Movement at the Mosque: Supporting Strength, Balance and Community Wellbeing

Background

Active Hastings works to support residents across the town to move more, improve their health, and stay connected to their communities. Through conversations with members of the local mosque community, a need was identified among some of the older men who regularly attended prayers.

Several elders spoke about increasing difficulty with everyday movements that were becoming more noticeable during daily life and prayer. Tasks such as getting up and down from the floor, maintaining balance, and even bending to put on shoes were becoming challenging. These difficulties can affect independence and confidence, and over time may reduce people’s willingness to stay active.

Recognising that strength, mobility and balance are key factors in healthy ageing, Active Hastings worked with community members to explore a simple and culturally appropriate way to support the elders.

Developing the Sessions

Together with mosque leaders and regular attendees, Active Hastings designed a gentle chair-based exercise session tailored specifically for older adults, but welcoming all ages. The goal was to help participants improve strength, flexibility and balance in a safe and accessible way.

One of the main barriers identified early on was attendance. Many of the elders did not regularly attend external exercise classes due to mobility challenges, transport issues, or simply because leaving home for additional activities was difficult. To overcome this, the decision was made to bring the activity directly into the mosque, a familiar and trusted environment.

The sessions were scheduled after Friday prayers (Jumu’ah), when attendance at the mosque is highest and many of the elders are already present. Holding the session immediately afterwards meant participants did not need to make an extra journey and could join easily if they wished.

Because prayer times change throughout the year, the sessions also needed to be flexible in scheduling. Active Hastings staff worked closely with mosque organisers to adjust session timing when required, ensuring the programme remained aligned with prayer times and mosque activities.

A Culturally Appropriate Approach

Respect for the mosque environment and cultural considerations was central to the programme. Sessions were designed to be:

• Inclusive and respectful of the space, ensuring activities fit comfortably within the mosque setting
• Low-impact and accessible, allowing participants with different ability levels to take part
• Supportive and social, recognising the importance of community and conversation alongside physical activity.

Exercises focus on improving leg strength, posture, mobility and balance, all of which support daily tasks and help reduce the risk of falls. Movements include seated strength exercises, gentle mobility work, and simple balance challenges that can also be practised at home.

Participant Experience

While the sessions aim to improve physical ability, an equally important outcome has been the positive atmosphere they create.

One of the mosque members who helped organise the sessions shared it has been “great to see the elders smiling and really enjoying themselves.” He noted the classes have become about more than just movement. Laughter and conversation are common throughout, helping to build confidence and making physical activity feel welcoming rather than intimidating. One participant commented: “I like that it brings all ages together not just elders, and we laugh a lot."

Another participant shared the exercises help him feel “looser” after prayers, while others have mentioned small but meaningful improvements in daily tasks such as standing up more easily or feeling steadier on their feet. One participant commented: "I look forward to this exercise session as it is fun but also challenging", another said: “It has helped with my back pain as I am a taxi driver and sit for long periods".

Professional Perspective

Jas, Active Hastings GP Link Worker, highlighted the importance of taking activity directly into community spaces:

“Sometimes the biggest barrier to being active is simply getting to a class. By bringing these sessions into the mosque, we’re meeting people where they already feel comfortable. The exercises help improve strength and balance, which are essential for staying independent as we age, but just as important is the social side. People are laughing, chatting and leaving with a smile on their face.” 

Impact

The mosque sessions have demonstrated how community-based activity can remove barriers to participation and reach people who may not otherwise engage with traditional exercise programmes.

Key impacts include:

• Improved access to physical activity for older adults who might not attend external classes
• Increased confidence in movement, particularly with standing, balance and mobility
• Support for healthy ageing, helping participants maintain independence in daily life
• Enhanced social wellbeing, with the sessions providing a space for laughter, conversation and shared experience
• Stronger community partnerships between Active Hastings and the mosque community.

By embedding the activity within a familiar and meaningful setting, the programme has made movement feel natural, accessible and enjoyable.

Looking Ahead

The success of the mosque sessions highlights the value of listening to communities and designing activities around their needs. A simple idea, bringing a short chair-based exercise session into a space people already use, has helped remove barriers and encourage regular participation.

Active Hastings hopes to continue developing partnerships like this, ensuring that more residents can access opportunities to stay active, connected and independent as they age.

Sometimes the most effective health initiatives are also the simplest: meeting people where they are, understanding their needs, and creating opportunities that make them move a little more, and smile along the way.