I HAVE LEARNED TO TAKE IT SLOW

Adopting a different approach to fasting and physical exercise is crucial for regular exercisers, contrasting with the regimen of elite athletes. Zahraa Al-Maliki stands as a testament to this philosophy.
–I’ve come to understand the importance of resting during the initial days of Ramadan. It's about maintaining strength throughout the month, she shares from her experience.

Zahraa Al-Maliki, better known by her Instagram handle Lucy Looxi, is recognized for her eye-catching outfit posts and her role at a modeling agency. Yet, her journey to this point is as unique as her style.
– I hold a degree in social work, but life led me down a different path. Now, I find myself immersed in the fashion industry, both through my agency work and my personal Instagram, where I share my outfits.

Despite the glamorous snippets shared online, what remains unseen is her profound enthusiasm for sports.
– From football and track to martial arts, my father was the one who inspired me to explore a variety of sports. I'm grateful for his encouragement to experience it all.

Today, her athletic pursuits have shifted towards boxing, badminton, and basketball, all on rotation to suit the season.
– The euphoria after a workout is unmatched. It’s not just the physical lightness or the mental clarity, but the peace it brings when anxiety or stress creeps in. There's a tangible sense of wellness, and you feel it deeply. Beyond the personal benefits, the sense of community in sports is equally gratifying.

Zahraa Al-Maliki honors the traditions of Ramadan with a tailored routine that complements her exercise regimen, drawing inspiration from her family.
– My older brothers, both seasoned martial artists, have set an incredible example for me. Observing their ability to maintain high-intensity training with a positive and calm spirit during the fasting month has been inspirational.

However, Zahraa admits to some hard-earned lessons.
– In the past, jumping into rigorous exercise at the start of Ramadan led to exhaustion and sapped my motivation for the remainder of the month. These experiences have been enlightening, teaching me the value of pacing myself and tuning into my body's needs.

Zahraa Al-Maliki has crafted a personal regimen that she adapts annually, rolling with the shifts and changes of the Ramadan calendar.
– This year, for instance, has been more manageable, she explains. I steer clear of cardio to avoid dizziness. Instead, I opt for brief strength-training sessions right before Iftar. It's about tuning into your body's signals – though admittedly, sometimes willpower does hijack the reins, she adds with a chuckle.

Zahraa also shares three nuggets of wisdom:Zahraa also shares three nuggets of wisdom:

1. "Don't regard fasting as a hurdle. It's really about willpower. With the right mindset and health, you're unstoppable."

2. "Training with someone who's also fasting can be incredibly motivating and offer a sense of camaraderie."

3. "Be realistic with your fitness targets. Listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Ramadan is a time for self-care and kindness towards oneself."