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There’s no better feeling than coming home after a heart-pumping session at the gym, knowing you’ve done something good for your health.
But beyond toned bodies and muscular physiques, did you know that sweating one out can have a positive impact on your sex life as well?
It’s true. There are many benefits of exercise when it comes to sexual health.
According to one University of California study, regular exercise can provide the following benefits:
- Frequency of sexual activity
- Adequate erectile function for sexual intercourse
- A higher percentage of satisfying orgasms
There’s no question about it: exercise is good for you. But while it’s healthy in moderation, there’s also such a thing as too much exercise.
Let’s discover more about the benefits of sex and exercise, as well as the recommended frequency and types of exercise.
Research Behind Sexual Health and Exercise
The research behind sexual health and exercise is generally optimistic.
One such research found that people who worked out at least 90 minutes a week were 20% less likely to develop ED.
For the average person, going out and running regularly isn’t going to negatively impact your testosterone levels. Rather, it does the opposite. A study showed that weekly exercises that last for 160 minutes total help decrease erectile problems in men with ED.
However, working out too much isn’t exactly ideal either. A study conducted on endurance runners found that they had lower levels of testosterone due to overtraining.
It’s important to do things in moderation, whether it’s eating or exercising. Nonetheless, some exercises offer better results when it comes to sexual health.
What If We Remain Sedentary?
We can’t just sit around and do nothing if we want to experience an active, enjoyable sex life.
According to a recent study published by the Korean Journal of Family Medicine, men who don’t exercise are more likely to experience an array of adverse health risks.
These range from:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Increased risk of cancer
- Knee pain
- Osteoporosis
- Dyslipidemia
If you remain inactive for an extended period of time, your sexual dysfunction may suffer as well.
A study claimed that physical inactivity negatively impacts erectile function. When your body is under stress for a long time, it can negatively affect the normal functioning of your reproductive ability.
If you want to improve erectile functioning, eating a Mediterranean diet and shifting towards a more physical lifestyle can negate these risks.
With all that said, what exercises should a person with ED undergo to improve symptoms?
Here are some solid workout routines that can increase passion in the bedroom.
Best Exercises to Improve Sex Drive
These sex exercises are some of the best ones you can try to improve your health.
1. Weightlifting
If you’re looking to start improving your sexual function through exercise, there’s nothing that beats lifting metal.
According to a study on testosterone and weightlifting, testosterone concentration is elevated in men as soon as they finish doing heavy resistance training.
In addition to that, regular weight lifting can also decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis and nutrition deficiency. Low testosterone causes loss of muscle mass as well.
If you’re looking to start, some exercises you can go for include:
- Crunches
- Deadlifts
- Sit-ups
- Push-ups
These exercises can improve the muscle mass in your chest, abs, and shoulders. By improving your body strength and body image, you can also improve your sexual performance since these muscles may be used during sexual intercourse.
Consult a doctor before making big lifestyle changes.
2. Yoga
You might be tempted to believe that the only way to increase the quality of your sex life is to sweat through running or pumping iron.
If you believe so, you’ll be losing out on one of the most effective strategies for improving your sex life: yoga.
According to research, participants who practiced yoga for 12 weeks reported significant improvements in their sex life. Yoga helps improve the connection between your mind and body, leading you to understand what you want more.
This insight can lead to better communication with your partner, and thus better sex.
Aside from awareness, yoga poses help increase flexibility and body control (particularly, pelvic control), both of which are important aspects of sexual exploration and stamina.
Some beginner-friendly poses you can try in your next yoga session include:
- Cat Pose
- Bridge Pose
- Happy Baby
- Child’s Pose
3. Pelvic Floor Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises or Kegel exercises are types of exercises that strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor supports your pelvic organs, which include the rectum, uterus, small intestine, and bladder.
Kegel exercises come in various forms, but they’re easy and discreet, which means you can do them anywhere. Here’s how you can perform a simple kegel exercise:
- Tighten your pelvic floor muscle and hold it for 5 seconds.
- Relax the pelvic floor muscles, counting down from 5 seconds.
- Perform 10 repetitions then rest. Repeat three times.
According to one study, pelvic floor exercises are a recommended first-line approach for men suffering from erectile dysfunction as they help increase muscle mass and improve blood flow.
In addition to medical therapies to treat your erectile dysfunction, pelvic floor exercises may be a useful long-term solution to consider.
4. Cardio
Cardiovascular exercises such as swimming, mountain climbing, running, and cycling can help men improve their sex lives.
Aerobic exercises increase blood flow to the genitals, which can, in turn, increase libido and improve erectile function.
Cardio also helps reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are major libido killers.
So if you’re looking to get in the mood, a little sweat session may be just what you need for a better sex life. Just don’t get too overboard with it.
Consult a Men’s Clinic for Medical Guidance to Improve Low Libido
If you have a low libido, know that with the right treatment, you can enhance sexual performance and experience sexual desire again.
The workouts above can give you some ideas to work with to discuss with your doctor.
You’ll also need to augment your exercise routine with other positive lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet,reducing feelings of stress, and abstaining from vices like nicotine and alcohol.
Need medical assistance? Contact a doctor from Proactive Men’s Medical Center to schedule a consultation aimed to provide sexual satisfaction. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We don’t just give you a pill for ED or low libido and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, low testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.