For those of us who have been with Mojo for a bit, we already have an understanding of how cool it is that our community has thrived for so many years despite the odds. For fun, I took a deeper dive and asked “Chad” (my nickname for ChatGPT) to pull some statistics on longevity…and it made me even more pumped.
Here are some research-backed facts showing just how unique it is that our Mojo community has not only survived, but thrived for 17 years:
🌟 1. Most fitness programs don’t last long.
The average boutique studio lasts 3–5 years.
Sixteen years puts Mojo in the top single-digit percent of survivors.
🌟 2. Most people don’t stay with a workout.
About 50% quit within six months.
Our decade-long friends are nearly unheard of – especially with a program as challenging as ours. You guys ROCK.
🌟 3. Community is the #1 predictor of sticking with fitness.
Group exercisers have a 26% higher adherence rate than solo exercisers.
We see this every week. Even with injuries, travel, and life changes, our friends may step away for a bit…but the beauty is, they tend to find their way back. And we’re so grateful for that!
🌟 4. Women-centered, non-competitive groups have the highest retention rates.
Supportive communities can have 2x more staying power than competitive ones.
🌟 5. Most programs don’t survive major disruptions.
We danced through:
economic downturns
multiple studio relocations
the rise and fall of fitness trends
the Peloton wave
and a global pandemic
We did it. And we’re still going strong.
So, why have we survived this long?
Because what we do week after week may look simple — dance, sweat, laugh, repeat — but it checks off some of the most powerful predictors of long-term happiness.
Carl Jung (yep, the OG psychologist) identified five pillars of a “reasonably happy life,” and Mojo quietly hits almost all of them.
1. Good physical & mental health
Exercise, music, rhythm, and community = a mental health trifecta.
Research shows movement boosts mood more than almost any other daily habit.
2. Close personal relationships
Friendships and supportive bonds are the strongest predictor of long-term well-being.
Mojo friendships run through seasons, milestones, and life shifts.
3. Seeing beauty in everyday moments
Jung believed happiness comes from noticing beauty in ordinary life.
We do that every class through the music, energy, familiar faces, and the sweaty camaraderie after a tough session.
4. Purpose, work, and a sense of contribution
Showing up, even when we don’t feel like it, gives us a grounding sense of accomplishment and direction. No matter what season of life or exercise level, we are all warriors just for showing up.
5. A philosophy that fosters resilience
This is the ultimate power source behind it all.
It’s not just about fitness, it’s about getting through life together.
I’ve watched so many of you navigate injuries, illnesses, grief, aging parents, empty nests, and everyday challenges with courage and stamina.
And I’ve felt supported through my own challenging chapters — losing my parents, the pandemic, my kids growing up, moving away, and all the transitions that come with time.
Your resilience has strengthened me.
Your stories and the energy of this community have kept me connected, moving, and inspired in countless ways.
Whether you join us in person, virtually, or in spirit, it has been an honor to share my passion with you all these years.
Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving full of warmth, laughter, and memories you’ll treasure. I look forward to burning all those yummy indulgences OFF with you this holiday season.
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