Training and Sex. What you need to know!

Exercise is good for us. By 2020 this is well-known. Exercise has positive benefits to almost every system in the human body. The reproductive system included. Science shows that working out can improve your sex life. Here is what you need to know about working out and sex!

Western culture has lead to rising rates of obesity. This is due to our sedentary lifestyles. A surprising number of people are not being able to perform as well as they would like. 43% of women and 31% of men have sexual dysfunction (1). Being out of shape puts you at a higher risk to not be able to perform. This is true in men, and also in women. Men with a higher body mass index had a 30% higher risk for erectile dysfunction than those with a healthy BMI. 40% of obese women reported that they did not enjoy sexual activity (2).

Body mass index is not the most accurate method to gauge physical fitness. It only accounts for height, weight, and age. Body fat percentage is a much more accurate method. Another study took into account body fat % instead of BMI. This study showed that body fat % could predict sexual behavior and experience. The same study showed a positive correlation in women between arousal and VO2 max. VO2 max is the gold standard for measuring cardiovascular performance. This study concluded that men and women who want to improve their arousal may benefit from cardiovascular training (1).

If you are overweight it is not guaranteed that you have a bad sex life. The same is true for being in shape, that doesn’t guarantee you have a great sex life. Us humans are much more complicated than that. This evidence does support common knowledge. If you are healthy you will feel good about yourself. If you feel good about yourself here is a better chance you will enjoy your sex life. This supports the wide-ranging benefits of regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle.

How do you change your body fat %? How do you improve your Vo2 Max? A balanced holistic training program will improve these areas. A balanced holistic training program includes strength training, healthy nutrition, and regular cardio. Most people are able to improve both areas in 12 weeks of consistent training. Depending on your goals and starting point it might take longer. The key is consistency!

The next time you lack the motivation to go workout or eat a healthy meal consider ALL the benefits. Even the ones in the bedroom.

Sources

1. Jiannine LM. An investigation of the relationship between physical fitness, self-concept, and sexual functioning. J Educ Health Promot. 2018;7:57. Published 2018 May 3. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_157_172.
2. Holden CA, McLachlan RI, Pitts M, Cumming R, Wittert G, Ehsani JP, et al. Determinants of male reproductive health disorders: The Men in Australia Telephone Survey (MATeS) BMC Public Health. 2010;10:96.