
During Ramadan, if you want to do a typical CrossFit workout, the best times to train are before Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and after Iftar (the evening meal). These times are optimal because they allow you to fuel up on energy and hydration before training or replenish your body after training. It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially during fasting.
If you are happy to adjust your training intensity, starting your workout before Iftar can be a good option.
Below I'll give you some of the pros and cons of each time with tips to optimise your session.
How to optimise your workout during Ramadan
Training just before Iftar (fasted state)
It has been demonstrated that resistance training (weight lifting) in a fasted state affects the post-workout anabolic response to weight training more favourably than training after a fed state, but only when a carbohydrate/protein/leucine mixture is ingested following a heavy resistance training session.
There is an ample amount of evidence that ingestion of protein after exercise will stimulate net muscle protein synthesis. This begs the question as to whether the daytime resistance training during Ramadan (i.e. fasted state training), might accelerate adaptations to training and ultimately result in increasing muscle mass, although the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia may be increased.
Tip: Time your workout so you finish just around Iftar and can immediately rehydrate with a post-workout shake that contains a mix of carbs and protein.
Training after Iftar
Training just after Iftar can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to refuel their bodies with nutrients and hydration after a day of fasting. This allows them to train with more energy and less risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia. However, it's important to remember that the body may still be digesting the food from Iftar, so it's recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before starting a workout.
Tip: Choose easy digestible food to break your fast. If you want to exercise with more intensity then this is probably the best time for it.
Training at night
Training late at night, around 10-11 pm, can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to prevent dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and possible drops in performance during fasting hours. However, it's important to keep in mind that training late at night may interfere with sleep schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms, which can have a negative impact on overall health and performance. Additionally, training too close to bedtime may affect the quality of sleep.
Tip: Stick to lifting weights and keep intensity moderate to low. This will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
Training before Suhoor
Training before Suhoor can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to start their day with a workout and have ample time to refuel and rehydrate before the fast begins. This allows them to train with energy and focus, without the risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia during the workout. However, it's important to keep in mind that waking up early and training in the morning may not be suitable for everyone's schedule.
Tip: Wake up early enough to allow ample time for a light pre-workout meal and hydration. Focus on low to moderate-intensity workouts such as cardio or mobility exercises to avoid excessive fatigue during the day.
Closing thoughts
Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods during non-fasting hours, and get enough rest to support your body during this holy month!
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
The best time to train during Ramadan may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. However, many Muslim athletes train outside fasting hours before sunrise or after sunset. This allows them to stay hydrated and fuelled with proper nutrition before and after training.
During Ramadan, if you want to do a typical CrossFit workout, the best times to train are before Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and after Iftar (the evening meal). These times are optimal because they allow you to fuel up on energy and hydration before training or replenish your body after training. It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially during fasting.
If you are happy to adjust your training intensity, starting your workout before Iftar can be a good option.
Below I'll give you some of the pros and cons of each time with tips to optimise your session.
How to optimise your workout during Ramadan
Training just before Iftar (fasted state)
It has been demonstrated that resistance training (weight lifting) in a fasted state affects the post-workout anabolic response to weight training more favourably than training after a fed state, but only when a carbohydrate/protein/leucine mixture is ingested following a heavy resistance training session.
There is an ample amount of evidence that ingestion of protein after exercise will stimulate net muscle protein synthesis. This begs the question as to whether the daytime resistance training during Ramadan (i.e. fasted state training), might accelerate adaptations to training and ultimately result in increasing muscle mass, although the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia may be increased.
Tip: Time your workout so you finish just around Iftar and can immediately rehydrate with a post-workout shake that contains a mix of carbs and protein.
Training after Iftar
Training just after Iftar can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to refuel their bodies with nutrients and hydration after a day of fasting. This allows them to train with more energy and less risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia. However, it's important to remember that the body may still be digesting the food from Iftar, so it's recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before starting a workout.
Tip: Choose easy digestible food to break your fast. If you want to exercise with more intensity then this is probably the best time for it.
Training at night
Training late at night, around 10-11 pm, can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to prevent dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and possible drops in performance during fasting hours. However, it's important to keep in mind that training late at night may interfere with sleep schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms, which can have a negative impact on overall health and performance. Additionally, training too close to bedtime may affect the quality of sleep.
Tip: Stick to lifting weights and keep intensity moderate to low. This will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
Training before Suhoor
Training before Suhoor can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to start their day with a workout and have ample time to refuel and rehydrate before the fast begins. This allows them to train with energy and focus, without the risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia during the workout. However, it's important to keep in mind that waking up early and training in the morning may not be suitable for everyone's schedule.
Tip: Wake up early enough to allow ample time for a light pre-workout meal and hydration. Focus on low to moderate-intensity workouts such as cardio or mobility exercises to avoid excessive fatigue during the day.
