Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month
Written by Marcus Smith
Victoria Engelmann
Victoria Engelmann
Mar 11, 2025
-
5
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

Fasting and Fitness: How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month of Ramadan

If, for one month, you could clock out of work two hours early and enjoy festive dinners each evening with family and friends, you'd jump at the chance, right?

However, what if during that month you had to fast each day from sunrise to sunset (going without food, water, and caffeine) and give back to the community as well?

Some of us might think twice.

ForMuslims, the annual observance of Ramadan began last week on Friday, 28 February, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting every day while balancing family, career, and fitness is no small feat. With 78% of the UAE's population being Muslim, the country fully embraces the Holy Month, leading to a noticeable shift in daily life. Traffic eases, school and work hours adjust, and evenings are dedicated to family and friends. It becomes clear that abstaining from food, water, and coffee isn't just about discipline—it's a time for deepening spirituality, strengthening bonds, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

But life is not meant to stop. It's still, in many respects, business as usual.According to InnerFight member Areej Mansour, "It's about making adjustments." Areej continues with her responsibilities as a mother, banker and endurance enthusiast with a few essential changes that going without food and water for 12 hours a day requires, which are especially important in the gym.

How Ramadan Affects Members' Fitness Routines

ManyMuslim members shift their gym sessions from morning to evening to prevent increased hunger and thirst throughout the day. A typical time to train is around 5 PM, finishing just before sunset to break fast. Others choose to first break their fast with a light meal, train, and then refuel with a more substantial meal.

No matter when someone chooses to train during Ramadan, it's undeniably more challenging. Fatigue, hunger, and thirst become the norm, and the body must adapt to performing with limited fuel.

This is why most fasting members will dial things down. For my client Nadia Omar, the goal is maintenance. We still focus on her goals while avoiding HIIT-style workouts in favour of strength- and skill-based work with adequate rest between sets. The reason? Strength training uses the ATP-PC system and the aerobic energy system, both of which have less impact on glycogen levels, which are often depleted when fasting over long periods of time.

According to Areej, "it's about leaving your ego at the door. You're not worrying about the amount of weight you're using or how quickly you can finish a workout. It's just about moving and keeping healthy."

The Spirit of Ramadan at InnerFight

Asa gym with members from all walks of life, InnerFight fully embraces the spirit of Ramadan, ensuring that training remains effective and inclusive. Coaches tailor classes and personal training sessions to accommodate fasting schedules, helping members maintain consistency while respecting their commitments.

Moreover, training with friends in a class setting becomes even more important; it reminds you that you're a part of something special. So, it's only apt that during a month filled with community and giving back, InnerFight gathers for its annual Ramadan Challenge—three intense partner workouts designed by us coaches to push limits, foster teamwork, and celebrate the power of shared resilience.

Nutrition during Ramadan

With family time being a primary focus, spending time with loved ones over the dinner table becomes the norm, and nobody leaves hungry. Traditional meals may include dates, lentil soup, salads, samosas, chicken with rice, stuffed grape leaves and desserts, all served late into the evening.

Learning to balance indulgent evening meals with healthier ones is key. Consuming easy-to-digest carbs, lean protein and low-fibre foods and keeping hydrated with both liquid and water-dense foods, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, are all ways to reduce inflammation, digestive issues and dehydration.

So, how do those partaking in Ramadan prepare ahead of time? One unanimous way is by cutting down on caffeine before the Holy Month begins. This way, they can decrease their chances of caffeine withdrawals and avoid becoming more dehydrated. Further, some may begin to practice intermittent fasting in the weeks leading up to Ramadan to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

Ramadan is a time for Celebration

Fasting for an entire month may seem daunting, but Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—it's a time of reflection, community, and celebration. Much like Christmas, homes are adorned with decorations, and gifts, known as Eidiyah, are shared with children aspart of the festive spirit of Eid. Furthermore, Ramadan also emphasises giving back to the community. Giving Zakat, or a donation to charity, serving food to those in need and inviting others for dinner who do not have family nearby are all ways of contributing.

