From sharper arousal and endless stamina to easier movement and stronger orgasms, regular workouts do far more than burn calories. Three medical experts share how targeting key muscle groups can dramatically improve your intimate life.
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Whilst sex is obviously possible whatever level of fitness you are, there are ways that people who exercise regularly can reap the benefits in the bedroom.
From having a lot of stamina to a flexible body, being fit can have a great impact on your sex life. Below, we speak to three medical experts about how people who exercise regularly can use their physical stance when it comes to lovemaking.
Cardio for stamina and improved blood flow
“Sex increases your heart rate and breathing, just like other forms of physical activity, so better cardiovascular fitness can help with stamina,” explained Dr. Nikki Ramskill, women’s health GP and founder of The Female Health Doctor clinic.
“Cardiovascular exercise may help you last for longer in the bedroom but it also supports healthy circulation, and blood flow is an important part of sexual arousal, including blood flow to the vulva and clitoris.”
Strength training for support and positioning
“Being physically stronger can make it easier to support your own body weight, maintain different positions comfortably and reduce physical fatigue. Squats, lunges, glute bridges, pushing and pulling movements and resistance exercises using weights or resistance bands are all useful.
“I’d particularly encourage women to strengthen their legs, glutes and core because these muscles support so many everyday movements including many of the movements and positions involved in sex.”
The good news for women who do strength-training is that it can help them support their bodies better when having sex. Urologist Shaya Taghechian regularly encourages her patients to strength-train, citing it helps hugely in supporting many of the muscles involved in pelvic stability and movement during sex.
Focus on the lower body and core
“With my patients over 45, I often encourage them to do exercises like squats, lunges, bridges, and hip thrusts, along with ubiquitously important core-strengthening exercises. All of these can contribute to a positive sexual experience,” she explained.
The truth about pelvic floor health
“I also think it’s important to mention the pelvic floor. Many online influencers suggest strengthening the pelvic floor without actually knowing what patients may need.
“Unfortunately, some patients may actually have an overly strong pelvic floor, and more exercise only serves to worsen symptoms. A healthy pelvic floor contributes to better sexual sensation and orgasm. But definitely speak to a qualified urologist or female health specialist to understand if strengthening or relaxation is the better way forward.
“If I could offer a simple tip to women over 45, it would be to combine cardiovascular exercise with strength training, with a particular focus on the lower body and core.”
