RAMADAN IS A HIGHLIGHT
Comedian and TV host Kaeli Abdi's life in many ways resembles the life of an professional athlete – packed schedules, frequent travel, and being in the spotlight. However, she gets a pause every year – Ramadan.
Kaeli burst onto the scene via TikTok, and since then, she's been hosting several shows and also launched her own. Nowadays, she's on tour as a comedian.
In January, gyms are packed with people trying to get back into their fitness routines. For Kaeli, who has been fasting since she was eleven, Ramadan is her January. The mental clarity that follows with the holy month makes exercise easier for her.
– I often approach Ramadan feeling drained. You've battled through winter, witnessed world events, tackled problems, work, stress, and everyday life. You are then granted a month of spirituality, introspection, family bonding, and a continual connection with God, she explain.
Discipline is important during Ramadan, but also for maintaining an exercise routine.
– I always get an energy boost after breaking my fast, which narrows the gap to my workout routine. I tend to hydrate, have some soup and dates, and then exercise.
She focuses on both cardio and strength training, often in group sessions. However, finding the right time during Ramadan and while traveling can be challenging.
– It's essential to be active during the day. You might think being sedentary makes fasting easier, but it's harder if you're home thinking about your hunger. That's why I prefer to stay active, Kaeli says.
For those unfamiliar, Ramadan might sound stressful – praying, fasting, showing exceptional kindness, donating money, spending time with family, all while keeping up with everyday life. Is it stressful for Kaeli you might wonder.
– Not at all! Ramadan is a season I look forward to. Some wait for Christmas, others for summer, I long for Ramadan. Life throws so many issues at you, but in that month, you put on new lenses to see the world as it truly is. Everyday troubles seem trivial. People forgive, are kind to one another, and move forward rather than focusing on problems.
Kaeli's advice for those leading a hectic lifestyle, yet wanting to train and fast:
“Treat yourself during the first days, especially if you crave certain foods. Eat whatever you want in the beginning, then less after a few days. We have a lot of traditional foods during Ramadan, not always the healthiest, but the month is challenging, so indulge and nourish your body.”
“If you are exercising during Ramadan – post-fast, eat light, work out, then come back for a
more substantial meal after your session.”
“There have been times I have had long workdays, sometimes because I forgot to wake up for the meal. What do you do? Occasionally, you run out of energy. If you physically need to, it's okay to break your fast. It's not a failure. God didn't say 'fast – full stop.' He said, 'fast if you are able.' And that's the way it is."