Closing thoughts
Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods during non-fasting hours, and get enough rest to support your body during this holy month!
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Easy and Strength
Our Monday session starts with a very easy 20-30 mins recovery run. This is a great chance to flush your legs out post weekend training, and ease yourself into the new week.
We will then spend 30 mins in the gym, to help you run strong. The rep scheme is on it's way back up; can you hold the same weights as last week?
Tuesday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Sports City
Session: Track Tuesday
This is a speed session with the wider InnerFight Endurance community & coaches to help you run fast. This week we are running 400m repeats.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: Intervals
This week we will be running the entire loop of the "LRC Track" (1.3km) at an 8/10. You get some rest before repeat this rep scheme 3-4 times.
Friday*
Time: 5:59am
Location: Kite Beach
Session: The Coffee Run
Some Tempo holds for you this week at The Coffee Run, followed by a 5 mins best effort. No Weakness.
*Track Tuesday and Coffee Run will host male and female runners
We are kicking the week off with heavy back squats and then into a high-skill wall ball and gymnastic workout. On Tuesday, we are testing heavy split jerks again, now down to singles. Wednesday has Turkish get-ups and a tough EMOM, including sleds, wall sits, and mixed kettlebell carries. Thursday, we focus on some heavy weightlifting in snatches and then into a quarterfinals repeat from 2023. Friday is going to be big—some CrossFit Semi-Final action!
Monday:
Strength:
Back Squats
Conditioning:
For Time:
3 Rounds
20 Wall Balls 9/6kg
10 Toes To Bar
2 rounds:
20 Wall Balls
10 Chest To Bar
1 round:
20 Wall Balls
10 Bar Muscle Ups
Tuesday:
Strength:
A) BTN Split Jerks
B) Split Jerk
Conditioning:
4:00 min work : 2:00 minutes rest x 4 sets
30/20/15 Cal Assault Bike
20 Alt. DB Hang C&J
AMRAP Burpee Box Jump w Step Down
Wednesday:
Strength:
A) Turkish Get Ups + Hollow Rocks
Conditioning:
Strongman
30s On / 30s Off x 21
1) AMRAP Mixed Carry *
2) KB Goblet Wall Sit
3) Reverse Sled Drag (80/50kg)
RX = 2 x 24/16kg
* Mixed Carry = 1 KB Front Rack + 1 KB Farmer Carry, swap arms every 25ft
Thursday:
Strength:
Snatches
Conditioning:
AMRAP 12 min
8 Left Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Left Arm SA OH Lunges
8 Right Arm SA DB Snatch
8 Right Arm SA OH Lunges
40 Crossovers
RX = 50 /35Lbs RX+ = 60+ / 45+
Friday:
Strength:
Wide Grip Strict Pull Ups
Conditioning:
A CrossFit Semi Final Special - A Therapy for the Books!
GYMNASTICS
This week is working on or developing our Butterfly pull-ups / Chest To Bar while continuing to work on our Hand Stand Push Ups!
PURE STRENGTH
Monday: We test our 1RM strict press & finish off with some upper body pulling strength + accessories
Wednesday: We test our 3RM squat (front or back) followed by lots of hamstring & knee health work
WEIGHTLIFTING
Split Jerk Doubles
Into
2 High Hang into
1 Squat Cleans
Then % clean and jerks to finish off the session
Track Tuesday
1 lap of the track run many times! Simplicity is this weeks aim as we work on lactate tolerance.
Start time: 05:59am
Entrance fee: https://isddubai.com/athletics-venuehire/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/oomJAa31vKy3hQNG6
Wednesday ride
This week is back to hard work! Some 2 min efforts into one longer harder effort! Will need some fuel for this one.
Start time: 05:59am
Location: BOTS - https://goo.gl/maps/6AwtJXW8nA45Cy9H8
The Coffee Run
This weeks session is a expressive tempo session, starting with 2 builds to dial in your effort and find what tempo feel like for that day. We then finish with a 5 minute hard effort where you can see what is left in the tank.
Start time: 05:59
Session length: 1 hour
Location: Common Grounds, Jumierah Beach Track
The best time to train during Ramadan may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. However, many Muslim athletes train outside fasting hours before sunrise or after sunset. This allows them to stay hydrated and fuelled with proper nutrition before and after training.
During Ramadan, if you want to do a typical CrossFit workout, the best times to train are before Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and after Iftar (the evening meal). These times are optimal because they allow you to fuel up on energy and hydration before training or replenish your body after training. It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially during fasting.
If you are happy to adjust your training intensity, starting your workout before Iftar can be a good option.
Below I'll give you some of the pros and cons of each time with tips to optimise your session.
