There are so many health benefits to regular exercise—less stress, better sleep... and a better sex life? It turns out that exercise can help you have a healthier, happier sex life.
The Research and Results
In the last 10 years numerous studies have shown the connection between exercise and an improved sex life.
One study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in individuals who have poor physical and emotional health.
Three more studies performed at the New England Research Institute, the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of California San Diego found that impotence in men can be improved or prevented by participating in regular exercise. In fact, men who performed regular exercise had more frequent sex and greater satisfaction than those who did not.
Men aren't the only ones who benefit. A study performed at the University of Texas at Austin found that women were more sexually responsive and more easily aroused after performing a bout of exercise.
The Takeaway
While the exercise protocols used in each of these studies were different, 20 to 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise performed three to four times a week seems to do the trick.
It's also interesting to note that weight loss alone did not result in the same sexual improvements as exercise—an exercise program can improve your sex life more than just diet related weight loss alone.
Researchers think that the sexual improvements are linked to improved circulation and heart health, two factors critical to sexual satisfaction.
Exercise is empowering—it increases endorphins, makes you feel good about yourself and gets your blood pumping. It's only natural that you'd be more excited about taking your clothes off when you're feeling stronger and more confident in your body.
Sign up for a fitness class.