After a week in which regular exercisers agreed to pause their physical activity, the experiment concluded that there was a significant impact in both their cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in movement and mind, determined that when active people stopped moving, their confidence dropped by 20%; positivity fell by 16%, energy levels plummeted by 23%, and their ability to cope with stress reduced by 22%. Overall, the state of mind score dropped by an average of 18%.

There is good news, however. The same participants were then monitored when they resumed regular exercise, having experienced immediate improvements in their state of mind. The professor also analysed data from thousands of people who participated in Asics' ongoing Uplifting Minds Study, which uses cutting-edge technology to mimic EEG and capture the impact of exercise on people’s state of mind*. Altogether, just 15:09 minutes of exercise will suffice to positively impact the mental state.

“We know that exercise is good for our mental health, but the impact of rest and restarting exercise is less clear. Now, thanks to new technology and the contribution of thousands of people, we’ve been able to pinpoint just how much exercise is needed to trigger a positive mental impact. This Asics study helps to quantify the amount of exercise to improve mental health and make it more tangible. Taking time to rest is very important. This novel study shows that people’s wellbeing bounces back very quickly after a period of rest when people resume regular exercise again”, commented Professor Brendon Stubbs.

“Our founding philosophy is literally in our name, Anima Sana In Corpore Sano or a Sound Mind in a Sound Body. And we believe our focus on the benefits of sport and movement, not just on the body, but also on the mind, has never been more relevant. We know the last two years have been tough on the mental state of many. And while not the answer for everyone, we know exercise can make a difference. We hope to inspire more people to move with Asics, even for just 15:09 minutes to feel the benefits on body and mind”, concluded Gary Raucher, EVP, Asics EMEA.