So, if you see someone who's fasting pushing through their workout, give them a well-earned fist bump. And don't hesitate to say Ramadan Kareem (wishing them a generous Ramadan) or Ramadan Mubarak (meaning Happy Ramadan) to show your support and respect for this sacred time.

Want to learn more about adapting your training and nutrition during the month of Ramadan? Get in touch with Victoria.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-17

ENGINE

Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?

GYMNASTICS

Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.

Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.

HYROX

Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.

MOBILITY

We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.

PURE STRENGTH

This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-17

Monday Ride

A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster

Start time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Saturday - Long Ride

Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.

Time: 05:59 am

Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies run Club 25-17

Monday

Time: 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Tempo

This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Intervals

Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-17

Monday:

We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.

Strength:

A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift

B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat

Conditioning:

17min AMRAP

3 Power Clean (60/40)

6 Front Squat

9 Box Jump

Tuesday:

On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.

Strength:

A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups

B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row

C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock

Conditioning:

4 rounds for time:

16 Alt KB STOH

1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry

10 Burpees Over KB

30 Double Unders

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single

B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions

Conditioning

In a 3-minute window:

15 TTB

30 wall balls

AMRAP cal row

Rest 2 mins x 3

Thursday:

On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press

B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension /  15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls

Conditioning:

For time:

120 DB Hang Snatch

Every 3 mins

15/12 Cal Assualt Bike

10 Hand Release Push Ups

Friday:

Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.

Strength:

EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar

Conditioning:

In Pairs for Time:

800m run together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

100 Cal Ski

Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

80 Cal Ski


Half Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

60 Cal Ski

Car Park Run (Together)

20 Sandbag Over Bar

40 Cal Ski

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

Fasting and Fitness: How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month of Ramadan

If, for one month, you could clock out of work two hours early and enjoy festive dinners each evening with family and friends, you'd jump at the chance, right?

However, what if during that month you had to fast each day from sunrise to sunset (going without food, water, and caffeine) and give back to the community as well?

Some of us might think twice.

ForMuslims, the annual observance of Ramadan began last week on Friday, 28 February, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting every day while balancing family, career, and fitness is no small feat. With 78% of the UAE's population being Muslim, the country fully embraces the Holy Month, leading to a noticeable shift in daily life. Traffic eases, school and work hours adjust, and evenings are dedicated to family and friends. It becomes clear that abstaining from food, water, and coffee isn't just about discipline—it's a time for deepening spirituality, strengthening bonds, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

But life is not meant to stop. It's still, in many respects, business as usual.According to InnerFight member Areej Mansour, "It's about making adjustments." Areej continues with her responsibilities as a mother, banker and endurance enthusiast with a few essential changes that going without food and water for 12 hours a day requires, which are especially important in the gym.

How Ramadan Affects Members' Fitness Routines

ManyMuslim members shift their gym sessions from morning to evening to prevent increased hunger and thirst throughout the day. A typical time to train is around 5 PM, finishing just before sunset to break fast. Others choose to first break their fast with a light meal, train, and then refuel with a more substantial meal.

No matter when someone chooses to train during Ramadan, it's undeniably more challenging. Fatigue, hunger, and thirst become the norm, and the body must adapt to performing with limited fuel.

This is why most fasting members will dial things down. For my client Nadia Omar, the goal is maintenance. We still focus on her goals while avoiding HIIT-style workouts in favour of strength- and skill-based work with adequate rest between sets. The reason? Strength training uses the ATP-PC system and the aerobic energy system, both of which have less impact on glycogen levels, which are often depleted when fasting over long periods of time.

According to Areej, "it's about leaving your ego at the door. You're not worrying about the amount of weight you're using or how quickly you can finish a workout. It's just about moving and keeping healthy."

The Spirit of Ramadan at InnerFight

Asa gym with members from all walks of life, InnerFight fully embraces the spirit of Ramadan, ensuring that training remains effective and inclusive. Coaches tailor classes and personal training sessions to accommodate fasting schedules, helping members maintain consistency while respecting their commitments.

