Elevate Your Workout Routine With Chic Local Activewear

The anticipation of wearing a new set of activewear to your next yoga or spin class may be a familiar feeling to many. “I remembered the first time I got my yoga gear, I was excited to get started on my yoga session in it,” says Diana Chang, founder of Yumi Active.

Diana fell in love with yoga when she was first introduced to it in 2013. Since then, she has been practising yoga and working out regularly. Founded in 2018, home-grown brand Yumi Active is a result of Diana’s personal interest in exploring how to make activewear better and more exciting, so that more women can enjoy and feel good about themselves while working out.

“I personally experienced how staying active makes me a happier, more balanced and energetic person and I wanted to encourage fellow women to embrace and enjoy the benefits of a positive, active lifestyle as well!”, exclaimed Diana.

Yumi in Japanese stands for abundant beauty as Diana sees the brand as a reflection of a resilient, elegant and confident women overflowing with beauty when she has an active zest for life. “When I was conceptualising the brand, I wrote a muse of what a woman with abundant beauty feels like. I envisioned a woman who moves with a glow, climbing through life’s hurdles while keeping her wandering heart true. As she overcomes challenge after challenge, she shines even brighter with quiet strength and beauty,” added Diana.

Inspired by Asia’s rich culture and heritage, Yumi Active incorporates various Asian elements such as Peranakan motifs and Mandala prints in their activewear and accessories. In fact, their debut collection, Blooms of the East, featured handcrafted prints influenced by exquisite flowers from Asia, ranging from Vanda Miss Joaquim (Singapore’s national flower) to the iconic cherry blossoms from Japan.

Beyond the stylish designs, the fabrics undergo stringent testing and are customised for unrestricted movement and stretch while offering a comfortable compression level to maximise performance. With comfort being one of the key criteria in choosing workout attire, Yumi Active uses advanced moisture wicking-technology and anti-microbial finishing to allow sweat to evaporate quicker and to prevent bacteria growth during intense trainings.

With most of us still predominantly working from home, here are some tips from Diana on how to maximise your home workouts.

Choose a workout that is enjoyable to you and based on your current body condition. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your workout accordingly – not all high intensity or high impact workouts are suitable for everyone. If you are just getting started or have been inactive for a prolonged period, pick a simple workout and work towards increasing the intensity slowly.

Diana recommends to keep your workouts short and sweet - between 30 to 40 minutes – but with the right level of intensity and impact that is suitable for your body.

Find a time of the day that fits your schedule. Some, like Diana, feel that a morning routine keeps them refreshed, while others may prefer an evening workout to take off the stresses of the day. If you are feeling restless in the afternoon, you also can also opt for a mid-day session.

“Wearing the right gear for the workout keeps me motivated, you set yourself in the right mood to work out when you are in your favourite activewear,” says Diana. In addition, always ensure that your workout attire is comfortable and cooling. For instance, Yumi Active’s Yuga Mesh is chic yet breathable - making it ideal for most workouts.

Invest in a good yoga or exercise mat, preferably one that has an anti-slip surface to help support your workout poses. For home use, Diana recommends high density ones with at least a 4mm thickness to provide sufficient support and joint protection.