These Creatives Show Why Working Out Is The New Fashionable Trend
Even before Olympics fever captured our attention, the creative community was already diving into their fitspo era. We explore what’s behind this new trend.
Traditionally, the fitness scene has been dominated by athletes, bodybuilders, and wellness gurus. However, the fitness landscape is undergoing a significant shift. As staying active becomes a mainstream priority, a new wave of "fitspo" is emerging: creatives who seamlessly integrate fitness into their artistic lives.
We're seeing a surge of creative professionals who excel in their artistic fields (from graphic design to filmmaking) while prioritising their physical health. Their routines encompass a diverse range of activities, from weightlifting and pilates to even professional basketball. The core motivation? The sense of well-being that comes from an active lifestyle. Ahead, some of them tell us how they do it.
ELDEN ZACHERY, 22, STYLIST AND FASHION ARTIST
It isn’t hard to spot Zachery in the gym: simply look out for the guy in the bright tops.
His current occupation: "I am a stylist for publications, film, advertising, and events. I am also a fashion artisan (check out his past project at @___soltu.)"
When he started getting into fitness: "I’ve always liked working out on my own in my room, but I only started taking it seriously and going to the gym in October 2022."
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His participation in sports/classes: "I don’t attend any classes, but I learnt some powerlifting fundamentals from my friend and applied them. Now, I go to the gym regularly."
What inspired his fitness journey: "I wanted to get into fitness to look good, but never committed to it until I reached a low point in my life. I really needed some order and self-love to put into practice, so that made me start taking fitness and gymming more seriously."
Outside of fitness, Zachery is known for his work with textiles and styling.
What he wears when he does fitness: "I usually wear a brightly coloured singlet or T-shirt, PT shorts, and sneakers with flat soles. I keep what I wear light, but still true to me."
His favourite fitspo influencer: "JP aka Raza (@razalifts on Instagram) is my favourite because he has an aspirational physique and creates excellent gym content with a mix of humour and lifestyle, which I enjoy."
On how much time he spends on fitness: "I spend about one and a half to two hours on fitness every session. In a week, I have four to five sessions."
One tip for beginners starting their fitness journey: "Start! Don’t be scared of the weight, the movement, or the activity. Fitness is actually about letting go of control and allowing your body to problem-solve different exercises, then adjusting from there. So just start!"
DANIA ERVIANNY, BRAND MANAGER OF THE SUBURBS STUDIO
Ervianny plays for the Singapore national women's basketball team.
Her current occupation: "I’m the brand manager at The Suburbs Studio, assisting the makeup artists with their social media accounts while completing my degree in marketing. Once I’m ready to step on court again this November (or hopefully earlier), I will have graduated from university and will continue as a professional athlete. I aim to travel to different countries to compete in basketball while still managing The Suburbs Studio’s social media platforms."
When she started getting into fitness: "I did ballet for most of my life but tried various sports like golf and swimming. I eventually joined basketball, which has remained my focus ever since."
Her participation in sports/classes: "I represent Singapore in the National 3x3 Women’s team, but due to major knee surgery last November, I am currently undergoing rehab before I can return to playing. For now, I’m doing physiotherapy and athlete development training with Athletic Collective to be back on court before the year ends."
Outside of fitness and her basketball career, Ervianny is a brand manager for The Suburbs Studio, a makeup artistry management and creative company.
What inspired her fitness journey: "I got into basketball when I was 13 because I wanted to spend more time with my older brother, who used to play basketball with his friends when I was a child. I only began taking fitness and training seriously about four years ago and started going to the gym because I wanted to excel in my sport and compete at the international level—something I am pleased to have achieved."
What she wears when she does fitness: "I'm always in Nike. My fitness outfit usually consists of a compression tee and a cute pair of shorts. One thing about me is that I must have pink in whatever I wear, whether it's in my outfit, shoes, or bag."
Nike is her go-to brand for working out.Nike is her go-to brand for working out.
Her favourite fitspo influencers: "Right now, I’ve been loving the attention women’s basketball is getting. I love Angel Reese and Cameron Brink, two multidimensional women with so much love for their sport. I have been following them since their college basketball days, and now they are rookies in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). I always look forward to their pregame walk-in outfits as much as their game highlights."
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On how much time she spends on fitness: "Since I am in rehab now, I’m in the gym three to five days a week for about two hours a time, along with some shootarounds here and there. Once I’ve been cleared to go back to competitive basketball, I’m back to training five days a week, sometimes even twice a day."
One tip for beginners who are starting their fitness journey: "One tip is to just get started and don’t be afraid to look stupid. You’ll meet great people along the way who will support and guide you."
CHERVIN LOIS, 23, FREELANCE FASHION DESIGNER AND YOGA TEACHER
Besides designing, Chervin Lois teaches yoga as a side gig.
Her current occupation: "I'm a freelance fashion designer. Previously, I designed for the activewear brand Kydra, which allowed me to blend my creativity with my passion for fitness and address problems faced at the gym that activewear could help solve. I also teach yoga on the side."
When she started getting into fitness: "I began my fitness journey in 2022 with F45 Training, which marked a turning point in my fitness lifestyle."