Moreover, training with friends in a class setting becomes even more important; it reminds you that you're a part of something special. So, it's only apt that during a month filled with community and giving back, InnerFight gathers for its annual Ramadan Challenge—three intense partner workouts designed by us coaches to push limits, foster teamwork, and celebrate the power of shared resilience.

Nutrition during Ramadan

With family time being a primary focus, spending time with loved ones over the dinner table becomes the norm, and nobody leaves hungry. Traditional meals may include dates, lentil soup, salads, samosas, chicken with rice, stuffed grape leaves and desserts, all served late into the evening.

Learning to balance indulgent evening meals with healthier ones is key. Consuming easy-to-digest carbs, lean protein and low-fibre foods and keeping hydrated with both liquid and water-dense foods, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, are all ways to reduce inflammation, digestive issues and dehydration.

So, how do those partaking in Ramadan prepare ahead of time? One unanimous way is by cutting down on caffeine before the Holy Month begins. This way, they can decrease their chances of caffeine withdrawals and avoid becoming more dehydrated. Further, some may begin to practice intermittent fasting in the weeks leading up to Ramadan to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

Ramadan is a time for Celebration

Fasting for an entire month may seem daunting, but Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—it's a time of reflection, community, and celebration. Much like Christmas, homes are adorned with decorations, and gifts, known as Eidiyah, are shared with children aspart of the festive spirit of Eid. Furthermore, Ramadan also emphasises giving back to the community. Giving Zakat, or a donation to charity, serving food to those in need and inviting others for dinner who do not have family nearby are all ways of contributing.

So, if you see someone who's fasting pushing through their workout, give them a well-earned fist bump. And don't hesitate to say Ramadan Kareem (wishing them a generous Ramadan) or Ramadan Mubarak (meaning Happy Ramadan) to show your support and respect for this sacred time.

Want to learn more about adapting your training and nutrition during the month of Ramadan? Get in touch with Victoria.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-17

Monday Ride

A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster

Start time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Saturday - Long Ride

Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.

Time: 05:59 am

Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies run Club 25-17

Monday

Time: 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Tempo

This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Intervals

Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-17

Monday:

We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.

Strength:

A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift

B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat

Conditioning:

17min AMRAP

3 Power Clean (60/40)

6 Front Squat

9 Box Jump

Tuesday:

On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.

Strength:

A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups

B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row

C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock

Conditioning:

4 rounds for time:

16 Alt KB STOH

1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry

10 Burpees Over KB

30 Double Unders

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single

B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions

Conditioning

In a 3-minute window:

15 TTB

30 wall balls

AMRAP cal row

Rest 2 mins x 3

Thursday:

On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press

B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension /  15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls

Conditioning:

For time:

120 DB Hang Snatch

Every 3 mins

15/12 Cal Assualt Bike

10 Hand Release Push Ups

Friday:

Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.

Strength:

EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar

Conditioning:

In Pairs for Time:

800m run together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

100 Cal Ski

Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

80 Cal Ski


Half Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

60 Cal Ski

Car Park Run (Together)

20 Sandbag Over Bar

40 Cal Ski

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-17

ENGINE

Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?

GYMNASTICS

Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.

Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.

HYROX

Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.

MOBILITY

We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.

PURE STRENGTH

This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

Fasting and Fitness: How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month of Ramadan

If, for one month, you could clock out of work two hours early and enjoy festive dinners each evening with family and friends, you'd jump at the chance, right?

However, what if during that month you had to fast each day from sunrise to sunset (going without food, water, and caffeine) and give back to the community as well?

Some of us might think twice.

ForMuslims, the annual observance of Ramadan began last week on Friday, 28 February, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting every day while balancing family, career, and fitness is no small feat. With 78% of the UAE's population being Muslim, the country fully embraces the Holy Month, leading to a noticeable shift in daily life. Traffic eases, school and work hours adjust, and evenings are dedicated to family and friends. It becomes clear that abstaining from food, water, and coffee isn't just about discipline—it's a time for deepening spirituality, strengthening bonds, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

But life is not meant to stop. It's still, in many respects, business as usual.According to InnerFight member Areej Mansour, "It's about making adjustments." Areej continues with her responsibilities as a mother, banker and endurance enthusiast with a few essential changes that going without food and water for 12 hours a day requires, which are especially important in the gym.

