Everyone knows that exercise is good for you: it increases muscle strength, improves flexibility, maintains weight, and protects the heart. However, for men, exercising has a particular benefit for their sexual health and wellbeing, which should surely provide some extra motivation to get down the gym.
Here’s a look at the relationship between exercise and men’s sexual health, and some tips for staying in top condition.
Exercise improves blood flow
Let’s get straight to the point: healthy circulation is necessary for getting and achieving an erection that lasts long enough for a satisfactory sexual experience. Cardio activity such as running, cycling or swimming strengthens the heart muscles and therefore boosts blood flow around the entire body.
The pelvic area is obviously some distance from the heart, and the blood vessels that supply the penis are narrow, so the more efficient the circulation, the better the quality of the erection. Men who are unable to achieve a strong erection may benefit from taking medication such as Cialis, which is cheap to buy online as tadalafil.
However, it’s important to have a medical check up first to rule out any serious underlying causes of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Exercise boosts testosterone levels
Testosterone is the male hormone primarily responsible for the sex drive and energy levels. By the age of 30, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline slightly. They can also be affected by injuries to the testicles, carrying too much weight, and certain medications or chronic illnesses.
Depleted testosterone levels can lower the sex drive and even contribute to ED. The good news is that exercise can stimulate the production of testosterone, particularly strength training. This doesn’t need to involve lengthy sessions in the gym: it can be as simple as lifting weights at home, doing bodyweight exercises or working out with dumbbells.
High intensity interval training (HIIT) is also effective for stimulating testosterone production. This involves combining short bursts of intense activity such as sprinting with a recovery interval, such as jogging or brisk walking.
Helps to manage stress
Stress and related conditions such as depression and anxiety can impact sexual function. Chronic stress interferes with the signalling system between the brain and the body, often making it more difficult to respond to sexual stimulation. Anxiety about sexual performance can create a vicious cycle, and younger men can be particularly prone to this.
Exercise is an excellent way to manage stress, because it reduces cortisol levels and triggers the release of endorphins, which are a natural mood booster. It also helps to create a more relaxed and positive state of mind, which is more conducive to satisfying sexual experiences.
Aids weight loss
Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for ED. It can cause inflammation that interferes with the healthy flow of blood and the functioning of the nerves in the penis. It can also clog arteries with cholesterol deposits, damage heart health and lower testosterone levels. These can all cause or contribute to ED.
Exercise is a proven way to manage weight, by burning excess calories and boosting the metabolism.
Boosts body image
Exercise sheds spare tyres and tones up muscles, which can create a more well-proportioned physique and better posture. This can improve body image and self-esteem, making you feel more confident in sexual situations and more attractive to potential partners.
Strengthens pelvic floor muscles
It is a common misconception that pelvic floor exercises are just for women who want to shape up after childbirth: they can benefit men too by supporting better erectile function. The pelvic floor muscles control urine flow, so practice stopping and starting your stream to get used to using them.
Once you have identified them, you can simply tighten and relax the muscles in repetition, at least one or two times a day whenever you have a spare ten minutes.
So there you have it: exercise is a natural and effective way to improve your sexual performance. This can help you to feel closer and more intimate with your partner, or give you the confidence to seek out new relationships.
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