Yumi Lee Schaefer is originally from Japan as a third-generation Japanese born Korean. She has lived in Australia for 27 years. She loves Australia and has always loved being active and adventurous. Playing sports and being active has been big part of her life.
Naturally her pursuit for career took the way to fitness, wellness and movement therapy. Yumi is a qualified fitness instructor, Pilates instructor, a dance therapist and a personal trainer with nearly 25 years of experience. She had a flashing idea for invention in early 2023 for a portable fitness device for balance, strength and mobility for all levels and ages.
KOA MOVES provides users with a fun, effective, feel-good workout experience. It’s a portable, lightweight ‘gym’ that can be used any time and at any place for muscle toning, balance and mobility. KOA Moves’ slogan is ‘Buckle Up and Get Fitter!’ which is a testament to its simple usability to help users get fitter every day.
Having turned 60 last year, Yumi’s dream came true after manufacturing the product and successfully launching Koa Moves into the market in mid-2024.
What were some of the key learnings you’ve picked up during the process of developing your product KOA Moves?
I was very fortunate (divine guidance as I pray for it) to find a reputable and reliable industrial engineer and designer. What I learned the most is that prototype testing and refining takes time and effort. There were ups and downs. Mentally, I needed to be resilient to face different challenges. The engineer’s encouragement meant so much to me. That is a significant thing I learned.
Genuine encouragement gives strength and coupled with a ‘I CAN DO IT’ attitude. Also, I created a focus group; asking people to test the product and give feedback. For example, a piece of feedback that I’ve received was to soften the grips on the product to give the user a more manageable grip. I was very happy to listen to their feedback as my students can be my best teachers!
The wellness industry is oversaturated with all types of products, classes and programs, as a fitness trainer, what tips would you provide to women who are seeking support when it comes to their health and fitness?
I would encourage to find a trainer or specialist who can understand your issues, concerns, wishes and goals very well and work well with you over time with a specific and achievable program. Or join a group program where you can share your goals with other like minded people and form a great supportive relationship.
It’s always good to have someone who can hold you accountable, and celebrate every win, small or big along your wellness journey. I run a ‘KOA-munity’ where KOA Movers meet monthly to learn about fitness, wellness and exercise together using KOA Moves. I believe that we are all stronger, together!
You are a veteran in the fitness industry, what is it about supporting the elderly in their journey to keeping fit and healthy that excites you?
I am so passionate about installing the ‘3 A’s’ attitude among the elderly. Awareness, Attitude and Action. I make each session fun and enjoyable. Seeing people smiling, getting stronger and increasing their quality of life is a great pleasure in my work.
For example with ‘Awareness’, as we age (over 40s), we lose 10% of our muscle mass each decade. Muscle loss leads to loss of day-to-day functionality, prone to fall, decrease of over-all quality of life.
Attitude: We can do something about it. We want to keep active, strengthening muscles, bones and maintaining balance and mobility.
Action: Let’s go to and enjoy Yumi’s class. Haha. Or any accessible programs of their choice. Action makes a difference in your life.
How has your upbringing in Japan and being a third-generation Korean influenced the way you approach life and business?
It was a hidden apartheid that I went through. I was heart-broken to face legalised discrimination in education, housing, and employment plus social exclusion at times.
I didn’t just succumb to it but I had a drive to stand up for justice as a young person and became a front line human rights activist. It was a most challenging time as I lost my health both physically and mentally after 10 years due to the enormous stress and pressure.
Then, in the healing journey, I learned so much about wellness, health and fitness and also inner strength. That led me to the current profession I enjoy the most. So I testify all things work for the good with faith. I love to bless people through my personal life and business life. With a servant heart, life becomes fulfilling. Come and join one of my classes and let’s get fit together with KOA Moves!
What is your vision for KOA Moves in the next 5 years?
I would love to see KOA MOVES being spread far and wide to all people around the world and also in physio clinics, with NDIS clients, with veterans and among stay-at-home moms both domestically and internationally along with any other fitness enthusiasts. I would love to see KOA MOVES community called KOA-munity popping up in various places. I currently run a local KOA-munity group; full of KOA fans.
And for KOA MOVES to become a household name for effective and fun exercise equipment. I also desire for thousands of people testifying how KOA MOVES has benefited their balance, strength, mobility and quality of life with their KOA smiles.
*KOA means brave, bold and fearless, a warrior.
Follow Yumi and KOA Moves