Pilates Classes in Bradford Mosques Go Viral

A series of men-only pilates classes held in mosques across Bradford have attracted widespread attention after a promotional TikTok video amassed nearly two million views, inspiring plans to expand the initiative to women and young people.

On a gloomy early afternoon at Jamia Usmania Mosque in Bradford, a group of mostly elderly men gather downstairs after completing their midday prayers. Rather than heading home, they roll out mats to take part in a weekly 45-minute pilates session, moving through squats, glute bridges and stretching exercises.

The classes are led by 69-year-old instructor Zafar Kayani, who says the sessions offer more than just physical benefits. “They come here for their spiritual health,” he said. “Then they get physical exercise, mental wellbeing, and a chance to connect with each other.”

Initially launched at three mosques with small attendance, the classes quickly gained momentum after the TikTok video went viral. Attendance has since grown to as many as 30 participants per session, with interest coming from mosques across the UK and as far afield as Malaysia and Canada.

“We never expected it to go viral,” said Mohammed Ilyas, the mosque’s general secretary. “It was simply posted to encourage local members. If it’s spreading worldwide, that’s a positive thing — it means change is happening.”

The sessions cater to men aged between 50 and 80, many of whom have long-term health conditions. Participants say the familiar mosque environment helps them feel comfortable joining in.

“Before, I had aches all over my body,” said Mohammed Salim, 66, a retired shopkeeper. “Since I started exercising, it’s much better. I recently had a pacemaker fitted, but I feel fine because I stay active.”

Another participant, 74-year-old Tahir Butt, who has undergone double knee replacement surgery, described the classes as “very beneficial”, adding that he would never have attempted such exercises on his own.

According to government physical activity data published in 2024, men from Asian ethnic backgrounds are less likely to be physically active than the national average. Kayani believes initiatives like this could help ease pressure on the NHS by improving long-term health outcomes.

Despite the physical challenges, the sessions are deliberately light-hearted. Kayani keeps spirits high with humour, referring to participants as “men of steel”, and ends each class with a short guided relaxation, prompting laughter as participants are brought “back to wet Bradford”.

Akhtar Malik, manager of the Bradford Youth Development Partnership, said the initiative has helped reduce loneliness and build friendships. “Being happy and laughing gives people motivation to keep coming back,” he said. “It becomes a social platform — a friendship group.”

Buoyed by the success, organisers are now planning to introduce pilates classes for women and establish youth clubs, with the aim of transforming mosques into wider community hubs.

“We want the mosque to be more than just a place of prayer,” Ilyas said. “A welcoming space for all generations, offering activities that once existed in the community but have since disappeared.”