The lecture entitled “Sporting Activities during Ramadan: Facts and Myths,” was delivered by the Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Centre, Alhaja Rahamat Romoke Ayinde.
Alhaja Ayinde described sporting activities as one of the ways by which people could fill themselves with energy and nourishment.
She said sportsmen and women need to engage in physical activities even during the period of Ramadan and doing so would not put them in danger but enhance their performance and ready them for national and international competitions.
“It will be a misnomer for any athletes to off training for a whole month, as such athlete will definitely lose form, hence, training is a continuous exercise for any athlete either Muslim or non-Muslim,” she said.
She said research had shown that fasting for 30 consecutive days without performing any physical activities reduces strength and physical fitness, hence the need for Muslims to remain active in the month of Ramadan in order to stay healthy.
“There are no scientific bases for the belief that fasting increases cortisol level that can lead to problems such as muscle loss, only that fasting can change cortisol rhythm,” Ayinde noted.
She, however, debunked the myth that sporting activities during Ramadan fasting period lowers blood sugar level.
“During fasting period, your body switches to fat burning mode through the process called fatty acid oxidation. This, in essence, is the changing of fats in our body from its acidic nature to something positive to our living,” she stressed.
Ayinde cautioned athletes not to be gluttonous, adding that fasting during Ramadan with sporting activities should be encouraged as it helps to keep body and soul fit.
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She said moderate exercises were advisable but individuals should consult their physicians before starting any physical activity.
“Brisk walk, slow jogging, cycling, criss training and light machine exercises at gym for the Ramadan are encouraged.
“One should avoid games like squash, lawn tennis, especially any racket games, during Ramadan, while eating a balanced diet and taking adequate amount of liquids and carbohydrates are necessary to help maintain a healthy exercise routine during the period,” she submitted.
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Oyo State SWAN chairman, Niyi Alebiosu, disclosed that the lecture would henceforth be an annual event.
The chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Oyo State Council, Mr Adewunmi Faniran, commended the organisers of the lecture and urged the state chapter of SWAN to keep the flag of good governance flying.
Dignitaries present at the occasion were NUJ Secretary, Oyo State Council. Bola Ogunlayi; General Manager, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Alhaji Rashidi Balogun and General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, Gboyega Makinde.
Veteran sports journalist, Ade Somefun and the Chief Executive Officer, Frenage Soccer Academy, Prince Oluwole Olodade, were also in attendance.
Balogun and Makinde implored all and sundry to heed instructions and adhere to rules and regulations guiding exercises and what they ingest.
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