Top training tips to keep you in shape during Ramadan

Sport360 staff 17:03 25/05/2017
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  • The beginning of Ramadan is no reason to park your fitness regime.

    Experts are of the opinion that exercise and fasting can go hand in hand, meaning you can still hit the gym in the coming weeks.

    Here, senior fitness manager Trevor Flowers of Fitness First Motor City offers his guidance.

    Train to maintain

    During Ramadan, it is advised to plan your training with the goal of maintaining your fitness level.

    When putting your body into a fasted state you will most certainly deplete your energy stores, which means you will be running on
    empty.  With that in mind, keep your sets and reps consistent, without pushing yourself to your limit.

    In this period, try to keep your fitness ticking over, rather than attempting to break new personal bests or records.

    Train when it’s right for you

    Going hours without food and drink will put you into a fatigued state, effecting your energy levels, mood and focus.

    Make sure to adjust your training schedule to whatever suits you. We are all different, and have different times of the day where we feel low in energy.

    Training with low energy and a lack of focus means you are more likely to skip your session, or only put in half the effort. If this is the case, train after you have broken your fast, so that you have 100 per cent focus on your sessions.

     Intensity

    If you plan to train in a fasted state, be sure to adjust your workout intensity to suit your energy levels.

    Consider reducing your training volume and working sets.  Avoid high intensity training, or max
    effort lifts.  Instead of going for heavy strength based training,
    reduce your loads and use time under tension to stimulate your muscle in a safer way.

    Keep hydrated

    Unfortunately during Ramadan daylight hours, you will be restricted from drinking fluids, which may result in you becoming dehydrated.

    Dehydration increases the risk of injury, inhibits performance, and slows down your rate of recovery.

    This is why it is extremely
    important to stay hydrated at night. Aim for at least 2.5 litres, spread out throughout the evening.

    Portion control

    When breaking your fast, be sure to watch your food intake to make sure you are not over-doing it on your portion sizes.  Remember, all foods have a calorific value, if you eat more than what your body needs, then the excess calories will be converted and stored as fat.

    The main reason for people gaining weight during Ramadan is because they neglect this, and feast on high calorific foods when breaking their fast.  Eat just enough to fuel your training, but not enough that you become sluggish.

    Visit uae.fitnessfirstme.com for more information

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