Full Breakdown
Pilates Classes Foster Community and Wellbeing at Bradford Mosque
1/25/2026, 9:13:59 PM
Introduction to a Unique Initiative
At the Jamia Usmania mosque in Bradford, a weekly pilates class has emerged as a transformative initiative for elderly men in the community. Following midday prayers, participants aged between 50 and 80 engage in exercises designed to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Zafar Kayani, the pilates instructor, emphasizes the dual purpose of these sessions: promoting spiritual health while fostering connections among attendees.
Viral Interest and Community Engagement
The pilates classes gained significant attention after a TikTok video showcasing the sessions went viral, amassing nearly 2 million views. This unexpected popularity has led to inquiries from mosques across the UK and internationally, including interest from Malaysia and Canada. Mohammed Ilyas, the mosque's general secretary, expressed surprise at the response, stating, “We never expected it to go that viral.” The initiative has successfully attracted up to 30 participants per session, creating a comfortable environment for men to exercise in their prayer attire.
Health Benefits and Public Health Implications
Participants have reported notable improvements in their health. For instance, Mohammed Salim, a 66-year-old retired shopkeeper, shared that regular exercise has alleviated his bodily aches. Tahir Butt, 74, who has undergone a double-knee replacement, noted the classes have been “very beneficial” for his condition. Kayani believes these sessions could positively impact public health and reduce costs for the National Health Service (NHS), as increased physical activity may lead to fewer doctor visits. Government health data from 2024 indicates that men from Asian and other ethnic groups are less active than the overall average, highlighting the importance of such initiatives.
Building Community and Combating Loneliness
The pilates classes have also served as a social platform, helping to combat loneliness among participants. Akhtar Malik, manager of the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, noted that the sessions foster friendships and provide motivation for attendees to return weekly. The lighthearted atmosphere, characterized by humor and camaraderie, contributes to a sense of community. Ilyas envisions the mosque evolving into a hub for various activities, not only for the elderly but also for younger generations, with plans for female pilates classes and youth clubs.
Future Aspirations for the Mosque
Ilyas articulated a vision for the mosque to become a more inclusive community space, reminiscent of the activities provided by the council two decades ago. He aims to make the mosque accessible for all, stating, “Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming.” This initiative reflects a broader commitment to enhancing community engagement and wellbeing through physical activity and social interaction.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s a very unique thing for older Asian men,” — Zafar Kayani, Pilates Instructor
- “Before I used to feel ache[s] everywhere, all over [my] body,” — Mohammed Salim, Retired Shopkeeper
- “I wouldn’t think of doing those exercises [before] because of my condition,” — Tahir Butt, Retired Bus Driver
- “That’s the key thing – being happy, laughing – [it] gives you that motivation to keep coming, week in week out,” — Akhtar Malik, Manager, Bradford Youth Development Partnership
- “Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming.” — Mohammed Ilyas, General Secretary, Jamia Usmania Mosque