How Ramadan Affects Members' Fitness Routines

ManyMuslim members shift their gym sessions from morning to evening to prevent increased hunger and thirst throughout the day. A typical time to train is around 5 PM, finishing just before sunset to break fast. Others choose to first break their fast with a light meal, train, and then refuel with a more substantial meal.

No matter when someone chooses to train during Ramadan, it's undeniably more challenging. Fatigue, hunger, and thirst become the norm, and the body must adapt to performing with limited fuel.

This is why most fasting members will dial things down. For my client Nadia Omar, the goal is maintenance. We still focus on her goals while avoiding HIIT-style workouts in favour of strength- and skill-based work with adequate rest between sets. The reason? Strength training uses the ATP-PC system and the aerobic energy system, both of which have less impact on glycogen levels, which are often depleted when fasting over long periods of time.

According to Areej, "it's about leaving your ego at the door. You're not worrying about the amount of weight you're using or how quickly you can finish a workout. It's just about moving and keeping healthy."

The Spirit of Ramadan at InnerFight

Asa gym with members from all walks of life, InnerFight fully embraces the spirit of Ramadan, ensuring that training remains effective and inclusive. Coaches tailor classes and personal training sessions to accommodate fasting schedules, helping members maintain consistency while respecting their commitments.

Moreover, training with friends in a class setting becomes even more important; it reminds you that you're a part of something special. So, it's only apt that during a month filled with community and giving back, InnerFight gathers for its annual Ramadan Challenge—three intense partner workouts designed by us coaches to push limits, foster teamwork, and celebrate the power of shared resilience.

Nutrition during Ramadan

With family time being a primary focus, spending time with loved ones over the dinner table becomes the norm, and nobody leaves hungry. Traditional meals may include dates, lentil soup, salads, samosas, chicken with rice, stuffed grape leaves and desserts, all served late into the evening.

Learning to balance indulgent evening meals with healthier ones is key. Consuming easy-to-digest carbs, lean protein and low-fibre foods and keeping hydrated with both liquid and water-dense foods, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, are all ways to reduce inflammation, digestive issues and dehydration.

So, how do those partaking in Ramadan prepare ahead of time? One unanimous way is by cutting down on caffeine before the Holy Month begins. This way, they can decrease their chances of caffeine withdrawals and avoid becoming more dehydrated. Further, some may begin to practice intermittent fasting in the weeks leading up to Ramadan to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

Ramadan is a time for Celebration

Fasting for an entire month may seem daunting, but Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—it's a time of reflection, community, and celebration. Much like Christmas, homes are adorned with decorations, and gifts, known as Eidiyah, are shared with children aspart of the festive spirit of Eid. Furthermore, Ramadan also emphasises giving back to the community. Giving Zakat, or a donation to charity, serving food to those in need and inviting others for dinner who do not have family nearby are all ways of contributing.

So, if you see someone who's fasting pushing through their workout, give them a well-earned fist bump. And don't hesitate to say Ramadan Kareem (wishing them a generous Ramadan) or Ramadan Mubarak (meaning Happy Ramadan) to show your support and respect for this sacred time.

Want to learn more about adapting your training and nutrition during the month of Ramadan? Get in touch with Victoria.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Ladies run Club 25-17

Monday

Time: 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Tempo

This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 8 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 3x.

Tuesday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Session: Track Tuesday

This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.

Wednesday

Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm

Location: InnerFight

Session: LRC Intervals

Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running1km at effort, into 4 x 400s and then back to 1km of effort. Push hard on the 400s, these should be a 9/10 RPE.

