Ramadan no barrier to health and fitness at Fawkner Leisure Centre

Residents in the inner northern Melbourne suburb of Moreland are being offered more opportunities to stay active and healthy during Ramadan, as Fawkner Leisure Centre improves opening hours and swimming classes to suit residents' lifestyles.

Centre Manager Naz Assafiri explains "we noticed that many of our members disappear during the month of Ramadan, so we listened to their feedback and have been able to extend our opening hours for all our members with all kinds lifestyles to take advantage of."

Ramadan, the Islamic Holy month, requires all observant Muslims to fast during daylight hours which places a particular burden on those fitness and sport activities.

As Fawkner Leisure Centre Health and Wellness Coordinator Glenda Romeo explains "fasting slows the metabolism, so people lose muscle mass, and find they put on a few extra kilos after the fast."

Romeo offers some few tips for combining a fasting and exercise regime, stating "one to two hours after morning break fast and the evening break fast is the optimum time for physical activity. A low intensity group fitness class such as a water workout, or a brisk walk on the treadmill are both great ways to get the heart rate up without completely depleting your energy stores.

"And (exercisers need to) make sure to have a balanced diet of low energy foods to sustain strength throughout the day."

Fawkner Leisure Centre has also extended its opening hours to 10 pm from Monday to Thursday during August and is offering students in swimming lessons the option to suspend their swimming lessons free of charge during this period. Their place will be held in their class until they return, and their fees will be amended accordingly.

The Centre is also offering a discounted membership promotion to get people back into a healthy habit, with 90 days full centre access for just $90 - available from 20th August for one week only.

For more information go to www.activemoreland.com.au

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