Sex is Exercise

Ask Glen!

Q. Is Sex Exercise?

A. Yes! Sex is Exercise, Too

As if you needed any more incentive to hop in the sack with your honey, a study has concluded that having sex three times a week burns the same calories as running about 30 miles per week. Given the choice, I'm guessing a majority of people would prefer having sex! Finally, an activity that's soooo pleasurable and good for you.

Experts believe that sex in a loving relationship has a healing effect on body and mind, but that promiscuous sex has the opposite effect (sorry to burst your bubble).

Sex, like exercise, produces hormones including endorphins and prostaglandins that not only give you a great workout but also reduce pain levels, boost your immune system, relieve stress and lower your cholesterol levels. A healthy sex life can actually help you live longer and slow down the aging process.

Endorphins bear a close functional resemblance to morphine, and they might be part of a natural, built-in, pain-control system. Some researchers claim endorphins have more than twice the strength of morphine -- with no side effects or addictive results. A rise of endorphins is measurable after exercise and sexual activity.

Endorphins released during sex are so powerful that they have a placebo effect. Just think in detail about sex and expect an endorphin rush. Your body makes them naturally. Unfortunately, it also makes enzymes that "chew up" the endorphins. The bad enzymes are encouraged by stress and will deplete your endorphin storage.

Your sexual prowess depends on health, fitness level and past experiences. In the Journal of the American Medical Association, scientists found that sexual dysfunction is more likely among those with poor physical and emotional health -- and plays a major role in negative experiences in sexual relationships and with overall well-being.

Maximize your results by working out at the gym and in bed. Engaging in an active lifestyle is one of the biggest boosters for your sex life. The more fit you are, the better your sex life will be.

A study conducted at the Harvard School of Public Health revealed that men, who exercised vigorously for 20 to 30 minutes a day, were about half as likely to have erection problems as inactive men. The scientists in this study also discovered that as a man gained weight, he became more susceptible to experiencing erectile dysfunction.

A University of California at San Diego study of 78 healthy but sedentary middle-aged men documented changes when the men were assigned to exercise three to four times a week for one-hour sessions. Overall, the former couch potatoes reported more reliable sexual function, more frequent sexual activity and orgasms, and greater satisfaction.

Here's a study to encourage the ladies to exercise for improved sex lives: Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin studied 35 women, ages 18-34. On two separate occasions, the women first watched a short travel film, followed by an abbreviated X-rated film. To begin with, the subjects cycled vigorously for 20 minutes. The second time they didn't. Researchers calculated their sexual response (using a device that measures blood flow in genital tissue) and discovered that the women's vaginal responses were 169 percent greater after exercising.

Even losing weight and quitting smoking or drinking won't improve sexual function the way exercise does. The following are sexual problems caused by a lack of fitness:

• Low sexual desire
• Difficulty with arousal
• Inability to have an orgasm
• A dislike of sex, poor libido
• Painful intercourse, pain after intercourse

Here's what you'll need to get the most out of your sex life:

• For enthusiastic sex, you'll need to work on your cardio endurance. You don't want to run out of energy halfway through.

• You also need muscular endurance for longer-lasting sex. You may find yourself holding, er, unusual positions for some time, so conditioning your body can be a plus. For endurance, you can try a resistance band workout or good ol' push-ups and sit-ups. The objective is to use a lighter resistance and perform more repetitions.

• As you can imagine, having loads of muscular strength can come in handy during your bedroom sessions. Increasing your strength will help you avoid show-stopping leg cramps.

• Flexibility can enhance anyone's sex life, making it a bit easier to get into your favorite position with a minimum amount of fuss. Increased flexibility can have you venturing into some new positions that seemed impossible before. Yoga is a great way to limber up.

If exercise can do so much for your sex life, shouldn't more be even better? The answer is no. Heavy exercise can actually decrease testosterone levels, leading to a less-robust sexual appetite. Over-training can also compromise the immune system, which can adversely affect sexual performance.

So, in addition to your new buff body, exercise will help you enjoy life to the fullest! A sexy body and amazing sex is within your grasp when you follow the right fitness program.


Any personal health questions or problems mental or physical or before starting any diet or exercise program.Please consult your physician !
Wishing You Great Health!

Glen Edward Mitchell

Any questions? Ask Glen