Mosques in Bradford are redefining their role as community spaces by hosting weekly pilates classes for men, combining physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and social connection within a familiar spiritual setting.

At Jamia Usmania mosque, the initiative takes place shortly after midday prayers. Rather than heading home, groups of mostly retired men make their way downstairs to take part in a structured 45-minute pilates session held on the mosque’s carpet, The Guardian reported.

📚 Read Also: Learn From the Prophet’s Fitness and Exercise

“It’s a very unique thing for older Asian men,” said Zafar Kayani, 69, the pilates instructor.

“They’re coming here for their spiritual health. Then getting that physical exercise and mental wellbeing, and they’re connecting with each other.”

The classes began modestly at three Bradford mosques but quickly gained wider attention after a promotional TikTok video went viral, amassing nearly 2 million views.

Attendance has since grown to as many as 30 participants per session, and interest has poured in from mosques across the UK and internationally, including Malaysia and Canada.

“We never expected it to go that viral,” said 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.”

Aging Together

What Is The Islamic View of Sports and Exercise?

The sessions are designed to be inclusive and accessible. Men aged between 50 and 80, with varying physical abilities, attend in everyday clothing directly after prayers.

“They feel comfortable in the environment,” Ilyas said.

“They come to pray already at the mosque, and after the prayers they can just join in the class, [in] whatever they’re wearing.”

Participants have reported noticeable improvements in mobility and wellbeing. Mohammed Salim, a 66-year-old retired shopkeeper, said the classes had helped ease long-standing aches, even after recently having a pacemaker fitted.

Tahir Butt, 74, a retired bus driver who has undergone double knee replacement surgery, described the sessions as “very beneficial.”

Kayani believes the initiative can contribute to better long-term health outcomes, particularly among older men.

“When they start there will be aches and pains, there will be groans,” he said. “A few weeks along the line, you can see they’re doing [it] with ease.”

Despite the physical demands, the sessions remain light-hearted, with humour and encouragement playing a central role.

Kayani frequently jokes with participants, calling them “men of steel,” and ends each session with guided breathing and relaxation.

Beyond fitness, the mosque-led program has helped reduce isolation and build friendships. Akhtar Malik, manager of the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, said the social aspect was key.

“We provide a social platform where they can meet other people. It’s a friendship group,” he said.

Encouraged by the success, mosque leaders are now planning to expand the initiative.

Ilyas said there are plans to introduce pilates classes for women and establish youth clubs, reinforcing the mosque’s role as a community hub.

“Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming,” he said.