Since ASICS was founded in 1949, the brand’s focus has been on highlighting the positive effect of movement on the mind. The name itself, ASICS, stands for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, which translates to "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body.” So, it comes as no surprise that ASICS’ latest endeavor is a return to its roots that puts the focus on the connection between movement, body, and mind.
Along with the release of the NOVABLAST™ 2 —an upgraded version of last year’s NOVABLAST™ 1 with more bounce and more compression—ASICS has launched the Mind Uplifter™ Tool. The virtual tool enables people to see the impact of their workouts on their minds through facial scanning and scientifically developed questions that measure metrics such as confidence, positivity, and calmness.
The goal of the Mind Uplifter™ Tool is to collect data for a live global study that will be converted into an interactive World Uplift map, creating a visual representation of the positive impact of sports on the collective mood of cities and nations around the world. For every Mind Uplift shared with #UpliftingMinds, ASICS will donate to the mental health charity Mind, which provides support to people dealing with mental health issues.
With the launch of the Mind Uplifter™ Tool, we asked three of our Highsnobiety staff members about their routines for physical and mental wellbeing, their running habits, and more.
Rhianna Matthews, Market Editor
What habits and routines do you have to keep a balanced mind and body?
I like to wake up at the same time every day, and I always like to write down my goals and keep in mind what my long-term and short-term visions are. I do that every day, and then I work out and really make sure that I'm always in a positive mindset. If for some reason I'm feeling off, sad, or stressed, I always just make sure I come back to my thoughts and remember to be present and to feel grateful for where I am, instead of always thinking about the future and what I want next.
Where and how often do you run?
I run about three to four times a week, in the mornings when I wake up. It kind of just gets my day going, it clears my mind. And I love to run around these beautiful, huge concrete buildings around my neighborhood in Berlin, Mitte.
What do you look for in a running shoe?
First of all, it has to be really light, as light as possible. But at the same time, be extremely well fitted and have great cushioning, because I like to run quite fast and I'm running outside, so it needs to be able to adjust to different textures in the ground, whether it's grass, concrete, or if I’m on a hike going through rocks or something. It has to be very adaptable to all the different places.
Also, I have to be able to wear it for a long time, which is why I really love these ASICS because they are just so comfortable. I feel like I have an extra spring in my step, so it actually is easier to run in them — it feels more effortless to run. They're really light, but they're also very well cushioned to drive you forward.
Fabian Gorsler, Footwear Editor
How does running help you in your daily life?
In my day-to-day life, I mean, it doesn't really matter what you do, whether it's running or the gym or whatever. I think being fit, just moving in general, makes you feel refreshed in many ways, especially mentally and emotionally. So, for example, after I run, I'm dead physically but refreshed mentally and emotionally.
What does having a sound body and a sound mind mean to you?
I think it means being clear about what you want or what you want to do. So in terms of sound mind, just making sure that you block out all the noise and go after what you want, whether that's professionally or personally, and for a sound body, your body is your machine, and it's what helps your mind do its work, right? So if you keep yourself fit and healthy, you're going to be able to do everything that your mind wants to do. If your body breaks down, then you can't do most of the things you want to do. So, I think they kind of go both hand-in-hand to achieving whatever it is you want to achieve.
What do you look for in a running shoe?
For me, running shoes definitely need to be comfortable. That's the number one thing. I think the midsole needs to be super soft. I have very flat feet and bad ankles, so I need something that's just going to cushion the run, which is why I actually wear the NOVABLAST™. The second version is even better than the first. They’re fast, light, but also super cushioned. A lot of speedrunning shoes, and I know these are not technically speed, but a lot of running shoes will sacrifice cushioning and comfort for you to be faster. These ones are just great all-rounders, and I think whatever level you're at, you can run really fast in these.
George Hammond, Brand Partnerships Manager
Why do you enjoy running?
Mainly because I see running as a bit like meditating. I like to meditate. I meditate most mornings. But for me running is like another form of meditation. It's a moment to just let your mind be free and just focus on one foot in front of the other. It's quite a peaceful thing. If I don't run one morning or one day, I'm instantly just not in as a positive mood. So I need to do it otherwise I notice. That's the main thing, but also keeping fit, keeping healthy, and keeping in good shape.
When you run, what do you like to listen to?
I like to listen to a playlist called Music for Goats. Robbie, who is also in the Brand Partnerships team at Highsnobiety, he and I, made this playlist, which in our eyes has gone quite viral, and it's called Music for Goats. It's good running music.
What other habits do you have to keep a balanced mind and body?
Well, I’ve already mentioned meditating, but I couldn't just meditate or be mindful without being active a lot. For me, they work in tandem, I need to both meditate to help with my mind, but then at the same time, be active to complement that, I think that's really important. I also like workouts aside from running. I quite like HIIT workouts. Also cooking as well. For me, cooking is another release and another way that I can just switch off. So I like to cook a lot, and also music and developing Music for Goats.
Learn more about ASICS' Mind Uplifter Tool and shop the NOVABLAST™ 2 here.
