Pilates Classes at Mosque in England Attract Elderly Men

(MENAFN) At Jamia Usmania Mosque in Bradford, northern England, mostly elderly men gather on the lower floor after the noon prayer for a weekly Pilates class, combining physical exercise with social interaction.

The sessions, lasting 45 minutes, include squats, stretching, and balance exercises, followed by casual conversations over tea, fruit, and biscuits. Most participants are retired, and attendance has become so popular that mosque officials have had to limit the number of attendees. They noted that similar programs have been requested by mosques across the United Kingdom, as well as from Malaysia and Canada.

The initiative began with a small group but gained attention after a video of the classes was shared on the mosque’s social media, leading to increased participation. Now, around 30 attendees regularly join each session, making it a key social gathering for members of the congregation.

With interest rising, organizers plan to introduce Pilates classes for women and set up social clubs for younger people. Officials say the goal is to make the mosque a more inclusive and accessible community hub for all ages, turning it into a space that fosters social solidarity in addition to serving as a place of worship.

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