Improve Sex Appeal Thru Exercise
Three Ways Fitness Can Enhance Your Love Life
Getting in shape works wonders for improving health, alleviating stress and making intimate encounters more gratifying.
There is one thing for sure. Poor body image can be a deal breaker. People with poor images of their bodies often have diminished self-esteem making it difficult to feel desirable or sexually attractive.
Sexual Attractiveness Body Image And Exercise
Body image is a difficult subject to pinpoint considering it does not have standardized meaning for everyone. Many variables affect how one perceives his or her body. Paige Waehner, CPT, offers her version of body image as:
- How one feels about how they look
- How one sees them-self
- How one thinks others see them
- How one feels in their body
However, adding exercise could be the answer to quickly raising low self-esteem and/or enhancing strained body image.
For example, strength gains can be seen from resistance workouts in only 1 to 2 weeks after starting a program. Adding cardio, flexibility and sensible eating habits can bring about noteworthy improvements in as little as 6 weeks. Positive results from exercise occur quickly and could act as a catalyst toward helping people feel better about themselves---especially when the goal is to increase sexual attraction.
People with good body images are likely to enjoy better sexual activity. "If you feel good about yourself, you are in a better position to feel good about relationships, including your sex life," says Karen Zager, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice in New York City. Exercise is good medicine for body image and lovemaking.
Exercise Improves Circulation To Intimate Zones
Exercise increases vascularization. What is that? Vascularization is an exercise-related adaptation where networks of blood vessels open creating new routes for carrying blood through metabolically active body structures. Vascularization is the most essential factor in building endurance and reducing fatigue in skeletal muscle (Magruder, Hatfield, Hughes 1996).
Essentially, vascularization stimulates muscle and affects erectile-tissue circulation, which is intrinsic to penile/clitoral erection, sensitivity and pleasure. (Yes, women get erections too). Simply put, exercise helps the body pump and circulate blood more efficiency.
The University of Austin Texas conducted a study, which showed "physically active women who watched an X-rated film had 169% greater blood flow to the vagina compared to when they were inactive." Working out may also help individuals afflicted with Erectile Dysfunction (ED) to experience a more potent love life.
Training And Stress Reduction
If improved body image and better circulation isn't enough to motivate one to exercise, then stress reduction may make training more attractive. Life is filled with stressors. Left unchecked, stress works havoc on health and sex life.
Many people just don't feel sexy when stressed because stress impairs physiological functioning. What's worst is many people are unaware when physiological circuits are overloading. Although sexual activity helps alleviate stress, a stressed-out mind makes it difficult to perform optimally.
To de-stress and possibly boost sex life, it maybe wise to consider these 10 strategies as suggested by Elizabeth Scott, MS:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat right
- Exercise
- Maintain social support
- Develop hobbies
- Pamper oneself
- Sharpen the mind
- Have the right attitude
- Process emotions
- Maintain spiritual connectedness
- An eleventh entry might read, "Don't sweat the small stuff"
"Men and women who exercise regularly are going to have increased levels of desire," says Cedric Bryant, Ph.D., ACE's chief exercise physiologist. "They're going to have enhanced confidence, enhanced ability to achieve orgasm, and greater sexual satisfaction." Although exercise is not the panacea to all sexual ills, it is certainly a great place to start for exhilarating benefits.
References:
Mackinnon, L. (2002). Neuromuscular Systems Response to Exercise. Exercise Physiology, 17 - 39.
Magruder, J., Hatfield, H. & Hughes, R. (1996). Basic Anatomy/Physiology and the Training Effect. Fitness the Complete Guide, Third Edition, 1 - 42.
Scott, E. (2007). Top Ten Self-Care Strategies for Overall Stress Reduction, About.Com: Stress Management, (Online), June 19, 2007.
Waehner, P. (2007). What’s Your Body Image? Are You Punishing Yourself for being Imperfect? About.Com: Exercise, (Online), June 19, 2007.
Zamora, D. (2007). Eat, Exercise, Relax and Sleep Your Way to Better Sex, Web MD, (Online), June 19, 2007.
