Should you exercise during Ramadan?

According to Ayurveda, exercise is not about shaping your body. Rather, the focus is on maintaining good health and enjoying the positive benefits of exercise on the mind, body and spirit. This approach towards exercise continues even during Ramadan.

Dr Chandy says, “During Ramadan, it is important to keep your exercise regimen light and moderate. When you fast, your sugar levels are low, resulting in sleepiness. You also experience a lack of concentration. So, it is not advisable to embark on extremely vigorous exercise programs like cycling or weights.”

But for the benefits of exercise (see box) to be fully experienced, your attitude is very important. These benefits don’t accrue when you exercise only with the goal of losing weight or toning your body. Because, if you do not reach your goal within deadline, you may likely feel down or demotivated. Since you are not measuring your achievements in their entirety but are only focused on the visible effects, you could set yourself up for failure.

This approach also leads you to push your body too far resulting in injuries, generating free radicals that cause premature aging and lowering immunity.

You should only exercise to the point where you can breathe normally through the nose. When you begin gasping for breath, slow down and walk or reduce the intensity of your activity until you can resume again without straining your body. As the body becomes stronger, you can push yourself to do more intense workouts.

The best time to exercise

Outside of Ramadan, the best time to exercise is early in the morning as this brings on the right the energy levels for the day. Early morning exercise also sets your body on the right path to have a restful sleep at night. Exercising late at night (especially when you have been eating throughout the day) will lead to trouble falling asleep at night. But during Ramadan, plan your exercise an hour-and-a half after a light Iftar. It is important you do not exercise on an empty stomach or after a full meal. Eat something light like a fruit about 15 to 30 minutes before you exercise.

Dr Chandy also emphasises on the need to avoid distractions like watching television during exercise as he believes that you need to give your full attention to your workout to truly enjoy its the therapeutic benefits. He adds, “Traditionally exercise was preceded by abhyana (massage with warm oil) as this prepared the body in a manner similar to the warm-up.”

Dosha and Exercise

Ayurvedic practitioners have long believed belief that your dosha will determine the benefit you derive from your exercise program. There is no use in pushing yourself to the brink if the exercise is not suited to your body type or dosha. You will not achieve your goals despite working hard. You may also find yourself more prone to injuries. The trick is in knowing your dosha and exercising as per it. You will be amazed at the sense of well-being and good health that will flow through your system.

Vata Dosha:

If you are a Vata, you have a basic tendency to indulge in short and quick bursts of activity. This means that you may start an exercise program but just as quickly quit it as your mind is in a constant state of motion. A Vata body type’s exercise program should balance this need for quick activity and help calm and settle the body and mind. It should incorporate slow movements and not be too tiring. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, low impact aerobics, swimming in warm water and walking are ideal for a Vata body type.

Pitta Dosha:

Pitta body types tend to be very competitive and push themselves to the limit. They prefer activities that require strength, focus and speed and are easily disheartened by setbacks. In order to balance this basic nature, it is important for them to look for exercise options that are not only competitive but also enjoyable and calming for the mind. Activities revolving around water, ice and snow are ideal for them. For instance swimming, skiing, rowing and surfing are great exercises for a Pitta body type. Yoga and walking are also good options to balance the fire in them and calm them down.

Kapha Dosha:

If you are Kapha body type, you will naturally excel at activities that demand endurance and will power. Kapha body types are not bothered about winning or losing. In other words the end goal is not their motivating factor; rather the activity itself is. This makes it doubly important for them to find a workout program that they can enjoy and stick to for a period of time. Since they are basically sedentary in their attitude, their exercise options should also encourage them to become livelier. Ideal exercise options for Kapha body types include running, basketball, racquetball, football, aerobics and cycling.

(Binu Sivan is a Dubai based freelance writer).