We all know that exercise is beneficial. After all, we constantly hear about the life-changing impact a few minutes of intentional activity can have on our health.Experts for years have been touting how daily workouts can reduce our risks of obesity, depression, heart disease, diabetes, poor circulation, and more. While nobody doubts these positive side effects, many of us might be surprised to learn that exercise can greatly influence our sex lives.
Looking At Sex and Exercise: A Big Oh!
For starters, staying active typically keeps us healthy which is a key ingredient to sexual health. Counting steps or taking that extra spin class is doing more for our bodies than tightening abs and melting muffin tops. Exercise has the potential to improve our sex lives and relationships if balanced with a healthy lifestyle. Regular workouts pumps our hearts, tones our bodies, helps strengthen our pelvic floors, and builds our self confidence which can help us achieve sexual satisfaction and orgasms.
As we begin exercising, our blood starts flowing, increasing circulation, which affects our ability for arousal. This is essential for adequate lubrication and creating basic sensations felt in genitalia areas that are heavily influenced by the flow of blood. In a roundabout way, exercise cues our minds up for sexual satisfaction through proper circulation.
Workouts are especially important for women, because exercise in a known stress reducer and helps clear the mind. Stress is a known libido killer and for many of us, a de-cluttered mind can drastically improve our sex lives. Regular physical activity releases endorphins and lowers cortisol levels which make us feel better and surprisingly increases testosterone as our bodies make more muscle. These side effects make it more likely that we will be able to take pleasure in our sexual lives by improving our body images, staminas, and abilities to achieve the big “O”.
6 Balancing Tips For A Healthier and Sexier Life
Overdoing it on the elliptical, living an unbalanced life, or overstressing our bodies can turn our “survival modes” on, quickly shifting our sexual drives into park. We can thank nature for this, because our hormones and ability to reproduce are naturally geared to slow during times of stress, famine, or flight situations. This is meant to protect us from added mental and physical burdens (like pregnancy) during times of need, but it also impacts our desire for sex.
Exercise is a great step in improving our sex lives, but we need to keep in mind that balance is needed to live a healthier life. Listed below are tips for enjoying healthy living and sex at the same time:
Pay attention to our health. Schedule those annual visits for your pap smear, mammogram, or dentist. By taking care of ourselves today, we might be able to reduce a health crisis down the road.
Get adequate amounts of sleep. It’s no secret that many of us are sleep deprived and can only dream of snoozing 8 hours every night. Proper amounts of sleep help us feel better, cope with stress, and be more productive.
Look for exercises that tone our cores. Turn to pilates or hula hooping to strengthen our midsections and backs. This will increase our confidence and ability to function under the sheets.
Consider alternating high impact workouts during the week. Some people feel that on days they overdo it in the gym, they have a hard time enjoying sex later. Avoid that problem and rotate workouts throughout the week to reduce stress and give our body time to recoup.
Eat a balanced diet. According to Jennifer R. Berman, medical doctor and director of the Berman Women’s Wellness Center, “There’s a growing body of evidence that some of the vitamins and components in foods can enhance sexual function and sexual experience.” Try to eat a diet that consists of healthy foods to keep in shape and provide proper nutrition. A few foods believed to help naturally boost your libido: almonds, arugula, and avocados.
Take time to foster the relationship with your significant other. Stress, schedules, and families can wreak havoc on a couple’s bond. Strong relationships are vital for a healthy sex life. Schedule a date night or take up a new hobby to bring you closer together.
Balance is important to living a healthier life, and being sexual is a natural element that plays a major role in being human. How do you use exercise to help achieve harmony or a happier sex life?