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A men’s Pilates class at a mosque in Bradford, a city in West Yorkshire, England, sparked global curiosity after a video of the session went viral, amassing over two million views on social media and leaving the organizers “shocked.” The Jamia Usmania Mosque on Heaton Road hosts weekly Thursday classes focused on promoting healthy lifestyles for men aged 50 and older.
According to mosque secretary Mohammad Ilyas, the program was created to support the health and well-being of senior men, with future plans to expand these classes to women as well. The response has been so enthusiastic that class sizes had to be capped due to limited space.
Ilyas expressed surprise at the overwhelming reaction: “We are honestly stunned — it’s gone worldwide, with nearly two million views on TikTok and many more on Facebook.” Since the video’s popularity, the mosque’s comments section has been filled with requests to start similar programs in other mosques, and Ilyas has received calls to organize these classes across England.
Zara Kayani, an instructor at the mosque, shares that he is deeply passionate about promoting health improvements among older adults. He notes that seniors generally have fewer opportunities for exercise compared to younger populations, so these classes are designed to enhance their flexibility.
“It’s a chance for men to gather, enjoy some laughs,” he said. Kayani also mentions the increasing attendance—classes have grown from seven participants to over 25, prompting the mosque to limit enrollment as the numbers rise daily.
Among participants is 62-year-old Abid Khan, who underwent a heart transplant last June, and says the classes have benefited him both physically and emotionally. Ilyas highlighted how this innovative approach has transformed the mosque into a community hub and revealed that plans are underway to build a new facility nearby. This new space will enable the mosque to expand its offerings, including launching classes for women.
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