The Impact of Exercise on Women’s Mental Health: A Look at the Move Her Mind Study
A recent global study has revealed that women are not getting enough exercise, and it is taking a toll on their mental health. The study, commissioned by ASICS and involving nearly 25,000 participants from around the world, found a direct correlation between a woman’s level of physical activity and her state of mind.
According to the Move Her Mind study, women reported feeling significantly happier, more confident, and energized when they exercised regularly compared to when they did not. In fact, the study showed that women felt 52% happier, 48% more confident, and 50% more energized when they engaged in regular physical activity.
Furthermore, researchers discovered that exercise helped women cope with negative emotions more effectively. Women reported feeling 67% more stressed and 80% more frustrated when they were not exercising regularly.
Despite the clear benefits of exercise on mental health, many women are struggling to prioritize self-care. The study revealed that more than half of the women surveyed cited not having enough time to exercise as a major barrier. Other common obstacles included too many other commitments and not enough time.
Motherhood also played a significant role in hindering women’s exercise routines, with over 60% of women admitting that being a mother was the primary reason they stopped exercising regularly. Caregiving roles and gendered expectations were also identified as barriers to women’s physical activity.
To raise awareness about the importance of movement for mental health, ASICS is releasing a limited edition shoe with green details, the official color of mental health awareness. 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 promoting a sound mind and body through movement. The launch of the limited edition shoe is a reminder of the positive impact of exercise on mental well-being, and every purchase will support NAMI’s mental health initiatives.
