IT TURNS OUT man’s best friend is also your mind’s bestie, too. That’s because a dog is far more effective in motivating you to get off the couch and get moving than any personal trainer you can find, according to new research commissioned by Asics.
In The Mind’s Best Friend Research study, in which 28,000 people were surveyed across 14 countries including Australia, the UK, the US, The Netherlands, and France, 65% of dog owners said their furry companion is their primary movement motivator, more than family, celebrities and personal trainers. Seventy-nine per cent of canine owners said they are less stressed and 83% feel happier after moving with their mutt.
Professor Brendon Stubbs of King’s College London analysed participants’ ‘State of Mind’ scores, an index measuring overall mental wellbeing, and found that dog owners’ scores are, on average, 18% higher than non-canine owners, with 4 in 5 (81%) owners saying moving with their mutt improves their mental wellbeing. The study also found that dog owners are 31% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines, averaging 210 minutes of exercise per week.
NRL star Ronaldo Mulitalo and his best mate and motivator
“ASICS’ latest research reveals just how significantly dogs influence our physical activity levels and overall State of Mind,” says Stubbs. “The research shows dog owners are far more likely to meet recommended physical activity guidelines and have a much higher mood. In fact, 84% of dog owners feel a boost in their mood after moving with their dog.”
ASICS is recognising the role of dogs, including one of the internet’s favourite mutts, “Felix the Samoyed,” as the original exercise influencers. Felix has been signed as an ASICS Ambassador and will act as the brand’s key ‘spokesperson’ to champion his love of walks, runs, and even zoomies.
In addition, ASICS is inviting people to nominate their own dogs for the chance to become an official ASICS Mind’s Best Friend Ambassador. Selected Ambassadors will become ASICS’ doggy influencers, sharing content with the world that showcases the power of a simple walk or run to uplift our mood. Each Ambassador selected by the brand will receive an official ASICS Mind’s Best Friend Ambassador kit, including branded gear and accessories and ASICS shoes for its human. To nominate your dog, fill out the application at www.asics.com/mindsbestfriend.
ASICS is also calling on all Aussies to share how their dog inspires them to move for body and mind by tagging @asicsaustralia and using the campaign hashtag #MindsBestFriend. For every public post across Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, ASICS will donate $5 to mental health charity, Black Dog Institute. For more info, visit here.
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