Friday

Time: 5:59am

Location: Common Grounds

Session: The Coffee Run

This week we will be running
10X
1min @ 9/10; 1min @ 3/10

5mins easy jog

then,
4X
4mins @ 7/10; 1min @ 1/10 (easy jog/walking)

Coffee post session at Common Grounds at 7am.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Mainline Class
Specialty Class
Endurance
Ladies Run Club
Daily Workout 25-17

Monday:

We start the week with some single-leg deadlifts into a power clean front squat complex, followed by a leg-focused workout that is sure to set the tone for the week.

Strength:

A) Every 2:30 x 5 6/6 Single Leg Deadlift

B) Every 90secs x 5 2 power clean + 2 front squat

Conditioning:

17min AMRAP

3 Power Clean (60/40)

6 Front Squat

9 Box Jump

Tuesday:

On Tuesday, it's all about push and pull in the strength work, with pull-ups, bench press, gorilla rows, and some static overhead strength.

Strength:

A) EMOM x 6 - 15-20 sec UB kipping pull-ups

B) Alt EMOM x 10 - 8 DB Bench Press / 12 Alt Gorilla Row

C) Alt EMOM x 9 -M1 - 30 Sec Dual KB OH / 30 sec hollow hold / 30 sec arch hold/rock

Conditioning:

4 rounds for time:

16 Alt KB STOH

1 Lap Car Park Farmers Carry

10 Burpees Over KB

30 Double Unders

Wednesday:

On Wednesday, we will start with some heavy squats, followed by work on both the GHD hip extension and the GHD sit-up, and then a tough interval workout.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 3 2 2 1 1 back squat + 1 set AMRAP @ 80% of top single

B) Alt EMOM x 12 - 5/10 GHD Sit Ups / 30 sec Pallof Press L&R / 10-15 Hip Extensions

Conditioning

In a 3-minute window:

15 TTB

30 wall balls

AMRAP cal row

Rest 2 mins x 3

Thursday:

On Thursday, we have some bodybuilding in the strength work, followed by a real test of grip and capacity in the workout with high-volume dumbbell snatches.

Strength:

A) Every 2 mins x 5 6/6 DB Strict Press

B) Alt EMOM x 9 - 30 sec banded tricep extension /  15-20 DB Lateral Raise / 15-20 Barbell Bicep Curls

Conditioning:

For time:

120 DB Hang Snatch

Every 3 mins

15/12 Cal Assualt Bike

10 Hand Release Push Ups

Friday:

Finally, we conclude the week with an awesome partner workout that combines aerobic work with strongman exercises.

Strength:

EMOM x 5 6 Sandbag Over Bar

Conditioning:

In Pairs for Time:

800m run together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

100 Cal Ski

Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

80 Cal Ski


Half Park Run Together

20 Sandbag Over Bar

60 Cal Ski

Car Park Run (Together)

20 Sandbag Over Bar

40 Cal Ski

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Specialty Class #25-17

ENGINE

Double Mikko’s Triangle. We’re doubling the time and aiming to double the calories. Can you match your pace and hold on?

GYMNASTICS

Tuesday morning, we're diving into all things handstand push-ups with both strict and kipping variations, plus some fun progressions to challenge your upside-down game. Expect overhead strength work and spicy core finishers, too.

Toes-to-bar will take centre stage on Thursday evening with drills on the low bar and rig to sharpen your skills. Then we’ll move on to capacity work before wrapping it up with core and lat work to boost strength, control, and coordination.

HYROX

Build the Upper body strength you need for HYROX with a focus on sled pulls, farmers carries, push-ups (to power through your burpees), push presses (for stronger wall balls) and SkiErg conditioning.

MOBILITY

We have been quite dominant with mobility for the lower body; per request, we will stick with the flows, but make sure we hit the upper body harder this weekend. This session will be aimed towards the people that have shoulder niggles.

PURE STRENGTH

This week's pure strength session marks the start of the deadlift cycle, following high-volume RDLS. We also have some heavy box squats and volume reps to finish up on Monday. On Wednesday, we will start a paused bench press progression, incorporating some overhead presses and barbell rows as accessories.

