MANILA, Philippines—ASICS Asia made history from September 6 to 9 with its inaugural Regional Women’s Retreat at Hotel Labaris in Thailand, nestled within Khao Yai, Thailand’s first and third largest National Park. This transformative event was born as a response to the ASICS State of Mind Index findings in 2022, which uncovered a gender exercise gap where women engage in significantly less exercise than men, missing out on the positive mental benefits of physical activity.
The retreat gathered a diverse group of over 30 participants, representing various nationalities, ethnicities, and body types, including notable local influencers such as Bea Benedicto, Rica Peralejo, Marline Capones, and Coach Precious. The four-day program centered around advocating the positive impact of movement on mental and physical well-being.
Image Courtesy of ASICS.
The retreat kicked off with an invigorating sunrise run to promote a healthy body. A book reading session, co-hosted by ASICS Athlete and ultra-marathoner, Natalie Dau, and ASICS brand ambassador and Thai Actress, Taya Rogers, sparked insightful discussions on optimizing running performance in alignment with the menstrual cycle. Participants also engaged in dynamic strength and core training sessions led by Jeong Yun Lim from Netflix’s reality show, Physical 100, emphasizing the transformative potential of exercise for a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
Beyond nurturing physical health, the retreat focused on nurturing mental well-being. Attendees embarked on a journey of self-discovery through soul-soothing sound healing, meditation, and reflective journaling guided by Pearlyn Siew of Transmission Wellness. These sessions encouraged a profound connection with their inner selves, highlighting the holistic pursuit of mental well-being.
Image Courtesy of ASICS.
The retreat kicked off with insightful focus group discussions guided by Dr. Dee Dlugonski, Assistant Professor at the University of Kentucky, and Fiona Berwick, Head of Global Communications. Participants openly shared their exercise experiences and challenges, fostering a space for meaningful dialogue. The Philippines team discussed their personal exercise practices, aiming to explore the gender exercise gap and inspire fellow Filipinos to embrace regular physical activity.
Attendees had the chance to experience ASICS’ latest collections for AW23 – NAGINO™ and ACTIBREEZE™, designed to celebrate women’s diverse bodies and movement styles while providing comfort and style. These collections are set to launch in the Philippines soon.
Dr. Dee Dlugonski noted the value of connecting with a diverse group of women and their shared experiences, highlighting the power of community in driving change.
Fiona Berwick emphasized ASICS’ commitment to addressing the gender exercise gap and promoting exercise’s physical and mental benefits. You can contribute to closing this gap by sharing insights for the ASICS Move Every Mind survey here. For more information, visit www.asics.com/move-every-mind and http://asics.com.ph/.