Tags: Activewear COVID 19 Dani Aesthetics Dani Angeles Filipino brand Fitness Home workout Jump rope Meghann Hernandez Metro Mom Pandemic
Stay fit at home with workout gear and activewear by Davao-based brand, Ropeful.
With the goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19, a lot of countries have resorted to restrictive measures to limit the movement and gathering of people in their area. Concerns about staying active and fit weighed in, especially among the population who have been used to working out in gyms, training studios, sports centers and outdoors. The local mandates then pushed everyone to make lifestyle changes and move our exercise within the safety of our homes.
While this initially posed some logistical challenges, many were quick to set up practical and effective exercise routines they could execute within their four walls.
Some were able to acquire gym-standard contraptions for their private setup. Online and app-based programs, most of which are available on demand, became a worldwide phenomenon—pretty similar to how exercise video tapes helped shape the fitness culture in the past.
Of all the options available, it was jump rope that made the most resounding buzz. Many have jumped on this new fitness craze, which is the most economical and least demanding in terms of space.
Get on your feet
One of those who became so passionate and invested in jump rope is 27-year-old Danielle Kaye “Dani” Angeles. This US-trained and licensed permanent makeup professional is the brains behind the lifestyle brand called Ropeful, which launched in June 2020. Her goal to inspire the community to stay active stems from her own drive to get out of the sedentary lifestyle.
“During the period of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), there were some who succumbed to laziness, unhealthy eating, and other bad habits. I was one of them,” Dani confesses. “In compliance with government guidelines, gyms suspended operations and jogging outside was not allowed either.”
“The lockdown took its toll on me and I couldn’t stand not doing anything. One day, my fiancé bought me a jump rope from a neighborhood gym that closed down. He got the last one available there. I immediately hopped onto the jump rope program.”
Fitness unlocked
Dani fell in love with this total body workout. “I found out that this is the fastest and most efficient fat-burning type of cardio. You can even burn around 280 calories in only 15 minutes. Jump rope also helps improve your agility, speed, strength, and hand-eye coordination.”
She also found it more challenging and fun as she unlocked a few tricks and skills. “I documented my jump rope drills, just for the heck of it, and posted the videos on my social media accounts.”
Dani sensed the growing curiosity and interest in jump ropes, when she started receiving comments and inquiries on social media. This prompted her to venture into an online retail business. Her first set of PVC ropes came in neutral colorway, which instantly drew attention and sold like hotcakes.
“That particular collection was our way of paying respect to the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. I chose ropes in different skin tones to show everyone that we can all jump to the same beat, regardless of color.”
Functional apparel
The popular jump rope collection helped Ropeful gain footing in the community. Celebrities and influencers heard about the brand and orders came in from various locations across the country. Dani decided to expand her product lineup, to meet the rising demand for fitness gears.
Just as home exercises became the new norm, the world also saw the resurgence of interest in activewear, which were fashioned to make workout non-negotiable even when cooped indoors.
Based on recent consumer studies, activewear ranks as one of the highest in apparel sales since the beginning of the pandemic. Dani didn’t waste any time in launching her own athleisure line.
“We now offer a variety of casual yet stylish pieces designed for both exercise and everyday wear.”
Not only do these tops and bottoms serve as alternative for loungewear or innerwear to your professional attire, they also make prepping for workouts easy and convenient when you find a pocket of time.
“The cuts were made to cinch your waist, outline your best features and give your body full support. We only used materials that are totally breathable. We avoided using stuffy and itchy fabric. Our entire athleisure line is super comfortable and feels like butter on the skin. You’d you never want to take them off.”
Brand message
Dani makes sure that all the products she releases in the market are in tune with the brand’s value proposition. According to her, she wants to encourage sustainable health practices, starting with keeping fit.
“We want to give light to everything that may seem hopeless or impossible. I named our brand ‘Ropeful’ to remind us all to stay hopeful whatever the situation.”
For orders, more information and product updates, visit Ropeful PH on Facebook and @ropeful_ph on Instagram.
Story published on my Metro Mom column in Edge Davao newspaper. All photos courtesy of Dani Angeles.