WEIGHTLIFTING

This week in weightlifting, we are focusing on developing the split jerk technique. Followed by a classic complex of clean + front squat + jerk.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Endurance #25-17

Monday Ride

A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster

Start time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB

Track Tuesday

Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.

Time: 05:59 am

Session Length: 1.5 hour

Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park

Entrance fee

Friday - Coffee Run

Our weekly tempo run.  Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.

Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time
: 05:59 am

Start Location: Common Grounds

Saturday - Long Ride

Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.

Time: 05:59 am

Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

Fasting and Fitness: How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month of Ramadan

If, for one month, you could clock out of work two hours early and enjoy festive dinners each evening with family and friends, you'd jump at the chance, right?

However, what if during that month you had to fast each day from sunrise to sunset (going without food, water, and caffeine) and give back to the community as well?

Some of us might think twice.

ForMuslims, the annual observance of Ramadan began last week on Friday, 28 February, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting every day while balancing family, career, and fitness is no small feat. With 78% of the UAE's population being Muslim, the country fully embraces the Holy Month, leading to a noticeable shift in daily life. Traffic eases, school and work hours adjust, and evenings are dedicated to family and friends. It becomes clear that abstaining from food, water, and coffee isn't just about discipline—it's a time for deepening spirituality, strengthening bonds, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

But life is not meant to stop. It's still, in many respects, business as usual.According to InnerFight member Areej Mansour, "It's about making adjustments." Areej continues with her responsibilities as a mother, banker and endurance enthusiast with a few essential changes that going without food and water for 12 hours a day requires, which are especially important in the gym.

How Ramadan Affects Members' Fitness Routines

ManyMuslim members shift their gym sessions from morning to evening to prevent increased hunger and thirst throughout the day. A typical time to train is around 5 PM, finishing just before sunset to break fast. Others choose to first break their fast with a light meal, train, and then refuel with a more substantial meal.

No matter when someone chooses to train during Ramadan, it's undeniably more challenging. Fatigue, hunger, and thirst become the norm, and the body must adapt to performing with limited fuel.

This is why most fasting members will dial things down. For my client Nadia Omar, the goal is maintenance. We still focus on her goals while avoiding HIIT-style workouts in favour of strength- and skill-based work with adequate rest between sets. The reason? Strength training uses the ATP-PC system and the aerobic energy system, both of which have less impact on glycogen levels, which are often depleted when fasting over long periods of time.

According to Areej, "it's about leaving your ego at the door. You're not worrying about the amount of weight you're using or how quickly you can finish a workout. It's just about moving and keeping healthy."

The Spirit of Ramadan at InnerFight

Asa gym with members from all walks of life, InnerFight fully embraces the spirit of Ramadan, ensuring that training remains effective and inclusive. Coaches tailor classes and personal training sessions to accommodate fasting schedules, helping members maintain consistency while respecting their commitments.

Moreover, training with friends in a class setting becomes even more important; it reminds you that you're a part of something special. So, it's only apt that during a month filled with community and giving back, InnerFight gathers for its annual Ramadan Challenge—three intense partner workouts designed by us coaches to push limits, foster teamwork, and celebrate the power of shared resilience.

Nutrition during Ramadan

With family time being a primary focus, spending time with loved ones over the dinner table becomes the norm, and nobody leaves hungry. Traditional meals may include dates, lentil soup, salads, samosas, chicken with rice, stuffed grape leaves and desserts, all served late into the evening.

Learning to balance indulgent evening meals with healthier ones is key. Consuming easy-to-digest carbs, lean protein and low-fibre foods and keeping hydrated with both liquid and water-dense foods, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, are all ways to reduce inflammation, digestive issues and dehydration.

