"Anima Sana In Corpore Sano" - did you know that's what the name ASICS stands for? "A healthy mind in a healthy body". This claim has been at the heart of the brand since it was founded in 1949.

From the very beginning, founder Kihachiro Onitsuka recognized the powerful effect of sport and movement on the psyche and one's own mood, the conveyance of positivity and collective progress. ASICS has remained true to this conviction to this day. At a time when stress and anxiety have reached extremely high levels, the company believes its mission is more important than ever. Despite the current challenges, we know that sport and exercise can have a positive effect on our mental well-being.

Under the motto "A New Personal Best", ASICS wants to inspire people to move for their mental health and leave the pursuit of "higher, faster, further" behind.

© Maria Sturm / Philipp Birkner

"New Personal Best" - it's about feelings, not numbers

According to a study, more than half of the Germans surveyed who do not exercise say they are ashamed to go to the gym because they do not fit the image of a "typical" athlete. In addition, almost half of respondents feel like failures due to superficial sports posts on social media before they have even started exercising. "No pain, no gain" has become firmly anchored in many people's minds. ASICS wants to change exactly that.

For this year's World Mental Health Day on October 10, ASICS is calling for a rethink of the performance-oriented sports culture that prevents people from exercising.

Away from numbers and statistics, towards individual well-being and a positive impact on mental health. The "New Personal Best" initiative aims to inspire people to redefine their "personal best".

Based on the finding that almost two thirds of respondents say they would be more likely to exercise if they saw ordinary people in sports advertisements rather than planned campaigns, renowned photographer Maria Sturm created the "A New Personal Best" portrait series for ASICS. It shows authentic people who exercise not only for the physical benefits, but also for their mental health.

The portraits are open to the public at the Anahita Contemporary gallery in the stilkwerk KantGaragen until October 15 (note opening times).

© Maria Sturm / Mandy Capristo

ASICS invites you to share your "New Personal Best" on social media. Every post shared on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or Twitter between October 10 and December 10, 2023 with the hashtag #NewPersonalBest will increase visibility for the fact that a best performance can be anything - but above all a feeling and individual.

For each of these contributions, ASICS will donate 5 euros to the Wirfueryannic e.V. association, which is committed to education, prevention and support in the fight against depression.

Share your successes to not only celebrate your achievements, but also to make a valuable contribution to the community.

"NEW PERSONAL BEST"
© Maria Sturm / Olusanya

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