RIYADH: Promoting physical activity during Ramadan can boost public health, according to a local expert.

Dr. Ibrahim Bakri, a specialist in sports management at Jazan University, said that exercise during Ramadan should not be stopped but managed, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

Practicing low-intensity activities before iftar was a suitable option, such as slow walking, stretching, or light exercises that activate muscles, because of their role in stimulating blood circulation without depleting fluid and energy stores.

He said that the hour before the Maghrib prayer was an ideal time for such light activities and reduces the likelihood of stress or low blood sugar levels.

Bakri also pointed out the importance of avoiding strenuous exercise during fasting hours.

He said that high-intensity sports should be postponed until at least three hours after iftar, to give the body the opportunity to digest food and restore its water and nutritional balance.

Resistance exercises, running and team games need to be undertaken carefully to avoid fatigue or muscle spasms, he added.

He stressed that exercise during Ramadan contributes to weight control, improves cardiovascular fitness, and regulates blood sugar levels.

Physical activity also plays a role in reducing stress and improving sleep quality, which reflects positively on the performance of a fasting person in work and daily life.

He emphasized the importance of drinking sufficient water between iftar and sahoor, and having meals in moderation. Also people should make sure to warm up and cool down when undertaking exercise to reduce the possibility of injury.

Bakri said walking was the simplest and most sustainable form of physical activity because it has a direct impact on promoting heart health and improving mood.