Last Updated on February 2, 2026 by Laura Jensen

This case study looks at how group exercise can keep women active who have recently given birth. It also explores the importance of women only sessions, particularly for those whose religious beliefs limited the active opportunities that they are able to participate in. It also explores the mental wellbeing of participants.

Hafsa Begum attends a class delivered by Laura Williams, a Pilates and Yoga Group Exercise instructor for over 20 years. We recently had the chance to attend one of her classes and conduct an interview with Hafsa. On arrival, multiple participants praised the class and the instructor, commending Laura for how accommodating she was to each individual participants’ needs and abilities.

This particular class is delivered to women exclusively. The class included women from various cultures, backgrounds and ages and was commented as being a “safe space for all”. Women who wore head scarves felt comfortable enough in the environment to remove them. The comfortable and safe space created was mentioned by one participant as “a credit to the instructor for creating a space where those who may not usually be comfortable in group situations can confidently take part in a group exercise class”.

Hafsa is a regular attendee of the weekly class. Hafsa was very active prior to her pregnancy and had a passion for hiking. Having recently had a child she feels a bit more restricted in the forms of activity she can participate in. Thankfully, she was able to find a group exercise class that fits into her schedule. Without this, she would be inactive because of work and childcare responsibilities.

Speaking about her Yoga and Pilates classes, Hafsa said:

“It is vital to my mental wellbeing and is a space where I can have time to myself away from my busy schedule.”

HafsaParticipant

Hafsa enjoys the group exercise environment, commenting that it is a “great way for her to get out and meet new people” and that she has developed many friendships from the class. Hafsa says the class is the highlight of her week and that she is “always excited for the class and would never miss it”.

The group dynamic to the Pilates class gives it “an extra edge” according to Hafsa. She said that the instructor, Laura, makes her give 100%.

“If you see people around you give their best effort, you feel like you should give your best effort too. It is almost like you want to compete and keep up with them – so it really helps physically and has helped my core recover from my pregnancy.”

HafsaParticipant

When questioned on what she would say to someone that hadn’t considered doing group exercise as part of their regular routine, Hafsa said:

“Group exercise helps maintain oneself, giving you time for you whilst enabling you to interact with others. You meet different people of all different cultures. Everyone at my class has had to come out of their comfort zone and start working on themselves. If people know how easy it is to just give it a go, then I think more people would do it.”

HafsaParticipant

This is just one of the 10 case studies featured in the EMD UK Social Value of Group Exercise report, exploring the ways in which group exercise can improve the lives of those it supports.

To read the rest of the case studies, and explore the full findings of the report, click the button below.

Download the full EMD UK Social Value Report