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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
ENGINE
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
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Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
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Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
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 Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
Monday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
ENGINE
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
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
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 600m repeats. Which will start at 5km pace and progress to 3km pace, so that the pace increases within each rep.
Wednesday
There is no in person session this week at LRC. Those who are Unlimited Members, your Training Peaks have been programmed still.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be running a negative split session, meaning that the second half is faster than the first. After 30 mins of easy running, lock into a 20 mins block of effort from 7 - 9 RPE.
Saturday
Time: 5:15am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 56km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Sunday
Time: 6:00am
Location: Cape Town
Session: Two Oceans
Today the 21km runners will be taking on Two Oceans.
Eid Mubarak, we hope you all have a great long weekend! Class times are different this week, so please check the schedule on Mindbody! We have a great week lined up, so see you all on the gym floor!
Monday:
We start the week with an epic partner workout. Grab a partner, and let's start the week with a bang!
Conditioning:
40 min amrap in pairs
50 Cal Row
6 wall walks
50 CB Clean and Jerk
6 Wall Walks
50 Box Jump Overs
6 Wall Walks
Tuesday:
On Tuesday, we have some push-and-pull work in our strength area, focused on overhead pressing, and then 2 12-minute AMRAPs for you to get stuck into.
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 8 Alt between
A: 8 Dual DB Z press
B: 20 Alt Gorilla Rows
Conditioning:
12 min amrap
30 Wall balls
30/25 cal ski
30 Double Unders
Rest 3 Mins
12 min amrap
30/25 Sal Ass bike
20 V Ups
20 Russian KB Swings
Wednesday:
Wednesday, we are hitting some paused back squats in the strength, and then we get after a real grind of a WOD with some burpee pull-ups, front squats, and running.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 6 - 3/3/2/2/1/1 Tempo Back Squats @21X1
Conditioning:
10 rounds for time
5 Front Squats
Pool Run
5 burpee pull-ups
Thursday:
Thursday, snatch complex with some accessory, followed by the workout ACID BATH.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 8 - 1 Snatch Pull + 1 hang Power Snatch +
1 Power snatch
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 3 - 5 Snatch Grip Deadlift
Conditioning:
For time
500m ski
500m row
1000m c2 bike
Friday:
FUF - Finishing the week with some push-pull work in the strength, before an all-in barbell workout to end the week! What Better!
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 5 push press
rest 3 mins
Every 2 mins x 4 complete 6 DB bench Press @ 30x1 + 3-5 strict pull ups
Conditioning:
5 min amrap
9 Deadlift
6 Hang Power Clean
3 STOH
Rest 3 mins x 3
ENGINE
Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises.
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’re focusing on pull-up progressions! Strict, kipping, and butterfly will appear, followed by lat and core supersets.
On Thursday evening, we’ll focus on handstand hold progressions before having some fun with handstand walks and finishing off the session with core and strength work.
HYROX
This is the Last Simulation before race week. We will lower the volume but keep the intensity high to make sure you are ready for race day!
ENGINE: Long EMOM with a mixture of machines and body weight exercises
MOBILITY
This week, we have the topic: Why are your calves and hamstrings always tight? What can we do to remedy this? Get yourself booked in, and I will show you! This is a great session for everyone, but it is extra beneficial to those runners out there!
PURE STRENGTH
This week's pure strength, we have a chance to progress our 20 RM RDL, followed by some heavy press and strict press cluster sets.
WEIGHTLIFTING
This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on the squat clean. With a fun complex followed by some pulls. Perfect technique session, working on the barbell timing and full depth in the clean
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster.
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Jebel Jais Ride
Today our weekly endurance ride is at Jebel Jais! If you're interested to join email us here.
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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