STYLING

MARTIAL ARTS INSPO FROM PUMA

By Steven Potter, 15 February 2019

Boss annoying you? Too much uni work to do? That ASOS piece you had your eye on gone out of stock? Martial arts are a great way to find your zen and vent all your everyday frustration. And this season, PUMA's got the goods to help you do it in style. To put the label's latest training gear to the test, we enlisted the help of Taekwondo Paralympic athlete Amy Truesdale. As she prepares for the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, we hit up one of her training sessions to chat to Amy about overcoming obstacles, representing Team GB and what must-have items live in her kit bag.

A picture of Amy Truesdale, a Paralympic athlete kickboxing in PUMA training gear. Available at ASOS.

With training sessions taking up 80% of Amy's week, she needs a kit that works as hard as she does while rolling with the punches. Sorry, we mean elbow strikes and tiger claws. Step up the PUMA 4 Keeps bra top. It features stabilising shoulder straps, designed to support her during medium-level impact workouts, as well as a racer-cut back that keeps her arms free and doesn't restrict movement. Ideal, particularly in Amy's case, for blocking all those hammer fists and eagle strikes.

Those technical leggings currently getting a stretch test not only look cute with their colour blocking, but are also cleverly constructed using a flat-seam technique. That means a friction-free fit, all while moving sweat away from the body using PUMA's DryCELL technology. Genius.

A picture of PUMA's Mode XT trainers. Available at ASOS.

Footwear is incredibly important, especially when you’re roundhouse-kicking your way to greatness. Just as well she’s copped a pair of PUMA Mode XT trainers, then. Not just a good look, the kicks feature foam and beaded cushioning for a cloud-like feel. A super-wearable colourway and springy comfort? It’s a gym-to-brunch dream come true.

A picture of a PUMA holdall in front of a set of weights. Available at ASOS.

Pictures: ASOS

If you’re thinking about hitting the gym, you’re gonna need something to hold all that gear. PUMA's holdall is your new gym BFF, with room for your kit, outfit change, towel, water bottle and more.

So, what's Amy's favourite thing to put in her kit bag? 'That’s a hard question, but it would have to be my GB Taekwondo kit. It’s very special to me as I’m very proud to represent the country. Apart from that, it’s body spray and perfume!'

When did you start Taekwondo?

I started in February 1997, so I’ve been training for nearly 22 years!

Who inspires you?

It's so hard to choose as I know so many inspiring athletes. In everyday life, people who have overcome any form of disability inspire me. They've proved that it's ability, not disability that matters.

Finish this sentence: 'I do Taekwondo because...'

I want to win a gold medal at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. I want to inspire others to achieve their goals, too.