Cardio is one of the best forms of exercise you can do for your circulatory health and overall longevity. But there are several lesser-known advantages of cardio that might surprise you – including some benefits that may help you in the bedroom.
Enhancing your sex life can be made easy with cardio or aerobic exercise. The best thing about cardio is that there are so many ways to do it. So if you hate running, and it’s your excuse for opting out of cardio, know that there are plenty of other options to get your heart pumping.
Improved Blood Circulation
Cardiovascular exercise promotes healthy blood circulation throughout the body. In other words, when you’re walking, swimming, biking, boxing, doing a HIIT workout, or jumping rope, you’re getting your heart pumping.
These are just some of the activities that help the heart pump blood to the lungs and throughout the body. As more blood flows to the muscles, oxygen levels in the blood rise.
Enhanced blood flow not only reduces the risk of conditions such as heart diseases and type 2 diabetes; it also optimizes sexual function in men. To achieve and maintain an erection, circulation and blood flow must be healthy, as erections are dependent on blood reaching the corpus cavernosum (or penile tissue).
Increased Stamina and Endurance
Consistent cardio workouts improve cardiovascular fitness, leading to increased stamina and endurance. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, healthy adults should participate in at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week. This could mean going on a 30- minute run each day, or attending a couple of kickboxing classes a week.
Training your heart to pump consistently for extended periods of time builds stamina, which could positively impact sexual performance.
Sex can definitely get your heart rate up. A study found that men who exercised regularly experienced premature ejaculation (PE) less frequently than men whose lifestyle was more sedentary. Increased stamina from regular exercise may help you go for longer, which can make both your intimate experiences more satisfying. If you are experiencing PE, there are many viable treatment options that may help. REX MD can connect you with a doctor who can help determine the most effective treatment route for you.
Reduced Risk of Erectile Dysfunction
Health experts have confirmed that there is a clear link between cardiovascular health and erectile dysfunction (ED). Men with ED are often tested for cardiovascular conditions, as sexual dysfunction can be an indicator for heart-health issues.
Exercise is a reliable method in reducing the risk of vascular issues, and thus erectile dysfunction.
Decreased Risk of Chronic Conditions
According to the CDC, a lack of cardiovascular exercise increases the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity in men.
The multidirectional associations with these chronic conditions and sexual health are extremely complex. Men with diabetes and obesity tend to have lower testosterone levels, which decreases libido. Additionally, medications prescribed to men with heart disease and diabetes can affect sexual health.
Although health experts are still trying to understand why obesity and depression seem to go hand in hand, there is no doubt that there is a connection between the two. When the chemicals in your chemicals aren't balanced, they won’t stimulate enough blood flow. This makes it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection.
Enhanced Libido and Sexual Desire
We know that a reason for a decrease in sexual desire is age, but there are other factors that also contribute to a drop in libido. Certain hormone levels – specifically testosterone and endorphins – in the male body play a role in how much sexual desire a man has.
Regular exercise releases endorphins to the brain that improve mood and reduce stress. Often referred to as a “runner’s high”, this release of “happy hormones” creates a short-term euphoric feeling post-workout. Doing cardio consistently helps to augment the overall production of these chemicals, and with higher endorphin levels comes increased sexual desire.
Studies suggest that consistent physical activity in men improves testosterone levels. Low testosterone in men decreases libido and contributes to ED, and can even lead to depressive symptoms.
Improved Confidence and Body Image
Feeling physically fit and having a positive body image influences sexual confidence. When you’re feeling comfortable in your body, it can be easier to articulate your desires with your partner. Ultimately, this can lead to a more positive and satisfying sexual experience.
As a man, it can be difficult at times to talk about body-related insecurities. It’s important to know that body insecurity is not a woman issue: it’s a human issue. And men experience it, too. A study on body dissatisfaction found that 10%-30% of men have body dissatisfaction, and 69% of adolescent men aren’t satisfied with their weight. Additionally, 90% of male U.S. students reported being dissatisfied with their bodies’ muscularity.
Destigmatizing the conversation about body image in men will open up a space for men to discuss these issues, and not feel so isolated if they experience them.
Learning More About Cardiovascular Health
Obviously, there are tons of benefits to exercising, and they all contribute to better health. Your heart is a vital organ and it controls oxygen and nutrient-filled blood flow to all parts of your body – even your penis. If you want a healthy sex life, you need a healthy heart.
One of the best ways to keep your heart functioning at its best is by doing cardio. Incorporating physical activity into your week will give you results you can see and feel.