How to optimise your workout during Ramadan
Training just before Iftar (fasted state)
It has been demonstrated that resistance training (weight lifting) in a fasted state affects the post-workout anabolic response to weight training more favourably than training after a fed state, but only when a carbohydrate/protein/leucine mixture is ingested following a heavy resistance training session.
There is an ample amount of evidence that ingestion of protein after exercise will stimulate net muscle protein synthesis. This begs the question as to whether the daytime resistance training during Ramadan (i.e. fasted state training), might accelerate adaptations to training and ultimately result in increasing muscle mass, although the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia may be increased.
Tip: Time your workout so you finish just around Iftar and can immediately rehydrate with a post-workout shake that contains a mix of carbs and protein.
Training after Iftar
Training just after Iftar can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to refuel their bodies with nutrients and hydration after a day of fasting. This allows them to train with more energy and less risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia. However, it's important to remember that the body may still be digesting the food from Iftar, so it's recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before starting a workout.
Tip: Choose easy digestible food to break your fast. If you want to exercise with more intensity then this is probably the best time for it.
Training at night
Training late at night, around 10-11 pm, can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to prevent dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and possible drops in performance during fasting hours. However, it's important to keep in mind that training late at night may interfere with sleep schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms, which can have a negative impact on overall health and performance. Additionally, training too close to bedtime may affect the quality of sleep.
Tip: Stick to lifting weights and keep intensity moderate to low. This will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
Training before Suhoor
Training before Suhoor can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to start their day with a workout and have ample time to refuel and rehydrate before the fast begins. This allows them to train with energy and focus, without the risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia during the workout. However, it's important to keep in mind that waking up early and training in the morning may not be suitable for everyone's schedule.
Tip: Wake up early enough to allow ample time for a light pre-workout meal and hydration. Focus on low to moderate-intensity workouts such as cardio or mobility exercises to avoid excessive fatigue during the day.
Closing thoughts
Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods during non-fasting hours, and get enough rest to support your body during this holy month!
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
The best time to train during Ramadan may vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. However, many Muslim athletes train outside fasting hours before sunrise or after sunset. This allows them to stay hydrated and fuelled with proper nutrition before and after training.
During Ramadan, if you want to do a typical CrossFit workout, the best times to train are before Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) and after Iftar (the evening meal). These times are optimal because they allow you to fuel up on energy and hydration before training or replenish your body after training. It's also important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, especially during fasting.
If you are happy to adjust your training intensity, starting your workout before Iftar can be a good option.
Below I'll give you some of the pros and cons of each time with tips to optimise your session.
How to optimise your workout during Ramadan
Training just before Iftar (fasted state)
It has been demonstrated that resistance training (weight lifting) in a fasted state affects the post-workout anabolic response to weight training more favourably than training after a fed state, but only when a carbohydrate/protein/leucine mixture is ingested following a heavy resistance training session.
There is an ample amount of evidence that ingestion of protein after exercise will stimulate net muscle protein synthesis. This begs the question as to whether the daytime resistance training during Ramadan (i.e. fasted state training), might accelerate adaptations to training and ultimately result in increasing muscle mass, although the risk of dehydration and hypoglycemia may be increased.
Tip: Time your workout so you finish just around Iftar and can immediately rehydrate with a post-workout shake that contains a mix of carbs and protein.
Training after Iftar
Training just after Iftar can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to refuel their bodies with nutrients and hydration after a day of fasting. This allows them to train with more energy and less risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia. However, it's important to remember that the body may still be digesting the food from Iftar, so it's recommended to wait at least 1-2 hours after eating before starting a workout.
Tip: Choose easy digestible food to break your fast. If you want to exercise with more intensity then this is probably the best time for it.
Training at night
Training late at night, around 10-11 pm, can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to prevent dehydration, hypoglycaemia, and possible drops in performance during fasting hours. However, it's important to keep in mind that training late at night may interfere with sleep schedules and disrupt circadian rhythms, which can have a negative impact on overall health and performance. Additionally, training too close to bedtime may affect the quality of sleep.
Tip: Stick to lifting weights and keep intensity moderate to low. This will allow you to fall asleep more easily.
Training before Suhoor
Training before Suhoor can be a good option for Muslim athletes who want to start their day with a workout and have ample time to refuel and rehydrate before the fast begins. This allows them to train with energy and focus, without the risk of dehydration or hypoglycaemia during the workout. However, it's important to keep in mind that waking up early and training in the morning may not be suitable for everyone's schedule.
Tip: Wake up early enough to allow ample time for a light pre-workout meal and hydration. Focus on low to moderate-intensity workouts such as cardio or mobility exercises to avoid excessive fatigue during the day.
Closing thoughts
Remember to stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods during non-fasting hours, and get enough rest to support your body during this holy month!
Fun - Honesty - SIMPLICITY - Smash Life - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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