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Her participation in sports/classes: "I currently do weight training at Pure Fitness and practice yoga at both Pure Yoga and Nithya Priyan. These activities help me maintain a balanced approach to fitness, combining strength and flexibility."
What inspired her fitness journey: "My fitness journey began because I wanted to improve my overall well-being and incorporate more movement into my life. I find being active helps me release excess energy and is a lot of fun. My friend and I have a tradition after weight training called 'playtime', where we practice inversions, acro, or just flip around. It really heals my inner child and makes working out fulfilling and enjoyable."
Lois engaging in weight training.
What she wears when she does fitness: "My go-to workout outfit typically consists of a sports bra paired with either leggings or shorts, depending on the type and intensity of the activity. Comfort and functionality, while looking cute, are key."
Her favourite fitspo influencers: "For yoga inspiration, I love @astngalien on Instagram. When I’m hitting the gym, @sanfrankrisco and @leanbeefpatty on Instagram are my go-to influencers. Their content is both motivating and educational."
On how much time she spends on fitness: "I usually head to the gym at least three times a week, typically in the evening. On weekends, I mix it up with yoga or other activities."
One tip for beginners who are starting their fitness journey: "Starting a fitness journey might be daunting. One tip I’d recommend if you’re a beginner is to join classes, either through ClassPass (a monthly fitness and wellness membership) or at any preferred studios. ClassPass is useful if you want to explore different types of activities before settling on a studio. Both ClassPass and some studios usually offer free trial sessions as well. Joining classes is a good entry point for beginners since the programme is structured, and all you have to do is show up—so no excuses. Take it slow at your own pace and don’t overexert yourself, or you might risk injury."
SANJEEV SUPPIAH, 25, FREELANCE MODEL
The fitness journey for model Sanjeev Suppiah began in earnest during his National Service.
His current occupation: "Currently, I am a freelance model, and fitness plays a vital role. Apart from that, I will soon be pursuing a degree and a full-time career thereafter. Throughout this journey, I aim to maintain this lifestyle and possibly even become a trainer to help others in the future and promote body positivity."
When he started getting into fitness: "I started taking fitness seriously during National Service three years ago. For instance, before my basic military training (BMT), I couldn’t do a single pull-up, which was pointed out during training. I challenged myself to be able to do at least one by the end of BMT. Now, it has become a staple in my workouts, which I have been actively doing for three years."
His participation in sports/classes: "I do a mix of strength training four times a week and an appropriate amount of cardio, which also serves as part of my recovery. A tip for beginners: recovery is key."
Sanjeev showcases what he has gained through fitness with his wardrobe choices.
What inspired his fitness journey: "I was very overweight throughout primary school and until Secondary Three and Four. I first started considering fitness after rejections from my teenage crushes, which unintentionally gave me the boost I needed. I’ll admit, a big part of my motivation has been—and still is—fueled by this personal insecurity about my weight. But as long as it helps, I’m okay with it staying. I’ve tried different forms of fitness, such as dance and occasional sports, but the most challenging yet effective form has been the hybrid approach I’ve adopted over the past three years."
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What he wears when he does fitness: "Mostly compression tops, sometimes tank tops, with sweat shorts. They are comfortable, breathable, and ideal for hot conditions."
His favourite fitspo influencer: "Honestly, I can’t pick just one. Instagram has many fitness influencers who share valuable information and glimpses into their fitness-focused lifestyles. Hybrid athletes are great to follow for motivation."
On how much time he spends on fitness: "I spend about five to six times a week on fitness, with each session lasting around two hours."
One tip for beginners who are starting their fitness journey: "Before adopting a fitness regime or diet that you may have seen others using, take time to try out different exercises and variations to see which ones are more effective for you. It varies for everyone. Once you’ve identified your favourites, build a regime around them. Remember to allocate rest days too; they are vital."
SABRINA ELMAN, 27, SOCIAL INSIGHTS ANALYST
Pilates is the sport of choice for media creative Sabrina Elman.
Her current occupation: "I am currently working as a social insights analyst and a post-creative strategist."
When she started getting into fitness: "I was always into fitness from a young age, as I used to be an athlete in primary and secondary school. However, I resumed working out regularly about a year and a half ago."
Her participation in sports/classes: "I regularly attend Pilates classes."
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What inspired her fitness journey: "I think the simple but meaningful phrase 'Look good, feel good' was my main inspiration for taking up fitness again. I wanted to look and feel good about myself."
What she wears when she does fitness: "In terms of brands, I like wearing pieces from Lululemon, Under Armour, Shop Terrae, and Amazon."
Sabrina looks good and feels good thanks to fitness.
Her favourite fitspo influencer: "My best friends. They are not influencers, but we’re on a collective mission to be at our best, which involves prioritising wellness. I would say they influence me to improve in my fitness journey."
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On how much time she spends on fitness: "I engage in fitness activities three to four times a week."
One tip for beginners who are starting their fitness journey: "Listen to your body. While maintaining your routines is important, it is equally, if not more, crucial to recognise when to take a break and let your body recuperate."