KUWAIT: While most count down the minutes to iftar, others lace up their shoes and hit the track. In Ramadan, Kuwait’s parks transform into hubs of activity, as many use the pre-iftar hour to stay fit. Kuwait Times visited some of these spots and discovered a community that sees movement as more than just exercise—it’s a way of life.

Spotted in active wear, 13-year-old Hussain Al-Adwani sat on a park bench wearing his headphones, focused on an online lesson. When asked what he was doing, he said that he was waiting for class to end so he could resume his pre-iftar workout, a habit he has maintained since the age of nine. “I feel more energetic working out while fasting,” he shared, explaining that as his body adapts, exercise feels more natural than staying lazy.

For him, however, worship comes first. “First, you have to read the Quran daily, at least for five to 15 minutes. Then, you can exercise for an hour or two and study for a few hours—it makes the time pass quickly,” he shared, describing his routine. His secret to staying full throughout the day lies in a simple suhoor of yogurt and banana. “Until now, I haven’t felt hungry or thirsty. And if you don’t like plain yogurt, you can add a little honey,” he suggested.

Dressed in a winter grey dishdasha and cap, Ahmed Al-Hadeya, 40, was enjoying a quiet walk at another park. Unlike Adwani, he acknowledged the toll fasting can take on energy levels but remained committed to movement. “No doubt energy levels drop before iftar, but that shouldn’t stop us from exercising,” he said. He believes in making the most of every opportunity to stay active, especially in an era where technology has led to a more sedentary lifestyle.

For 43-year-old Hanan Abdullah, exercise is a year-round commitment, and Ramadan is no exception. “Movement is a blessing, and I love working out during Ramadan,” she said. She believes staying active is essential, especially when heavy meals become a part of daily routine. “I prefer exercising before iftar because I enjoy spending my evenings with family and unwinding,” she explained.

Despite fasting, Abdullah doesn’t feel a lack of energy while working out. “Since I’m used to it, it doesn’t affect me much. Maybe just the first couple of days bring slight dizziness, but after that, it’s normal,” she said. Her routine includes a mix of cardio and weight training, and she ensures her diet supports her activity levels. “I break my fast with a light meal, wait a few hours, and then have my main meal. Staying hydrated is also key—I always keep a water bottle by my side,” she added. Balancing fitness with worship is also important to her. “I use my walks as a time for reflection, listening to Quran recitations, and making supplications,” she shared.

Lulwa Qais, who was spotted holding her daughter's hand as they walked together, sees Ramadan as the perfect time to embrace movement. “I plan to walk regularly this Ramadan because the weather is nice, and it has great health benefits,” she said. “It also helps pass the time before iftar while doing something good for my body.” She hasn’t experienced fatigue while walking, as she maintains a balanced sleep schedule. “I sleep early, wake up for suhoor, read Quran, then rest again until noon,” she explained.

For Lulwa, the first few days of Ramadan are usually filled with family gatherings, but once work resumes, she settles into her routine. “After work, I rest a little, then help my daughter with her studies,” she said. It’s not always easy to balance between her duties, she acknowledges, but there is a special kind of blessing in Ramadan, she shared. “I always pray for time management and barakah in my day. In Ramadan, worship remains my top priority—these are few precious days that we must make the most of.”