So, I'm a girl that's gotta play sports and fast the same time....HELP!

Sports and Ramadan may seem like an oxymoron to many. But, there is nothing wrong with keeping active during this holy month of fasting. Here, I offer some tips of how to exercise or participate in physical activity while remaining healthy and safe. These are based on my experience playing basketball as a high school freshman and common sense :-)

- You must be sure that your body can handle physical activity without any sustenance during the time you partake sports or exercise. So, it may be wise to consult a doctor and think about your current state of health and fitness.
- Having the proper gear/clothes is essential. As a Muslim young woman, speaking to other Muslim girls and women, wearing light but modest clothing is no problem. Exercise pants, a loose long sleeve shirt, an easy and light-colored scarf ( if you wear one), a hat and/or sunglasses, quality tennis shoes and sunscreen are appropriate and easy. Having a water bottle with you so you can rinse your mouth with water is good as well. And, applying chap stick or lip balm also will help to lessen dried lips and a parched mouth.
- If you are an athlete and practice with a team, you should tell your coach that you will be fasting for religious purposes and may need to take additional breaks. You won't be asking for an easy way out of practice, but simply telling your coach that you need to take it a bit easy for the next month during practice. This is also a great way to do dawah ( outreach) by explaining why you fast to your teammates and coach.
- When you complete your physical activity, it would be refreshing to go into a pool or take a cool shower. When you exercise, you lose water due to sweat. So, even though you cannot drink immediately to replenish your body internally, you can externally cool yourself down. And, it's fun to take a dip in the pool!
- Know your limits. Don't over exhaust yourself. If you are feeling really awful, then please stop. Allah swt will, InshAllah, give us all the strength during this Ramadan and give those whose bodies undergo more exertion, extra blessings. Ameen.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Nora Zaki

Muslim Youth for Truth blogger

UF