From September 6 to 9, ASICS Asia hosted its first-ever Regional Women’s Retreat at Hotel Labaris in Thailand, nestled within Thailand’s first and third largest National Park – Khao Yai. The event emerged as a response to the ASICS State of Mind Index findings in 2022, which unveiled a gender exercise gap where women engage in significantly less exercise than men, thereby missing out on the positive mental benefits of regular physical activity. In a bid to understand and address this gap, ASICS gathered a diverse group of over 30 participants – spanning different nationalities, ethnicities, and body types, including local influencers like Bea Benedicto, Rica Peralejo, Marline Capones, and Coach Precious – to take part in a curated four-day program focused on advocating the positive impact of movement to achieve a sound mind and sound body.
The event promoted a sound body, commencing with an energizing sunrise run. A book reading session, co-hosted by ASICS Athlete and ultra-marathoner, Natalie Dau, and ASICS brand ambassador and Thai Actress, Taya Rogers, facilitated valuable discussions on optimizing running performance in sync with the menstrual cycle. Participants also immersed themselves in dynamic strength and core training sessions, led by Jeong Yun Lim from Netflix’s hit reality show, Physical 100, highlighting exercise’s transformative potential for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
The event was not only about nurturing a sound body but also a sound mind. Attendees engaged in a journey of self-discovery through soul-soothing sound healing, meditation, and reflective journaling. Guided by Pearlyn Siew of Transmission Wellness, these sessions fostered a profound connection with their inner selves, emphasizing the holistic pursuit of mental well-being.
The retreat commenced with insightful focus group discussions guided by Dr. Dee Dlugonski, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, and Fiona Berwick, Head of Global Communications. During these sessions, all participants openly shared their experiences and challenges with exercise in their own areas for the team Philippines, they also share their personal exercise practices, creating a space for meaningful dialogue tailored to the Philippine context and pledged to explore the gender exercise gap further and inspire fellow Filipinos to embark on their own fitness journeys, unlocking the countless advantages of regular physical activity.
At the retreat, attendees had the opportunity to experience two of ASICS’ latest collections for AW23 – NAGINO™ and ACTIBREEZE™. NAGINO™, designed by women for women, celebrates the diversity of women’s bodies and movement styles. Complementing this, the ACTIBREEZE™ collection provides breathability, comfort, and style, allowing guests to embrace their authentic selves as they engaged in physical activities. These collections will be launched in the Philippines within September and/or October.
Dr. Dee Dlugonski said, “We were privileged to have the opportunity to meet with such a diverse and open group of women. Their individual and shared experiences not only gave us insight into some of the cultural differences, but it also highlighted some of the similarities we have seen around the world and the power of bringing together community to create change.”
Fiona Berwick adds, “At ASICS, we believe in the power of exercise to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, and it’s concerning to see a gender exercise gap persist. By listening to the experiences and perspectives of individuals around the world we hope to better understand the barriers to exercise for women and work towards creating a more equal and inclusive fitness
You can contribute to closing the gender exercise gap by sharing insights for the ASICS Move Every Mind survey here. For more information on the study and ASICS products, visit www.asics.com/move-every-mind and http://asics.com.ph/.
