We all know that exercise has tons of benefits, but if you need another reason to romp up your fitness game, this one should do it: better sex.
So, how exactly does exercise affect sex? A growing number of research suggests that exercise may boost desire, arousal and satisfaction. It increases heart rate, breathing, muscle activity and reduces stress. Exercise also improves blood circulation, makes you more flexible and improves stamina … all of these are important to sexual response.
In men, regular exercise appears to be a natural Viagra associated with a lower risk of erectile dysfunction. Researchers found that men who were physically active reported better erections and lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive. For women, the perks are similar. Studies show that those who are physically active report greater sexual desire, arousal and satisfaction. Physical activity was shown to prime a woman’s body for sexual activity by making her more sensitive to touch and increasing efficacy of stimuli.
Off course, a big part of sex is feeling sexy. Feelings of perceived attractiveness are linked to sexual satisfaction. So yes, one way to improve your sex life may be to work on your body image. This can raise self-esteem and make people feel more confident, sexy and attractive …and it’s precisely that confidence that will follow you to the bedroom.
The health benefits of sex go way beyond the pleasures of orgasm. In fact, in January 2015, The American Journal of Cardiology stated that men who had sex twice weekly or more had less risk of cardiovascular diseases, like stroke or heart attack than those who had sex once a month or less. As if the big “O” wasn’t enough reason to get busy, right?!
Okay so that’s all great but is sex truly exercise? We hear all the time that sex is a great workout but what are the hard facts? How much sex is considered exercise?
Well, it depends on the intensity of your lovemaking. A study of young adults found that sexual activity burned, on average, three to four calories per minute. For most people however, sex doesn’t last long, and the level of intensity is moderate, compared mostly to that of walking or doubles tennis.
True, it doesn’t sound like much, but sex is a physical activity like any other where you get out of it what you put into it. So, if you’re vigorous between the sheets, you’ll burn more calories.
Bottom line: We know sex is all about maxing out your pleasure, but it turns out that there’s even more reason to break a sweat between the sheets, right? It might not replace the need for a gym membership or your running shoes, but it’s a lot more fun than toiling on the treadmill!
Yup, sex certainly is the gift that keeps giving!
So, get it on.
Source: health.com, verywellfit.com, everydayhealth.com, aaptiv.com, edition.cnn.com, healthline.com, fitday.com, womanshealthmag.com, medicalnewstoday.com, foxnews.com
Just one more excellent reason to break a sweat, right?!
DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
