ASICS has today announced a new and unexpected ambassador signing. It’s not an athlete, a celebrity, or even a human. It\u2019s a dog called Felix. Why?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because research shows that dogs are the ultimate movement motivators, getting millions to move for body and mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
New global research highlights the significant role dogs play in motivating us to move and the positive impact this has on our mental wellbeing. 65% of dog owners say their dog is their primary movement motivator, more than family, celebrities and personal trainers. 79% of dog owners say they are less stressed and 83% feel happier after moving with their dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why ASICS is recognising the role of dogs, including one of the internet\u2019s favourite dogs \u201cFelix the Samoyed,\u201d as the original exercise influencers. Felix has been signed as an ASICS Ambassador and will act as the brand\u2019s key \u2018spokesperson\u2019 to champion his love of walks, runs, and even zoomies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Brendon Stubbs of King\u2019s College London analysed State of Mind2 <\/sup>scores, an index measuring overall mental wellbeing, and found that dog owners’ scores are on average 18% higher than non-dog owners (61\/100 vs. 51\/100), with 4 in 5 (81%) of owners saying moving with their dog 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Professor Brendon Stubbs, a leading researcher in exercise and mental health from King\u2019s College London, said:<\/strong> \u201cASICS\u2019 latest research reveals just how significantly dogs influence our physical activity levels and overall State of Mind. 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To honour the extraordinary role that dogs play in motivating us to move for our mental wellbeing, 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\u2019 very own 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ASICS is encouraging the world to share how their dog motivates them to move their minds to help raise funds for mental health charities. Every post shared3<\/sup> with #MindsBestFriend before 12 July 2025 will raise funds for mental health charities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gary Raucher, Global Head of Marketing at ASICS, said: <\/strong>\u201cNo one motivates us to move for body and mind more than our canine friends. Every day around the world, dogs motivate us to lace up, get out, and move. Our mission at ASICS is to encourage as many people as possible to feel the uplifting power of movement. It\u2019s why we\u2019re called ASICS, an acronym for the Latin \u2018Anima Sana in Corpore Sano\u2019 or \u2018Sound Mind in a Sound Body.\u2019 We are delighted to have signed Felix as our official Ambassador and share dogs\u2019 infectious love for movement with the world to motivate us all to get out and move for our minds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n