JEDDAH: During Ramadan, many people seize the opportunity to exercise before iftar to maintain their fitness and lose weight.

Sports and fitness experts recommend walking during Ramadan, as it helps reduce stress, boost fitness, improve metabolic health, and burn fat.

Hundreds of people can be seen walking in Jeddah shortly before iftar along the seafront, on walking tracks, and in recreational areas, all keen to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Several residents expressed their commitment to exercising this year, especially walking before iftar, to maximize fat burning during fasting.

While walking on Tahlia walkway, Adel Al-Massri told Arab News that he exercises twice a day during Ramadan: once before iftar and once after breaking the fast.

He said: “Walking, for me, is life. (It’s something) I do all year, but in Ramadan it is a special activity for me because it has positive effects while I am fasting.

In Ramadan (walking) is a special activity for me because it has positive effects while I am fasting.

Adel Al-Massri

“I really do encourage my family and friends not to miss this opportunity in order to engage in sport and adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

Meanwhile, 38-year-old Abdullah Al-Hamid stressed that walking during Ramadan is suitable for all individuals, regardless of age.

“I exercise every day, and during Ramadan I believe that walking before iftar will help me burn calories and lose weight. Besides that, walking is very stress-relieving, especially after a long day at work.

“Walking 30-to-60 minutes before iftar in Ramadan is enough for me,” he added.

Spacious, air-conditioned retail malls are also popular places for walking. Abdullah Al-Biladi, 48, is a regular mall walker, and prefers walking during the pre-iftar period in one of the malls near his house to avoid the hot weather outside.

“I prefer to walk in the mall near me because I find it a comfortable environment, especially in Ramadan. I go to the mall every day before iftar to spend at least one hour walking and enjoying my time before breaking the fast,” he said.

During the holy month, club trainers and health specialists urge people to walk before iftar.

Osama Hassan, a certified trainer, told Arab News that the appropriate time to practice light sports is before iftar, and cited activities including “walking, jogging, and light exercise” as good ways to “energize the body” and provide health benefits.

“The pre-iftar period is the best time for light exercise and taking advantage of the condition of the body at the time of fasting,” he said.

He noted that shorter, more frequent workouts may be more manageable and sustainable during fasting hours compared to longer, strenuous sessions. “That’s why walking is the ideal exercise before iftar,” he said.

According to fitness enthusiasts who spoke to Arab News, the period before iftar is the most suitable time for walking, due to the end of working hours in government and private jobs and the absence of other commitments, especially since Ramadan evenings are often devoted to family visits or Taraweeh prayers.