Losing a proper diet and exercise plan during Ramadan is common. Several people have fallen off the exercise bandwagon and are having problem jumping back to regular exercising.

Many of them couldn’t hit the gym due to the busy schedule. They are now rushing toward the gym to shed those extra flabs gained during Eid and Ramadan.

The duration of Eid is a time of celebration and joy and with any joyous occasion, one tends to celebrate with treats and sweets.

“A month of fasting, and by not eating anything during the day we overate and expose our body to unhealthy eating practices,” said Mohammed Habeeb, a health expert in Dammam.

He added that eating patterns like regular intake of sugary sweets and unhealthy food in the late hours of the night add to a couple of kilos. “It is important to get back on track and start getting back in shape after Ramadan,” he said.

Walking, exercising at gyms, swimming and yoga have turned out to be the top priority for people now. “Eid is a time for carefree celebration. Overeating during these days is very common. To shed the extra body weight, I joined the gym last week in order to be more active and to remain fit,” said Zaki Syed, a resident of Jeddah.

“Eating smart and training smart is not possible in Ramadan or Eid. My routine got disturbed during these days and I had to abandon my workout routine, which made me gain a few kilos,” said Hamza Hussein, a gym freak. “Immediately after the Eid holidays, I went to the gym to lose weight that I gained,” he added.

Many gyms have turned busy with people working out and shaking off the Ramadan and Eid lethargy. Bassam, a trainer at the local gym, said: “The gym remains usually busy with youngsters, who have curtailed their activity levels in the month of Ramadan, which led to their gaining weight. Losing weight has become priority for many of them. The gym too is offering discounts on post-Ramadan gym memberships.”

“About 20 new members have joined the gym after the Eid,” he added. According to Jeddah-based nutritionist Salma Fatima, women are the ones who gain more weight during this month as they are less active.

Majority have joined the gym or started taking walks in parks or grounds in order to regain the body’s shape and fitness.

“I gained around 7 kg last month. At first I was lazy to think of doing a workout but later I aimed to build up to 20-minute sessions every day,” said Nadia, a resident of Riyadh.

Arwa Zamzami, manager of Curves gym, said: “Although some of the ladies have not turned back after the Eid due to the busy domestic schedules, most of them have joined and doing steady workouts.” Very few people manage to live up to health and activity regimens. Nutritionists have recommended people to work out as even small changes can bring a significant impact on their well-being.

“We eat and drink after sunset during Ramadan but the late night meals and traditional celebration of Eid, which is famous for sugar feast, ruin the diet of the people,” said Dr. Haneef, a nutritionist.

“It is important for everyone to work out and avoid any health consequences. One needs to take charge of one's well-being and introduce some positive changes to one's lifestyle,” he added.