So, how do those partaking in Ramadan prepare ahead of time? One unanimous way is by cutting down on caffeine before the Holy Month begins. This way, they can decrease their chances of caffeine withdrawals and avoid becoming more dehydrated. Further, some may begin to practice intermittent fasting in the weeks leading up to Ramadan to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

Ramadan is a time for Celebration

Fasting for an entire month may seem daunting, but Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—it's a time of reflection, community, and celebration. Much like Christmas, homes are adorned with decorations, and gifts, known as Eidiyah, are shared with children aspart of the festive spirit of Eid. Furthermore, Ramadan also emphasises giving back to the community. Giving Zakat, or a donation to charity, serving food to those in need and inviting others for dinner who do not have family nearby are all ways of contributing.

So, if you see someone who's fasting pushing through their workout, give them a well-earned fist bump. And don't hesitate to say Ramadan Kareem (wishing them a generous Ramadan) or Ramadan Mubarak (meaning Happy Ramadan) to show your support and respect for this sacred time.

Want to learn more about adapting your training and nutrition during the month of Ramadan? Get in touch with Victoria.

Introduction

Mi tincidunt elit, id quisque ligula ac diam, amet. Vel etiam suspendisse morbi eleifend faucibus eget vestibulum felis. Dictum quis montes, sit sit. Tellus aliquam enim urna, etiam. Mauris posuere vulputate arcu amet, vitae nisi, tellus tincidunt. At feugiat sapien varius id.

Eget quis mi enim, leo lacinia pharetra, semper. Eget in volutpat mollis at volutpat lectus velit, sed auctor. Porttitor fames arcu quis fusce augue enim. Quis at habitant diam at. Suscipit tristique risus, at donec. In turpis vel et quam imperdiet. Ipsum molestie aliquet sodales id est ac volutpat.

Image caption goes here

Dolor enim eu tortor urna sed duis nulla

Elit nisi in eleifend sed nisi. Pulvinar at orci, proin imperdiet commodo consectetur convallis risus. Sed condimentum enim dignissim adipiscing faucibus consequat, urna. Viverra purus et erat auctor aliquam. Risus, volutpat vulputate posuere purus sit congue convallis aliquet. Arcu id augue ut feugiat donec porttitor neque. Mauris, neque ultricies eu vestibulum, bibendum quam lorem id. Dolor lacus, eget nunc lectus in tellus, pharetra, porttitor.

If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

Tristique odio senectus nam posuere ornare leo metus, ultricies. Blandit duis ultricies vulputate morbi feugiat cras placerat elit. Aliquam tellus lorem sed ac. Montes, sed mattis pellentesque suscipit accumsan. Cursus viverra aenean magna risus elementum faucibus molestie pellentesque. Arcu ultricies sed mauris vestibulum.

Conclusion

Morbi sed imperdiet in ipsum, adipiscing elit dui lectus. Tellus id scelerisque est ultricies ultricies. Duis est sit sed leo nisl, blandit elit sagittis. Quisque tristique consequat quam sed. Nisl at scelerisque amet nulla purus habitasse.

Nunc sed faucibus bibendum feugiat sed interdum. Ipsum egestas condimentum mi massa. In tincidunt pharetra consectetur sed duis facilisis metus. Etiam egestas in nec sed et. Quis lobortis at sit dictum eget nibh tortor commodo cursus.

Odio felis sagittis, morbi feugiat tortor vitae feugiat fusce aliquet. Nam elementum urna nisi aliquet erat dolor enim. Ornare id morbi eget ipsum. Aliquam senectus neque ut id eget consectetur dictum. Donec posuere pharetra odio consequat scelerisque et, nunc tortor.
Nulla adipiscing erat a erat. Condimentum lorem posuere gravida enim posuere cursus diam.

Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep
Fasting and Fitness During Ramadan

Fasting and Fitness: How InnerFight Members Adapt During the Holy Month of Ramadan

If, for one month, you could clock out of work two hours early and enjoy festive dinners each evening with family and friends, you'd jump at the chance, right?

However, what if during that month you had to fast each day from sunrise to sunset (going without food, water, and caffeine) and give back to the community as well?

Some of us might think twice.

ForMuslims, the annual observance of Ramadan began last week on Friday, 28 February, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, starting with the sighting of the crescent moon.

