Which is Better: Pre-Iftar Walks or Post-Iftar Walks?

Ramadan is not only a time for increased spiritual activity, but for people in the Gulf region, it is the perfect time to engage in exercise.

Since working hours are reduced during this month across the region, people not only get more time to participate in spiritual reflection, but also to engage in physical activity.

During this month, Gulf countries actually host sports events to push the public towards physical activity. Dubai is hosting the Ramadan Games 2026, which features 12 sports open to public participation, while Doha is hosting its annual Ramadan Sports Festival, which features 11 sports and fitness events.

Walks have become a popular form of exercise this Ramadan because they are light exercise, which allows individuals to maintain physical fitness without doing anything strenuous.

A pre-iftar walk allows the individual to optimize fat burning. This time period is seen as ideal because the body’s glycogen stores are depleted, which leads the body to utilize fat stores for exercise, according to Dubai-based Dr. Abrar Khan. Since people are exercising closer to iftar in this situation, they will receive immediate replenishment once they break their fast.

In addition to fat-burning, a pre-iftar walk will help reduce stress accumulated from the day. Karen Struder, an associate professor and chair of preventive medicine at Loma Linda University Health, explains that walks help reduce cortisol levels, which increase in response to stress. Cortisol levels lead to an increase in inflammation and food cravings, which can lead to mismanaged eating at iftar, which can lead to tiredness that is not ideal for taraweeh prayers.

Furthermore, walking can help boost endorphin levels, which uplifts one’s mood and reduces stress, according to Struder. Ramadan is a time when people are already on edge because of the lack of eating and drinking, a walk will help a fasting person rid themselves of the tension. This will help people socialize better during iftar with family and friends.

On the other hand, post-iftar walks will regulate digestion, which is important because iftar usually contains heavy meals. After the post-iftar walk, the individual will have better energy levels post-iftar to perform taraweeh prayers and engage with other spiritual activities.

Walking in general also improves cardiovascular health and improves sleeping patterns, which is essential during Ramadan, when people’s sleeping hours are generally reduced due to taraweeh prayers, social gatherings, late-night activities, and suhoor. Lack of sleep impacts cognitive function, causes mood swings and fatigue. A walk will help individuals improve their sleep quality and counteract these effects.

Although pre-iftar and post-iftar walks have their separate benefits, both help regulate the physical well-being of fasting individuals during the holy month. In the end, it depends on the person’s daily routine and health requirements.