It’s a classic case of exercise vs. sex. Can sex make you fitter? Will exercise make you too tired for sex? With the help of a few studies we aim to put to bed, so to speak, a few of these myths.
Our first study comes from Brooks Running. According to their own survey, 76% of all runners (84% males) believe that people look sexy when they run. Three-quarters also agreed that they are more attracted to someone when the find out they run. *Ahem* you know what to do, gents.
It doesn’t stop there. Seventy-one per cent of guys and gals believe running together as a couple plays a part in their sex life, and 75% of men said logging miles together as a couple increased their mileage between the sheets.
Now, read this next one closely: the ADAA (Anti-Depression Association of America) surveyed 52 women who all reported antidepressant sexual side effects. The method? Partnering and un-partnering sex with exercise for three weeks. The results? Exercise immediately prior to sexual activity significantly improved sexual desire, and for women with sexual dysfunction at baseline, global sexual function. Neither regular sexual activity nor exercise significantly changed sexual satisfaction. We guess that last point is up to you.
What about us men? Well, a nine-month study undertaken by the Archives of Sexual Behaviour found that 75% of men developed significantly “greater sexual enhancements” (e.g. frequency of various intimate activities, reliability of adequate functioning during sex, percentage of satisfying orgasms).
The Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality’s study also found that fitness levels significantly improved perception of sexual performance and sexual desirability. In women, it significantly improved sexual desirability.
And if running wasn’t already so good for us men, The Journal of Sexual Medicine state their study found a significant increase in erectile function.
Finally, what about sex improving your health? Naturally, it’s better than doing nothing, however, Harvard Men’s Health Watch have said that after monitoring men during sexual intercourse and walking on a treadmill, that their heart rates were raised higher on the treadmill. And that in fact the men, on average, rated the treadmill to be a higher intensity to sex.
Unsurprisingly, men actually spend more energy thinking and talking about sex than on the act itself… the truth hurts.
So, there you have it, you might not be able to bonk your way to a PB, but you can run your way to a better romp!
