ASICS warns of the dangers of sedentary living

ASICS is sounding the alarm over rising inactivity. A study of 34,000 people across 31 countries found that 53% of adults surveyed fail to meet recommended physical activity levels.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, ASICS has published a new global study on sedentary living and its impact on mental well-being. Conducted in July 2026 among 34,000 people across 31 countries, the “State of Mind” study found that respondents spend an average of 86% of their waking hours inactive.

According to the sportswear brand, 53% of adults surveyed fail to meet physical activity recommendations. That figure could rise to 56% by 2035, representing around 2.3 billion adults across the markets covered by the study.

23% fall into the “Critical” category

To track this shift, ASICS created the Movement Conservation Status, an indicator that classifies people according to their weekly physical activity: “Active” at 150 minutes or more, “At risk” between 30 and 149 minutes, and “Critical” below 30 minutes. The result: 53% of participants fall into the “At risk” or “Critical” categories, including 23% in the “Critical” category alone.

The study also highlights a link between activity levels and mental well-being. The average well-being score is 60 out of 100 among people in the “Critical” category, compared with 71 out of 100 among “Active” participants. Those in the former group also report feeling less energetic and serene, less focused and more stressed. Young adults are particularly affected: 57% of 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed fail to meet recommended activity levels.

Daily life is leaving fewer opportunities to move

For ASICS, the problem extends beyond sports participation. Sixty-four percent of respondents say it is easy to go an entire day without barely moving.

Remote work, online shopping, home entertainment, video calls and the growing range of on-demand services are steadily reducing everyday trips. Forty-one percent of participants regularly shop for groceries online, while 39% often prefer remote interactions to meeting face to face. “We have built a world where movement has become optional,” says anthropologist David Raichlen, quoted in the study.

Move, even for 15 minutes

Through its Movement Conservation Project, ASICS wants to broaden the conversation around physical activity. It is not just about exercising, but about bringing more movement back into everyday life. The Japanese brand is also putting the spotlight back on its “15 Minutes to Thrive” initiative, which encourages everyone to spend at least 15 minutes a day being physically active.

ASICS is supporting the campaign with Human Nature, a short film narrated by Sigourney Weaver and inspired by wildlife documentaries. With a touch of humour, the film observes the habits of a modern human surrounded by screens, sofas and services designed to save them from having to move.

The sportswear brand’s message is simple: one workout is not necessarily enough to make an entire day active. Movement can also be found in short trips and everyday habits.