Ramadhaan: To exercise or not to exercise?

Ramadhaan is a month of the Islamic calendar where the Muslim community undertakes the religious act of fasting from dusk to dawn for a duration of 30 days. Fasting means no food or drink and abstaining from bad habits and sins such as smoking, gambling, swearing, gossiping, arguing, fighting or being disrespectful, cruel, or selfish.

“Ramadhaan is a month of fasting and abstaining from things considered impure for the mind and body.”

The known benefits of exercise are as follows:

• Improve physical health.

• Help manage weight.

• Reduce the risk of disease.

• Strengthen bone and muscle.

• Improve mental health.

These benefits of exercise do not disappear in the absence of foods and drinks during daylight hours. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to continue exercising / being physically active during the holy month of Ramadhaan.

Have you got a medical condition?

If you have an existing medical condition / are on chronic medication, be sure to consult with your doctor if you’re able to fast, and exactly how to go about it.