ASICS America Expands Its Roster Of Brand Ambassadors With The Signing Of Elite Trainers Andrew Kastor And Michelle Lovitt

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ASICS America, the leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, accentuates its strength in the running category and expands its commitment to the rapidly growing training category with the signing of elite coach Andrew Kastor and fitness expert Michelle Lovitt as brand trainers.

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Andrew Kastor returns for another year as an ASICS ambassador, running expert and coach. A staple in the running community with more than 15 years of experience, Kastor will be responsible for creating training plans for ASICS sponsored races, contributing inspirational and informative content to the brand's website and social pages, and acting as an expert spokesperson for the brand. Kastor also serves as the head coach of the Mammoth Track Club and the primary running coach of the LA Roadrunners in conjunction with the ASICS LA Marathon. He has trained some of the world's most elite runners including his wife and ASICS elite athlete Deena Kastor.

Building upon its core of running, ASICS has added Michelle Lovitt, one of Hollywood's most revered strength conditioning coaches, trainers & fitness experts to its roster of brand ambassadors. Lovitt will serve as an official ASICS trainer with a focus on training, a key growth category for the brand in 2014. Her longstanding commitment to providing her clients with the educational tools that help them understand their bodies, get stronger, stay motivated and achieve their fitness goals perfectly parallels ASICS philosophy towards training. Lovitt will assist in developing strength and conditioning programs for ASICS sponsored athletic events such as the ASICS World Series of Beach Volleyball. She will also provide fitness advice and insight for ASICS America's digital platforms. Lovitt has a successful track record and has designed and implemented nutrition and exercise programs for professional and Olympic athletes as well as Hollywood elite including Lauren Graham, Courteney Cox, Mary-Louise Parker, Sean "Puffy" Combs, David Duchovny and Kiefer Sutherland.

"Andrew Kastor and Michelle Lovitt are both innovative leaders in their respective fields, and we are thrilled they are part of the ASICS America family," said ASICS America Director of Marketing, Shannon Scott. "Their insight and commitment to pushing the boundaries of training with new and advanced techniques will be invaluable in our effort to continue to bring athletes of all levels the tools needed to take their fitness to the next level."  

2013 marked a number of milestones in the running category for ASICS including the title sponsorship of the first ASICS LA Marathon, continued sponsorship of the Foot Locker Cross Country Championships, and the 20^th anniversary of the legendary GEL-Kayano®.  With an increased focus on training, the brand also released a new line of training shoes, apparel and accessories this spring.  ASICS' renewed partnership with Andrew Kastor reinforces ASICS running leadership, as Michelle Lovitt's expertise will help the brand as it continues to grow the training category.  Kastor and Lovitt's coaching will combine to help athletes build strength, endurance and speed.

For further information on ASICS training initiatives and roster of athletes and coaches, visit: asicsamerica.com.

About ASICS
Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, meaning "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body," is an old Latin phrase from which ASICS is derived and the fundamental platform on which the brand still stands. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by Kihachiro Onitsuka and is now a leading designer and manufacturer of performance athletic shoes, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.asics.com.

SOURCE ASICS America