Aina Rai of Mom's Fitness Mojo

INTERVIEW WITH AINA RAI

We sat down with Aina Rai to learn more about her journey as the founder of Moms Fitness Mojo. The dynamic community is a hub for moms to connect, motivate each other, and reclaim their wellness journey through fitness and social interaction.

What was the moment that sparked Moms Fitness Mojo—what gap were you trying to fill for moms?
Moms Fitness Mojo launched in December 2024 and, in just 10 months, has grown to 180 incredible moms. The spark came after I became a mom and moved to the suburbs, looking for my tribe—moms I could connect with not just as parents but as individuals with their own passions and goals. Like many, my life revolved around kids’ schedules—natural, but physically exhausting and emotionally draining—until I realized my brain felt saturated, and I needed a reset. I pushed through my own fitness journey, losing 40 pounds after my second pregnancy by squeezing in 10 p.m. and lunch-break workouts. When I couldn’t find that circle, I created it: a small WhatsApp group that, by February 2025, was working out, meeting for dinners, and even heading into the city for nights out. The energy was electric—welcoming, encouraging, and a true judgment-free zone.

How does the community help moms reclaim identity beyond “someone’s mom” or “someone’s wife”?
At a recent doctor’s visit, he asked, “What do you like to do for fun?” I froze—and realized I’d forgotten myself, known only as “Vihaan’s mom” or “Vikas’s wife.” I began remembering what made me feel alive—being social, dancing, music, fitness, exploring—and with Moms Fitness Mojo, the focus isn’t on labels; it’s on me as a person. In a recent weekly challenge, moms said seeing others’ step and workout posts motivated them to move—even on low days. At events—brunch, workouts, even our gala—the vibe is show up as yourself. No labels, no judgments, no pressure. Just women celebrating each other, finding joy, and reconnecting with parts of themselves that often get pushed aside.

What does a typical week look like: challenges, check-ins, workouts, social support?
A typical week is full of energy, encouragement, and little wins that add up. Moms share workouts, steps, calories, and new classes—some daily, others weekly. There are subgroups for where you are in your journey—whether she’s postpartum, coming back from an injury, trying something new, or already super active. The common thread is encouragement, motivation, and the joy of seeing moms prioritize themselves in ways that fit their lives.

Hiking, tennis, pickleball, and healthy recipes are common topics. On Saturdays, moms often head out for morning hikes; Sundays usually mean a lake walk. Every Sunday evening, we kick off a new challenge—squats, burpees, “hold your pose”—and my favorite, “Real Goals, Real Journeys,” where moms share their stories, tag a friend, and feel safe, seen, and supported.

What rules or rituals keep the space positive and motivating?
No effort is ever too small to be celebrated. Respect is also key; every mom has her own personality, preferences, and pace, and that’s valued. What we don’t allow is gossip, irrelevant chatter, or advertising. That’s why the group feels so alive—every conversation, every event, every post centers on encouragement, positivity, and the reminder that this space is about you.

How do you accommodate different fitness levels, postpartum needs, injuries, cultural preferences, and schedules?
We’re not fitness coaches or mentors, and we don’t tell anyone what they should or shouldn’t do. The beauty of Moms Fitness Mojo is that it isn’t one-size-fits-all. You go at your own pace, share what you’re comfortable with, and the group cheers you on, no matter where you are in your journey.