AR
UR
UAE residents fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan are powering through their fitness goals with the help of various physical exercises including boxing, karate and other intense workout sessions.
According to reports, gyms across the UAE are witnessing rising number of memberships with people increasingly training in the hours just before and after Iftar during Ramadan. People committed to observing the holy month of Ramadan showing noteworthy dedication towards maintaining health and well-being.
Fitness coaches noted that most people come in a few hours before iftar and they go full power during their workout sessions.
"It is like they want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Some people come after Iftar, having consumed just dates, water and a light snack so that that they can train. The discipline that people are showing is something I respect," one of the fitness coaches noted.
Boxing coach Marat Kaldybekov, who trains at Punch 360 at Jumeirah Islands, expressed his appreciation for his fasting clients who have shown dedication in working out during the holy month. The facility has also registered rising memberships in recent days.
“I think people are mindful of the fact that they may be eating more than usual with Iftar gatherings and family meals. So, we have seen more members signing up," he added.
Furthermore, the F45 gym in Motor City is also witnessing the same trend with more people training around Iftar time.
“Usually our early morning classes are fairly full,” said Jessie Bremus, head coach and manager of F45, in Motor City. But during Ramadan began, more people are training late afternoon or soon after Iftar, she added.
The United Karate Group International is seeing most classes taking place in martial arts are students continue to training as normal throughout Ramadan.
“During Ramadan, we change our training slightly to ensure those who are fasting are not over-exerted. Once in a while, some people choose to train in a later session, but most don't mind training even during their fast," said Kyoshi V. A. M. Iqbal, chief instructor and technical director for Middle East.
He added that many people are not changing their workout timing, even during Ramadan. Furthermore, some are changing the intensity of their workouts, but most just take the month in their stride.
"We also have new members joining during Ramadan as I think more people tend to get health conscious," he pointed out.
During the holy month, Sharjah-based fitness studio Barakah has launched a Thirty Days of Bliss Campaign to encourage people to adopt new healthy habits including increasing physical movement and improving mental health. According to Bashayer Al Obeidli, co-owner of Barakah, the campaign has been launched to help people get rid of negativity and focus on their well-being.
"During this month we have seen our memberships go up and a lot of demand for our yoga classes. A lot of people come in right before and after Iftar. We reduce the intensity of our classes before Iftar as we don’t want to tire them out too much," Al Obeidli added.
SOURCE: Khaleej times