How pilates is bringing older men together at a mosque in Bradford

From squats to glute bridges and the butterfly stretch - every Thursday after midday prayers a group of mostly 50- to 80-year-old men take part in a 45-minute pilates class at a mosque in West Yorkshire. Subscribe ► https://www.youtube.com/user/theguardian?sub_confirmation=1 “I think sometimes people are isolated and mosque is a safe environment for them,” says 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,” adds Kayani – with attenders saying they feel the benefit. After a TikTok video they posted advertising the classes at Jamia Usmania mosque in Bradford went viral – to the surprise of organisers – they have had interest from mosques across the UK and farther afield, including from Malaysia and Canada, with inquiries on how similar initiatives could be implemented for their congregation. Kayani believes that the physical and mental health benefits of the classes will have a positive impact on public health and the NHS. According to government health data on physical activity published in 2024, men from Asian (59.6%) and “other” (60%) ethnic groups are less likely to be active than the overall average (65.6%). Jamia Usmania’s general secretary, Mohammed Ilyas, says he wants to make the mosque “a community hub where people can join in other activities, which were provided by the council 20 years ago but are nonexistent now”. He adds: “Make it as accessible as possible, not just for the elders, for the young generation as well, make the mosque welcoming.” Read the full story via the link ► https://ift.tt/7akLzEw #bradford #pilates #islam #muslims #mosque