The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

How to optimise your workouts
Written by Marcus Smith
Carmen Bosmans
Carmen Bosmans
Mar 13, 2024
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

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.

Optimise your workouts to get the best performance possible during Ramadan

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

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.

Optimise your workouts to get the best performance possible during Ramadan

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

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.

Optimise your workouts to get the best performance possible during Ramadan

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies Run Club 25-26

Monday

Session: LRC Tempo

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.

Wednesday

Session: LRC Intervals

There is no in-person session today. LRC Unlimited and Online clients, please check your TrainingPeaks accounts for the built session. Enjoy.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This is our weekly Tempo Session with InnerFight Endurance. Come ready to run, work hard, and enjoy coffee afterwards.

Sunday

Time: 5:29am

Location: Cafe Peloton car park

Session: The Coffee Run

Route options:

5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/evqgc848

10km: https://onthegomap.com/s/63kid650

14.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/v56bkn24

19.5km: https://onthegomap.com/s/se0bifs8

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-26

Monday:

Starting the week chasing a 1RM in the push press before partnering up to chase some Calories on the ski!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 8 - 1 Push press build to a max

Conditioning:

3 Rounds in pairs, in a 7-minute window

40/30 cal ski

40 TTB

40 push Press (60/40)

Cal Ski in the remaining time

Rest 3 mins

Tuesday:

Bringing the heat on a Tuesday with some 1RM Deadlifts! 9min AMRAP will follow this workout will get Spicy!

Strength:

A) EMOM 12

M1 - 20-30 sec dip support

M2 - 20 sec/leg sl glute bridge

M3 - 15 Banded Good Mornings

B) Every 90 sec x 6 - 2 Deadlift building

C) 8 mins to establish a 1RM

Conditioning:

9min AMRAP

5 DL @ 60% of 1 RM

5 Handstand Push Ups

*Every round, add one rep!

Wednesday:

Some strict work to get the upper body working, then 8 3-minute rounds where the harder you work, the more rest you get!

Strength:

EMOM x 10 1/5 strict pull-ups

Conditioning:

Every 3 mins x 8

18/15/12 cal Ass bike

8 DB Thrusters

8 pull-ups

Thursday:

What better than building to a heavy Front Squat followed by all-out 500m efforts on the rower.

Strength

A) Every 2 mins x 5 - 2/2/2/2/5 front squat

B) Every 2.30 mins x 5 16 KB Walking Lunge into 12 Alt KB Gorilla Rows

Conditioning:

For time

500m row

Rest 3 mins

500m row

Friday:

What an end to the week, an upper-body pump session in Therapy!

Strength:

Every 90 sec x 9

A: 12-15 DB Skull Crushers

B: 10-15 barbell bicep curl

C: 5/5 Alternating DB Z Press

Conditioning:

28min AMRAP

3 DB Renegade Rows

12 Dual DB Deadlift

5 Wall Walks

Pool Run

Rest 90 sec

Every round + 1 Renegade Row on Each Arm

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-26

GYMNASTICS

No Thursday PM Classes for the next 6 weeks.

This week, we’re working on handstand push-up development. We’ll start on the floor working on hip drive power, headstand balance and core work followed by box and wall drills before a strength piece to finish.

HYBRID FITNESS

This week's HYBRID session, we are working through repeats of specific sections of the race to dial in timings and feel. The primary focus will be on the initial four stages of the race.

MOBILITY

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week, we will focus on the squat snatch.  With a fun complex snatch pull, Hang squat snatch and OHS. Great technique session!

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-26

The Monday Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com\

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba

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 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Wednesday - Indoor Ride

Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com

Thursday - Endurance Strength

A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.

Time: 06:30am

Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

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.

Optimise your workouts to get the best performance possible during Ramadan

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

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
The 4 Best Times to Workout During Ramadan

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.

Optimise your workouts to get the best performance possible during Ramadan

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!

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