The ASICS State of Mind Index recently showed that the current mood of London is a mediocre 59 out of 100, with three-quarters (76%) of Londoners admitting to wanting an ‘uplift’. So, ahead of the London 10K this weekend, ASICS has announced it will be inviting runners to participate in a world first study into the effect of movement on mental wellbeing.
Using Mind Uplifter™ – a scientifically backed tool that enables people to chart the positive impact of movement on their mind – the 14,000 runners expected to take part will be able to use the tool before and after the race to measure the collective mental uplift – and show how movement has the ability to ‘uplift’ London.
Participants’ data will also feed into a live global study, capturing individual Mind Uplifts from around the world and visually transforming them into a dynamic and interactive World Uplift Map that quantifies the positive impact that sport is having on the collective mood of cities and the world as a whole.
ASICS, an acronym for the Latin, Anima Sana in Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body, was founded more than 70 years ago to lift people’s spirits through sport. Today, ASICS is inviting people across the nation to move and see the impact on their own mental wellbeing with the Mind Uplifter™ tool. Every Mind Uplift shared with #UpliftingMinds will raise funds for mental health charity Mind to help provide services for people experiencing mental health problems.
Linda van Aken, VP Running ASICS EMEA said: “We’ve always believed in the positive impact of movement on the body and on the mind. It’s our founding philosophy and it’s never meant more than right now. The ASICS London 10K is a fantastic opportunity to put the power of sport into action and to lift the mood of the capital. With the Mind Uplifter tool, we will be able to see the positive impact of running on the moods of thousands of people in London.”
Dr. Brendon Stubbs, a leading International expert in mental health and movement who helped to develop the Mind Uplifter tool, commented: “Following 18 months of setbacks, restrictions and uncertainty understandably this has meant that the mood of London is flat. At a time where we are turning a corner with a more positive outlook, the nation is still currently apprehensive, and this is reflected in our general mental wellbeing. Londoners are clearly in need of an uplift and events such as the ASICS London 10K are a great step towards achieving this.”
The ASICS London 10K race will begin in Piccadilly, taking in famous Westminster locations such as St James’s Palace, Trafalgar Square, the Victoria Embankment and Big Ben, before finishing in Whitehall, with live bands and DJs en route.
ASICS will host a series of Uplifting Minds events across the year to encourage wider participation and prove the power of all sports to uplift the mind, starting with the ASICS London 10K on 25 July 2021.
