Mizuno USA Inc. and Cardio Sport entered an exclusive partnership with the goal of enhancing the athletic experience for current and future fitness enthusiasts.

Cardio Sport is a community-based, group training program which merges an individual's athletic desires with fitness. The program is designed by athletes for athletes. Classes are a 60-minute comprehensive conditioning adventure that uniquely integrate interval training techniques with compound, sports related movements in an unparalleled inspiring exercise environment. Appealing to a large population of people, from athletes and runners to those with an “undiscovered athletic mindset,” the program is engaging communities and building relationships around health and wellness. Cardio Sport is putting a positive face on the idea of fitness. The system was developed approximately a decade ago just south of Boston, where the company is still headquartered today.

“The Cardio Sport methodology is growing and at a fast pace, as evidenced in the increasing demand and presence of Cardio Sport locations nationwide. At Mizuno, we believe in finding a personal fitness routine that enhances and improves an athlete's running performance, and the relationships built by working out in a group setting helps to strengthen the commitment by the athlete,” said Kim Hoey, Division Brand Marketing Director – Running, Mizuno USA. “Today's runner is seeking options and finding new ways to supplement their training. Cardio Sport is leading the way in defining athletic fitness, and as an added bonus, already have an affinity for the Mizuno brand.”

Cardio Sport maintains an instructor base of more than 300 with projected estimates to more than double in 2016. All certified Cardio Sport instructors will be outfitted with new Mizuno running shoes and apparel items, and Mizuno will provide local market event support in priority markets. Together both brands look forward to building ambassadors for the brand along with additional reach through community integration and cross-promotion online.

“Cardio Sport provides an experience unlike any other fitness program in the market today. The environment of a Cardio Sport class, which is designed to create the energy of “the game,” taps into participants on many levels, fostering a true sense of team, community and personal inspiration that drives people to achieve more while also building confidence,” said Hilary Hartman, VP Marketing & Branding for Cardio Sport, LLC. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Mizuno. Their products are top notch and unbeknownst to the company, we have been long time fans of their running shoes. The performance is above and beyond any other shoe in the market with our unique fast-paced, multi-directional training environment. Moreover, the brand is fast growing, progressive and customer-focused, like Cardio Sport. We are very excited to move forward in this next chapter of our company's growth with Mizuno as a partner.”

Mizuno USA, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mizuno Corporation, one of the largest specialty sporting goods manufacturers in the world. Mizuno USA, Inc. manufactures and distributes golf, baseball, softball, running, and volleyball equipment, apparel, and footwear for North America.  Mizuno USA, Inc. is based in Norcross, Georgia.