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ASICS returns to its roots to uplift the world by way of sports activities

ASICS goes back to its roots to uplift the world through sport

As the world is at risk of a mental health pandemic, ASICS reaffirms its commitment to moving the minds through exercise

As the world is at risk of a mental health pandemic, ASICS has announced its renewed commitment to harness the power of sport to elevate the world. From 2021, the brand will help more people experience the transformative power of sport not only on their bodies but also on their minds. Through research and innovation as well as by supporting projects that get people moving for positive physical and mental wellbeing, ASICS is committed to moving the body and mind.

ASICS, an abbreviation for the Latin phrase Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, or a healthy mind in a healthy body, has always believed in the beneficial effects of exercise on the mind. ASICS founder Kihachiro Onitsuka realized that in 1940s Japan the sport had the ability to bring hope and lift spirits. The brand's founding philosophy is perhaps more relevant today than ever before. For this reason, the company is returning to its roots and putting “Sound Mind, Sound Body” at the center of its business.

In 2021, ASICS will conduct a groundbreaking research project on the positive effects of sport on mental wellbeing. It will use the latest biometric technology to capture the true impact of sport on the minds of thousands of participants around the world.

Before fully rolling the research project, the brand also conducted an initial feasibility study involving a group of elite athletes – including British Olympic runner and European triathlon champion Beth Potter – and everyday athletes as a benchmark.

The study was conducted by Dr. Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health at King & # 39; s College, London, has supervised and studied a number of brain pathways known to affect the emotional and cognitive elements of mental wellbeing.

And it found that the everyday athletes experienced an overall emotional boost after brief physical activity, including an improvement in their ability to cope with stress by up to 29% and an increase in their relaxation level by up to 18%.

They also reported a significant decrease in negative emotions such as frustration (up to 135%) and were up to 28% less prone to hasty decisions and negative reactions to challenges or disturbances.

When it comes to the brain pathways associated with cognitive performance, everyday athletes again showed a significant increase after a short period of sport. This included increasing brain processing speed by up to 26%, improving memory by up to 21%, and reducing cognitive stress by 58%, some of which are symptoms such as anxiety, forgetfulness, and disorganization.

Interestingly, both emotional and cognitive increases were greater in everyday athletes than in elite athletes.

After this first feasibility study, ASICS continues to conduct the experiment with everyday and top athletes. The results of this research project will be used to develop future innovations that will unlock the mental benefits of sport and exercise for athletes of all skill levels.

ASICS comes together with its athletes – including Kiryu Yoshihide, Noëlle Roorda and Henri Shoeman – to openly invite people around the world to join their mission to lift the world up. With sunrise as a symbol of hope, ASICS encourages people everywhere to start the New Year by moving around at sunrise to spread positivity and raise awareness of the importance and influence of sport on the mind. Starting today, hundreds of ASICS athletes, ambassadors and staff will move at sunrise.

Dr. Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher on exercise and mental health at King & # 39; s College London, says: “It is impossible to exaggerate the importance of exercise and exercise to us. It is absolutely essential that people exercise their bodies regularly in order to experience these important cognitive and emotional benefits for themselves. There has never been a more important time to get active and experience the mental health benefits of exercise and exercise. "

Yasuhito Hirota, President & Chief Operating Officer of ASICS, said, “We know that COVID-19 has put the well-being of millions of people under even greater pressure. We also know and believe that exercise and exercise can lift moods and help people feel better. For us, 2021 is about unleashing the unique power of sport to uplift our spirits. That starts with encouraging people everywhere to move with us at Sunrise and continues throughout the year as we demonstrate our commitment to our founding philosophy of healthy minds and bodies. "