During confinement, the French followers of running to "feel free"

For many French people, the Covid-19 epidemic and confinement was an opportunity to start jogging. The population has never taken out their sneakers to go running as much as during these few weeks when travel outside was strictly limited. As this June 3 celebrates world day of running, the equipment manufacturer Asics unveils a study on the behavior and the motivations of this spontaneous generation of new runners motivated by the idea of ​​respecting these good resolutions while the vice restrictions have loosened.

The world leader in shoes has conducted a large survey in 12 countries with 12,000 joggers. In France, 69% of those questioned validate the thesis that this sporting activity helps to cope with a difficult situation, as can be that of the coronavirus and 82% consider that running has played a decisive role in helping them to clear your mind in recent weeks.

In the midst of a health crisis, running was therefore not only a way of eliminating the extra calories taken due to isolation at home. The psychological aspect seemed inseparable from the physical benefit. "90% of those questioned in France said that they felt better when they felt that their body and mind were in harmony", explains to Figaro Arnaud Leroux, Marketing Director Europe of Asics. “The philosophy that emerges is that to be happy you have to be good in your body but also in your head. Many people cite running as a sport that allows you to disconnect while seeing the landscape, each at their own pace. ”

"Running has become a lifeline for many people during containment and has increased their physical and mental well-being"

"The results of this first study in several countries, proves that running has become during containment a lifeline for many people and has increased their physical and mental well-being", Insists Dr. Brendon Stubbs, researcher at King's College London. "These results support previous studies that have shown that regular exercise is effective in preventing and treating mental health problems," continues the academic.

In a country where the tradition of running is traditionally strong (around 13.5 million people regularly claim in France), the craze for running during the crisis remains difficult to assess with figures. “It is still too early and we have no certainties but we have observed a real aspiration for running, probably more targeted in urban areas. When you are lucky enough to have a garden and be outside, you may have less need to go running, ”explains the manager of Asics.

More than seven in ten joggers plan to run the same after the pandemic

Is this enthusiasm for running likely to last over time and escape the ephemeral phenomenon of early year's resolutions? Only the future will provide an answer to this question. But the (good) intentions are there. 72% of the French who participated in the study say they want to run as much after the Covid-19 pandemic, while more than seven in ten French (75%) who exercise regularly are determined to give a more important role to sport in their lives in the future. Commendable intentions that have materialized in action in recent days: “Since May 11 and the start of deconfinement, whether at running specialist or generalist brands, there has been a raid of products on the shelves. This summer, we will already have a good indicator of the evolution of this trend, ”concludes the head of the Japanese brand.

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