ASICS Asia recently 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 – 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 by Pearlyn Siew of Transmission Wellness.

Fiona Berwick, Head of Global Communications, said, “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.”