Pilates Perfect By Sumeya Hoosein, Harare (2026)

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.

“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 in bio.

03/02/2026

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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. “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 in bio.

26/01/2026

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Matwork Pilates training course in Zimbabwe!`

22/01/2026

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Matwork Pilates training course in Zimbabwe!`

11/01/2026

Become a Confident, Highly Skilled Pilates Teacher with one of the world’s most respected Pilates education organisations — Body Control Pilates® (UK)

Please find attached the link to our upcoming Pilates Matwork Teacher Training Course.

There are limited spaces on this course.

All modules/tuition both online and in person (Harare) will be held by Astrid Haupt from Body Control Pilates, Cape Town (SA).

PM if you are interested or need more info.

Looking forward to this new world of Pilates Education 😊

https://www.bodycontrolpilates.co.za/pilates-matwork-course-info-zim

17/11/2025

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“That's all I do. I love it.” – Ed Sheeran (talking about Pilates)

As we approach International Men’s Day (19 November), we’re celebrating men embracing Pilates and redefining strength and self-care.

We have another celebrity spotlight on Pilates as in a recent interview, Ed Sheeran credited Pilates for helping him feel stronger and more balanced. His story highlights what many of us already know; Pilates isn’t just for flexibility or rehabilitation; it’s a powerful tool for endurance, mobility, and mental focus.

This post is part of our ongoing advocacy to raise awareness of Pilates as a credible, evidence-informed practice for everyone, not a passing trend. By highlighting well-known figures like Ed Sheeran embracing Pilates, we aim to normalise male participation, broaden public understanding of its therapeutic and functional benefits, and reinforce the value of Pilates within the wider health and wellbeing community. We do not always support every word written in these articles, but instead highlight the greater idea that Pilates is for every body.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/ed-sheeran-says-pilates-made-him-not-squishy-anymore-here-s-why-the-workout-works/ar-AA1PLr3Q