Encouragingly, research shows the impact of individuals and grassroots organizations in helping more women move. ASICS recognizes people who make a difference.
move her heart
LONDON, Feb. 27, 2024 (Globe Newswire) — The largest global study ever undertaken on the gender exercise gap has revealed:
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The more women move, the better they feel. Women who exercised regularly experienced a 52% increase in happiness, 50% increase in energy, 48% increase in self-confidence, 67% decrease in stress, and 80% decrease in irritability.
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However, more than half of women don’t exercise as much as they would like, missing out on the physical and mental benefits of exercise.
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All women face myriad universal challenges and barriers to exercise throughout their lives.
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However, men’s perceptions of these barriers differ from reality.
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Encouragingly, people around the world are actively breaking down barriers for women in sports. ASICS is committed to highlighting their stories and supporting Move Her Mind.
This International Women’s Day, ASICS is announcing the results of the largest study ever conducted on the gender exercise gap, reaffirming the positive correlation between women’s physical activity levels and their mental health. did. 52% happier, 50% more energetic, 48% more confident, 67% less stressed, and 80% less irritable. when exercising.
But this independent study, led by eminent academics Dr Dee Dolgonski and Professor Brendon Stubbs and conducted on more than 25,000 people, found that an astonishing half of women worldwide More than 1,000 of them had either stopped exercising or stopped exercising altogether, which was found to be having a negative impact on their mental state. In response, ASICS recognizes and amplifies the positive impact of individuals and grassroots organizations that are breaking barriers for women in sport, and is committed to supporting, empowering and inspiring more women. It is working.
Alarmingly, this global study revealed that more than half of women are dissatisfied with their physical activity levels. All women experience barriers to exercise throughout their lives. Time pressure (74%) and Low confidence (35%) to Intimidating environment (44%) or Doesn’t feel sporty enough (42%). Additionally, almost two-thirds (61%) of mothers cited motherhood as the main reason they no longer engage in regular exercise or sport, showing the influence it has. caregiving responsibilities and society’s expectations The impact of gender roles on women’s activity levels.
Interestingly, men’s perceptions of the challenges faced by women differed from reality. Only 34% of men identify lack of time as a barrier to exercise for women, despite three-quarters (74%) of women citing this issue. Instead, Men thought body anxiety was the main problem, 58% of men report this is their main barrier, compared to 36% of women. In fact, of the top five perceived barriers to exercise by men, only one (cost) actually appears on the list of the most common barriers reported by women, which is why men’s perceptions and worldwide The disconnect between women and their daily lives is highlighted.
Despite this, the survey found that more than a third of women said their friends were the biggest influence on their exercise, noting that women like them are more motivated to exercise than celebrities. ing. When asked why they exercise, women more strongly said it was for mental (92%) and physical (96%) health rather than aesthetics.
“We’re excited to announce this new study,” said lead researcher Dee Dolgonski, Ph.D., assistant professor at the University of Kentucky Sports Medicine Institute. “Our study showed that the exercise gap between men and women is a complex challenge that did not develop overnight. There is no single cause and therefore no single solution can solve it. But when asked what would help, women said that making migration more accessible, inclusive and visible in all its forms, while challenging society’s gendered expectations, would support migration. Deaf said. More.
“This includes making exercise centered around women and their needs. , welcoming and non-judgmental. All of these solutions have the potential to have a small but big impact, and our research supports thousands of people around the world who are already driving change. Individuals and organizations have been identified.”
This includes people like Karen Guttridge, who, as an older woman, felt there were no local opportunities for exercise. So she decided to establish her own running group for women over 50. Karen, who expected five women to attend her first session, was overwhelmed when more than 70 like-minded women turned up. Providing running programs for all fitness levels and a safe, non-judgmental, welcoming space for women to connect, the group has seen overwhelming success, inspiring many women to get moving and feel more confident. We have supported you so that you can carry it with you.
At ASICS, we want to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact that people like Karen have on communities around the world. Currently, ASICS is spotlighting notable individuals and organizations that are actively breaking down barriers for women in exercise and sport. The ASICS Move Her Mind platform includes stories of people making a difference, as well as resources, activities and tips to support more women to move more often.
ASICS recognizes that there are many more people and organizations making a difference around the world. This International Women’s Day, ASICS is inviting you to share your stories and experiences so more women can connect, support and be inspired.
Tomoko Koda, Managing Executive Officer of ASICS, commented as follows:ASICS was founded on the belief that sport and exercise benefit the body and mind. This is why we are called ASICS. “Anima Sana in Corpore Saga” or “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body.” While our research found that many women are dissatisfied with their level of physical activity, we also found that individuals and grassroots organizations have a significant impact in supporting women’s movements. It became clear.
“By launching Move Her Mind, we are giving these remarkable people a platform to connect and inspire others and help everyone achieve a healthy mind in a healthy body. It’s time for more women and girls to experience the positive physical and mental effects of exercise. It’s time for a change. It’s time to move their hearts. came.”
Visit and join the Move Her Mind platform at http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/move-her-mind.
Note to editors:
The study was commissioned by ASICS and led by Dr. Dee Dolgonski, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky Sports Medicine Institute, and Associate Professor Brendon Stubbs from King’s College London. Both are prominent researchers in the fields of exercise and mental health.
The study was conducted from June to September 2023. A total of 26 focus groups were conducted around the world, and 24,772 people responded to his online survey in over 40 countries, making it the largest survey of its kind. All focus groups were led by independent facilitators, including leading academics and industry experts.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe3723d9-16dc-4cb1-ad05-6561904aa4ac.
CONTACT: For further information or to organise interviews, please contact moveeverymind@golin.com
