We’ve all heard that exercise is beneficial for you; it keeps your heart healthy, helps you maintain and attain a healthy weight, and can even add years to your life. Physical activity raises your heart rate and increases circulation, as well as making your body more limber and flexible and increasing your stamina. These advantages make it easier for you to go about your everyday tasks. However, exercise may be able to do something else: improve your sex life. You may be able to improve your sex life by engaging in fitness, whether for a single session or on a regular basis. Scientists have linked particular workout effects to various aspects of sexual function. And the study is continuous; experts are constantly discovering new ways that physical activity might help you have a healthier and more fulfilling sexual life. In this article, you will learn more about these advantages.
Possibility of Improving Body Image
Feeling good about your body is an essential component of sex. Several studies have found a strong link between body image and sexual satisfaction, particularly among women. Women’s sexual health is inextricably linked to their body image. Those who have a favorable body image have more sexual function, including sexual desire than women who have a negative body image. In addition, researchers discovered that happiness with one’s body form is a predictor of sexual function. So when it comes to bodily changes in middle age, perceived attractiveness may be crucial.
There has been little research on men’s body image and sexual satisfaction. Nonetheless, at least one published study discovered that unfavorable opinions toward physical appearance are connected with bad sexual encounters. Because feelings of perceived attractiveness are linked to sexual satisfaction, working on your body image may be one method to improve your sex life. Regardless of your physical attractiveness, exercise might help you feel more desirable. Some women found that just one 30-minute exercise session can enhance their body image. However, it is crucial to recognize that using exercise to try to control your body shape and having an unhealthy, obsessive relationship with exercise can harm your self-esteem and body image. Keep an eye on how you feel about your physique after you workout. It should be empowering and gratifying rather than punishing.
Sexual Dysfunction Could Be Reduced
Exercise might alter rates of self-reported sexual dysfunction in women, such as orgasm dissatisfaction and arousal difficulty, and erectile dysfunction in males. In addition, weekly cardiovascular activity may have some preventive effects. According to the findings, higher levels of cardiovascular exercise among physically active people were associated with lower levels of self-reported sexual dysfunction. The study’s authors concluded that men and women at risk for sexual dysfunction might benefit from increased activity, regardless of their existing level of activity.
Erectile Dysfunction May Be Reduced
Circulatory issues are frequently the root cause of erectile dysfunction (ED). The penis must inflate with blood in order to achieve an erection. This procedure can be hampered by clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular disorders. According to the American Urological Association, a lack of exercise is a possible cause of ED.
The authors of a research review published in 2018 created physical activity recommendations to reduce ED.
They advised men with the disease to engage in 40 minutes of supervised moderate-to-vigorous cardiovascular activity four times per week. As a bit of long-term advice, the same researchers concluded that 160-minute weekly exercise for six months adds to a reduction in erectile dysfunction in males with ED caused by physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and or cardiovascular disease.
Women’s Arousal May Be Improved
At least in women, there is some evidence that exercise can assist in stimulating both short- and long-term arousal. For example, a 2018 review of data demonstrated improvements in physiological sexual desire after a single bout of exercise. Scientists hypothesized that the changes were caused by increased sympathetic nervous system activity and hormonal variables. They went on to say that regular exercise likely improves sexual satisfaction indirectly by improving cardiovascular health and mood. Mindfulness exercise may also assist women in increasing their sexual arousal. Mindfulness-based activities, focusing on bodily sensations, and mental imaging tasks have been shown in studies to boost subjective sexual arousal.
Menopause Symptoms Could Be Reduced
The decline in estrogen levels during menopause causes symptoms that can have a negative impact on quality of life, affecting physical, mental, and sexual health. Menopause, in particular, can have an effect on sex by affecting the biochemical systems involved in normal sexual responses.
Certain types of exercise are more likely to be beneficial during this transitional era. Exercising the pelvic floor muscles and other mind-body practices may help with menopausal symptoms. There is insufficient information to determine if aerobic exercise and strength training are beneficial in this region. Other studies indicate that physical activity, in general, can help address specific symptoms such vaginal dryness, hot flushes, and nocturnal sweats. Exercise increases blood flow throughout the body, including the genitals. This can help with sexual experience throughout menopause.
Sexual Aging May Be Improved
According to research, exercise can assist in maintaining sexual health throughout the aging process. This advantage may be especially beneficial to guys. The National Institutes of Aging (NIA) researchers discovered how exercise could assist in sustaining sexual health. They mention joint difficulties as a possible cause of increased sexual dysfunction. According to the organization, exercise may assist in alleviating the discomfort produced by arthritis. The NIA also cites heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and depression as risk factors for sexual dysfunction. However, exercise has been shown to lower the risk of developing these chronic conditions.
Kim’s Final Thoughts…
If greater health isn’t enough reason to drive you to the gym or go out for a run, perhaps better sex can be. An active lifestyle and a regular fitness routine can help you attain and maintain a good sex life in a variety of ways. However, if you are having any malfunction, exercise alone may not be enough. To obtain tailored recommendations, communicate honestly with your healthcare professional.
