With the sighting of the new crescent moon, Ramadan begins here in Newham. It’s a beautiful time to reflect in prayer, give to those in need, and attain a deeper sense of empathy by fasting. While the month encourages pause for contemplation, it’s a busy time of year, and as one of our coaches highlighted, it’s also a time when many athletes take a step back from training. 

While many are apprehensive of the fatigue and dehydration that may result from training and fasting, our young members and coaches share some of the beautiful moments that reveal themselves over the course of this holy month. 

Personal Trainer and Boxing Coach Luna begins with some tips for staying active: “For me, motivation comes from the fact that training is just part of my life now. I’m not training for a specific season or a summer body – I’m training to make the seven-year-old version of myself proud.

When I’m feeling deflated, I have a phrase I say to myself: ‘We didn’t get this far just to get this far.’ It helps me keep showing up. As someone who grew up unathletic and with no interest in sports, realising what my body is capable of has been a total transition. Regarding Ramadan, I don’t see it as a reason to stop training, but rather a reason to adjust training.

Personally, I keep my intensity mostly the same, but I adjust my nutrition. For Suhoor (the pre-dawn meal), I focus on slow-releasing carbohydrates and a lot of electrolytes. That was a rookie mistake I made once – drinking a ton of water without electrolytes. I still felt faint. Adding electrolytes was a game-changer for staying hydrated.

When I break my fast (Iftar), I start with carbs for immediate energy, then move to a protein-rich meal about an hour later. For my clients, I often suggest training right after they break their fast or very early in the morning.”

Yet, Luna also mentions how it’s up to coaches to provide support and reassurance too: “Competitors who fast often put a lot of pressure on themselves and might feel weak. Coaches need to offer that mental support and acknowledge that energy levels will fluctuate.”

Alongside recognising how training is possible, a more clear and focused mind is something our young members relish during this period. Youth Power member Mustafa speaks about how the fast “allows you to focus on the things that are important – whether that’s personal training or day to day life. But it also helps you put into perspective what’s actually difficult [in life] and what’s an excuse.”

This rings true for Muadh, a young member and recent recipient of the Ricardo Có Memorial Trophy, who speaks about how fasting and training “all works well together,” as he sees his physical and mental performance in muay thai improve. 

Luna echoes this sentiment with excited anticipation: “I remember training a few years ago during Ramadan and I felt really sharp. My schedule is much more intense now, so I’m curious to see how it goes this year, but I’m excited! I’m not nervous or apprehensive. I’m actually looking forward to seeing how it shapes me mentally. Showing up to train for a half-marathon while fasting takes a lot of grit, and I think that build-up of resilience is beautiful.”

The togetherness that defines Ramadan finds a natural home at the Fight for Peace Academy, where, as Muadh shares, community is built through understanding; “There’s a great Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community we’ve built here between the fighters and the coaches. Everyone helps each other [during Ramadan]. There’s great communication.” 

For Luna, community is found in weekly women-only sessions: “This will be my first Ramadan training with this specific group of women. Training with like-minded women from a faith-based background creates a real sense of sisterhood.” 

But, it’s also found in the small moments after a session, as Luna’s parting words remind us: “Breaking the fast together with a date after a session… there’s just a very special feeling in that.” 

At the Fight for Peace Academy, we see that same beauty reflected in the ring and the gym, proving that the discipline of training and devotion to Ramadan don’t just coexist; they empower one another. Ramadan Mubarak to all who are observing!