Fasting every day while balancing family, career, and fitness is no small feat. With 78% of the UAE's population being Muslim, the country fully embraces the Holy Month, leading to a noticeable shift in daily life. Traffic eases, school and work hours adjust, and evenings are dedicated to family and friends. It becomes clear that abstaining from food, water, and coffee isn't just about discipline—it's a time for deepening spirituality, strengthening bonds, and fostering a sense of togetherness.

But life is not meant to stop. It's still, in many respects, business as usual.According to InnerFight member Areej Mansour, "It's about making adjustments." Areej continues with her responsibilities as a mother, banker and endurance enthusiast with a few essential changes that going without food and water for 12 hours a day requires, which are especially important in the gym.

How Ramadan Affects Members' Fitness Routines

ManyMuslim members shift their gym sessions from morning to evening to prevent increased hunger and thirst throughout the day. A typical time to train is around 5 PM, finishing just before sunset to break fast. Others choose to first break their fast with a light meal, train, and then refuel with a more substantial meal.

No matter when someone chooses to train during Ramadan, it's undeniably more challenging. Fatigue, hunger, and thirst become the norm, and the body must adapt to performing with limited fuel.

This is why most fasting members will dial things down. For my client Nadia Omar, the goal is maintenance. We still focus on her goals while avoiding HIIT-style workouts in favour of strength- and skill-based work with adequate rest between sets. The reason? Strength training uses the ATP-PC system and the aerobic energy system, both of which have less impact on glycogen levels, which are often depleted when fasting over long periods of time.

According to Areej, "it's about leaving your ego at the door. You're not worrying about the amount of weight you're using or how quickly you can finish a workout. It's just about moving and keeping healthy."

The Spirit of Ramadan at InnerFight

Asa gym with members from all walks of life, InnerFight fully embraces the spirit of Ramadan, ensuring that training remains effective and inclusive. Coaches tailor classes and personal training sessions to accommodate fasting schedules, helping members maintain consistency while respecting their commitments.

Moreover, training with friends in a class setting becomes even more important; it reminds you that you're a part of something special. So, it's only apt that during a month filled with community and giving back, InnerFight gathers for its annual Ramadan Challenge—three intense partner workouts designed by us coaches to push limits, foster teamwork, and celebrate the power of shared resilience.

Nutrition during Ramadan

With family time being a primary focus, spending time with loved ones over the dinner table becomes the norm, and nobody leaves hungry. Traditional meals may include dates, lentil soup, salads, samosas, chicken with rice, stuffed grape leaves and desserts, all served late into the evening.

Learning to balance indulgent evening meals with healthier ones is key. Consuming easy-to-digest carbs, lean protein and low-fibre foods and keeping hydrated with both liquid and water-dense foods, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, are all ways to reduce inflammation, digestive issues and dehydration.

So, how do those partaking in Ramadan prepare ahead of time? One unanimous way is by cutting down on caffeine before the Holy Month begins. This way, they can decrease their chances of caffeine withdrawals and avoid becoming more dehydrated. Further, some may begin to practice intermittent fasting in the weeks leading up to Ramadan to prepare themselves physically and mentally.

Ramadan is a time for Celebration

Fasting for an entire month may seem daunting, but Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset—it's a time of reflection, community, and celebration. Much like Christmas, homes are adorned with decorations, and gifts, known as Eidiyah, are shared with children aspart of the festive spirit of Eid. Furthermore, Ramadan also emphasises giving back to the community. Giving Zakat, or a donation to charity, serving food to those in need and inviting others for dinner who do not have family nearby are all ways of contributing.

So, if you see someone who's fasting pushing through their workout, give them a well-earned fist bump. And don't hesitate to say Ramadan Kareem (wishing them a generous Ramadan) or Ramadan Mubarak (meaning Happy Ramadan) to show your support and respect for this sacred time.

Want to learn more about adapting your training and nutrition during the month of Ramadan? Get in touch with Victoria.

Introduction

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If you want to swim faster on race day, it’s no secret you’ve got to swim fast in training.

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Conclusion

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Triathlon
Swimming
Race Prep

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