“Balancing between work, private life and exercise is hard during the holy month.”

During the holy month of Ramadan, health specialists and nutritionists emphasize walking before breaking the fast. Thousands of people can be seen walking during the hour before iftar along the seaside of Kuwait, around walking tracks and in suburban areas. People also turn more spiritual during Ramadan and try to quit bad habits related to their health, such as smoking, while others try to start or maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Kuwait Times spoke to a number of walkers along the coast to ask about the reasons why they walk before iftar. Mishal Al-Shammary, a fresh graduate, said:"I have lost six kilos since the beginning of the holy month by following a healthier diet. I exercise every day. Walking is very stress-relieving." His friend, Saad Al-Shareeda, an employee at the ministry of public works, said that he comes to walk by the beach twice a week only in Ramadan to pass the hours remaining until iftar.

There's an increasing danger of developing various diseases and health problems as you grow older if you don't exercise daily. Thirst and hunger during Ramadan is often accompanied by a feeling of dizziness, headaches and a lack of desire to work, but this varies from one person to another. Fasting has the least negative impact on healthy people.

A healthy lifestyle

"Being healthy is a lifestyle for me. I've been committed to healthy eating habits and exercise for 24 years. I encourage those who start to never give up even if you get muscle pains. Exercising will help you to live healthier for longer," stressed Khaled Al-Sharaf, an employee at the ministry of communications.

Hadeel Mohammed, a dentistry student, added: "I go to the gym throughout the year because I believe in the importance of exercising in my life. As for a walk before iftar, it is recommended by doctors because it burns a greater percentage of fat. A walk after breaking your fast is preferable after at least two hours." Likewise, Fahd Al-Khaldi, an engineer, said he walks briskly to burn fat before breakfast everyday and Ramadan is no different.

Exercising in general doesn't only need more effort, but requires time as well. And time isn't always something people can spare. Aisha Al-Awadhi, an employee, explained that due to social obligations after iftar, it's impossible to exercise. "Time is short, and I try my best to adhere to exercising. Balancing between work, private life and exercise is hard during the holy month," sighed Aisha.

Some people find a chance to exercise only in Ramadan. "I brisk walk every in Ramadan," said Ahmad Chtaiwi, who works as a teacher in the morning and an editor at Al-Rai newspaper in the afternoon. "I know a lot about health and nutrition, so I adopt moderate eating habits.Meanwhile, I try to lose the weight I gained throughout the year in Ramadan by walking briskly before iftar," he added.

Story and photos by Athoob Al-Shuaibi