Bradford Mosque Pilates Classes Build Fitness and Friendship Among Elderly Men
In the heart of Heaton Village, Bradford, a unique community initiative is bringing together spiritual practice and physical wellbeing. At the Jamia Usmania mosque, a group of mostly elderly men gather each week for a 45-minute pilates class immediately following their midday prayers.
From Viral TikTok to Community Transformation
What began as a small-scale initiative at three Bradford mosques has blossomed into something far more significant. A promotional TikTok video showcasing the classes unexpectedly went viral, amassing nearly 2 million views and sparking interest from across the UK and internationally.
"We never expected it to go that viral," admitted Mohammed Ilyas, the mosque's general secretary. "It was just a general upload to promote and get more members in. It started from Bradford and if it goes worldwide, we believe it's a positive thing and we're making a change."
The video has generated inquiries from mosques as far away as Malaysia and Canada, with religious communities seeking guidance on implementing similar programmes for their congregations.
Addressing Health Disparities Through Accessible Exercise
The classes, attended by men aged between 50 and 80 with varying physical abilities, specifically target a demographic that government health data shows faces particular challenges. According to 2024 statistics, men from Asian ethnic groups are less likely to be physically active than the national average.
Zafar Kayani, the 69-year-old pilates instructor who leads the sessions, emphasises their accessibility. "They feel comfortable in the environment," he explains. "They come to pray already at the mosque, and after the prayers they can just join in the class, [in] whatever they're wearing."
The sessions begin with gentle stretches before progressing to more challenging exercises like squats, glute bridges, and the butterfly position. Kayani keeps the atmosphere lighthearted, punctuating the 45-minute sessions with humour and encouraging participants by calling them "men of steel."
Tangible Benefits for Physical and Mental Wellbeing
Participants report significant improvements in both their physical health and mental state. Mohammed Salim, a 66-year-old retired shopkeeper, shares his experience: "Before I used to feel ache[s] everywhere, all over [my] body. But when I started walking and doing exercise, it's much better."
Tahir Butt, 74, who has undergone double-knee replacement surgery, finds the classes "very beneficial" despite his initial reservations about exercising with his condition.
Beyond the physical benefits, the sessions have created a vital social platform. Akhtar Malik, manager of the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, observes: "That's the key thing – being happy, laughing – [it] gives you that motivation to keep coming, week in week out. We provide a social platform where they can meet other people. It's a friendship group."
Expanding the Vision for Community Hubs
The success of the men's pilates classes has inspired broader ambitions for transforming mosques into comprehensive community centres. Ilyas envisions creating spaces that serve multiple functions beyond religious practice.
"As well as a mosque, a community hub where people can join in other activities, which were provided by the council 20 years ago but are nonexistent now – we want to make that happen again," he explains. "Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming."
Plans are already underway to expand the programme to include female pilates classes and youth clubs, creating intergenerational connections and addressing community needs across demographic groups.
A Model for Holistic Community Health
Kayani believes these initiatives could have far-reaching implications for public health services. "This is beneficial for the NHS," he suggests. "If there's less people going to see the doctors, going to the hospital appointments, it's less cost to them."
The Bradford mosque pilates programme represents more than just exercise classes – it's a model of integrated community care that combines spiritual practice, physical activity, mental wellbeing support, and social connection in accessible, culturally appropriate settings.
