Exercise is Essential for Women’s Mental Health

A recent global study has revealed that women are not getting enough exercise, and it is taking a toll on their mental health. The Move Her Mind study, commissioned by ASICS, surveyed nearly 25,000 people and conducted 26 focus groups worldwide, finding a direct link between a woman’s level of activity and her state of mind.

According to the study, women reported feeling significantly happier, more confident, and energized when they exercised regularly compared to when they did not. Additionally, exercise helped women deal with negative emotions more effectively, with those not exercising regularly reporting higher levels of stress and frustration.

Despite the benefits of exercise, many women struggle to prioritize this form of self-care. The study found that more than half of women cited not having enough time to exercise as a major barrier. Other common obstacles included too many other commitments and the demands of motherhood, with over 60% of women admitting that motherhood was the primary reason they stopped exercising regularly.

To raise awareness of the importance of movement for mental health, ASICS is releasing a limited edition shoe with green details, the official color of mental health awareness, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. For each pair of the GEL-CUMULUS 26 sold in May, ASICS will donate $3 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

ASICS President and CEO, Koichiro Kodama, emphasized the brand’s commitment to the connection between movement and mental well-being, stating that the launch of the limited edition shoe is a reminder of the power of movement to uplift our minds.