Ramadan isn't the best time to start working on your fitness. The Islamic holy month is marked by iftar invitations, oriental sweets and long days of fasting--all of which can dull one's enthusiasm for fitness and add layers of fat to your belly. The "Ramadan effect" obliges most fitness studios to reduce working hours and classes throughout the month to accommodate dwindling numbers of gym-goers and class attendees. Fitness classes usually held in the early evening are often pushed back to avoid conflicting with iftar. Even so, most people would rather watch Ramadan television serials or break their fast with friends than work out. No one, however, is trying to deprive you of the joys of Ramadan. Enjoy your home-cooked iftar, indulge in the delicious sweets and experience the full range of TV programming on offer--just remember the following tips on how to keep fit during the holy month: Build stamina, start now: As mentioned before, Ramadan is not the right time to begin working out. While many fitness centers offer discounts on monthly membership fees during Ramadan, many factors--including heat, potential dehydration and a packed day schedule--usually dissuade most people from taking advantage of these offers. What's more, the first couple of weeks of your fitness plan are usually the most tiring, as your body isn't yet used to the extra effort imposed on it. So, instead of starting your fitness training in Ramadan, start now--almost two weeks before the fasting month begins. Try to work on building stamina by injecting a workout into your daily schedule. By the time Ramadan comes around, you'll be in better shape to exercise while fasting in the hot days of August. Post-Suhour training: Consider Ramadan's pre-dawn Suhour meal as an opportunity. This early morning/late night meal can make of break your fitness plan. Why? Because sleeping directly after you eat leaves your body no other choice but to reformat the meal you just ate into fat and muscle. That's why one of the most important tips a nutritionist gives is to never eat three hours before you sleep. Most, if not all, big fitness franchises around Cairo offer earlier opening hours during Ramadan. Take this opportunity and enjoy an early morning workout at the gym, right after suhour. First, your body will be well rested after a long night's sleep and up for the challenge. Second, you will be well hydrated with water and juice, and the weather isn't as hot as it will be in a couple of hours, giving you the perfect body status for a good workout. And finally, after finishing your fitness session, you can still go back for a short power nap before heading to the office, allowing you to recharge your batteries for the long day ahead of you. Swimming and Aquarobics: Swimming is an extremely healthy and refreshing activity. It's a full-body workout, somewhere between cardiovascular exercise and weightlifting. In Ramadan, though, you should stay out of the sun to avoid dehydration, so an early morning swim is your best option. Aquarobics, on the other hand--doing aerobics in a swimming pool--is usually advisable for senior citizens. You, too, however, can also employ this concept during Ramadan. Stand in shallow water and move your body around in rhythmic, aerobic movements, such as knee lifting, jumping jacks, running and leg curling--and don't forget to include your upper body when doing these exercises. Yoga and Pilates: If working out is already part of your daily routine but you worry about the effect Ramadan will have on your body, maybe it's time to consider Yoga and pilates, which can keep one in shape while augmenting flexibility. When you return to your previous workout routine once Ramadan is over, you'll notice the differences: more flexible muscles and higher energy--not to mention Yoga's calming effect, which can be extremely useful when dealing with stressful Ramadan traffic.
