From barriers to breakthroughs: The fitness programme transforming lives of Muslim women across the Midlands

Launched in July 2024, Inspiring Fitness in the Community offers free women-only exercise sessions in some of the UK’s most deprived areas such as Small Heath, Alum Rock and Ward End - areas where access to fitness is often limited by cost, culture, or confidence. As one of the UK’s fastest growing community initiatives, it hopes to expand these sessions nationally.

Designed specifically for women aged 45 to 85, the classes, backed and funded by Cadent and Birmingham City Council, combine low-impact movement with open conversations about health, menopause, and wellbeing.

Led by local coach Selina - a Muslim fitness instructor from a Pakistani background - the programme reflects the lived experiences of the women it serves.

“I’d work in gyms and barely see women like me,” says Selina. “No role models, no safe spaces. This programme is what I wish I’d had when I was younger.”

Nearly 40% of British Muslim women are inactive - often due to a lack of culturally sensitive, women-only spaces1. For many attending Inspiring Fitness in the Community sessions, it’s their first time doing structured exercise.

“Some women arrive nervous, unsure if it’s for them,” says coach Selina. “But we make it welcoming and familiar. Seeing someone who looks like them leading the class builds instant trust.”

Women are encouraged to come exactly as they are - traditional dress, trainers, no judgement. These sessions offer more than about just exercise - they’re a safe space for connection, conversation, and belonging.

Grounded in the belief that health should be accessible to all, sessions are free, local, and open to every woman in the community - regardless of age, background, ability, or income. The programme has succeeded in creating vibrant cross-cultural connections.

Fighting Health Inequalities

Muslim women over 65 are twice as likely to report poor health (38%) compared to others (16%)2, facing higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Many live in deprived areas, further limiting access to fitness.

"This is about so much more than exercise," says Selina. "We’re seeing women with chronic pain or health conditions leave smiling, socialising, and feeling confident."

One participant with fibromyalgia reported reduced pain, while another, registered blind, empowered the group with new skills to support her. The sessions boost mobility, mental health, and confidence.

Building a Blueprint for Change

“Health isn’t a luxury – it’s a right,” says Marcus McDonald, Director of Inspiring Fitness in the Community.

 “For too long, women from Muslim or ethnic minority backgrounds have been excluded from traditional fitness spaces – because of cost, culture, language or simply a lack of welcome. 

“We’re changing that for all underserved communities across the UK. Whether you’re older, disabled, from an ethnic minority, from a low income, or new to exercise, we believe in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, supported and able to move with confidence.”

Phil Burrows, Head of Customer Vulnerability Social Programme Delivery at Cadent, said: “Vulnerability takes many forms, and improving health outcomes starts with breaking down the barriers to support. Inspiring Fitness in the Community shows the power of grassroots action to drive real, lasting change.

“We’re proud to back a programme that champions inclusive, culturally sensitive wellbeing while building trust, confidence and connection. By working closely with local partners and those with lived experience, we can ensure no one is left behind.”

In just 9 months, Inspiring Fitness in the Community has already expanded to 60 locations across the UK – and demand continues to surge. In February 2025, it launched British Sign Language-led sessions at Birmingham’s Deaf Cultural Centre, one of several new, barrier-breaking formats tailored for underserved groups.

From women-only workouts and chair-based sessions for older adults to inclusive boxercise and support for people with disabilities, the programme is rapidly becoming a national model for accessible exercise. New local coaches are being trained, wellness events are being hosted, and partnerships with councils and community spaces are fuelling its momentum.

“This is what real inclusion looks like,” says Selina. “We’re not just breaking down barriers to exercise – we’re reminding people they matter.”

For more information visit: facebook.com/inspiringfitnesscommunity