As we get older, it becomes natural to feel a decrease in our libido. A low libido can affect both men and women. It can happen during different periods in life and can be linked to hormonal changes, aging, and stress.
But no worries, there are ways you can help boost your libido. Studies show that the right amount of physical activity can help boost your sex drive.
What Causes a Low Libido
When it comes to either sex, a low libido can be caused by different medical and/or psychological reasons. Although both men and women can experience a reduction in their sex drive, the causes can differ between male and female.
For example, a low libido in men is often contributed from depression and stress.
On the other hand, a low libido in women can be caused by hormonal changes or lack of sexual intimacy because of relationship problems with their partner.
If you have concerns about your low libido, consider discuss it with your doctor. He or she may be able to help find what’s affecting your sex drive, and help you with other treatments outside of physical fitness.
Common Health Causes for a Low Libido
A low libido can sometimes be contributed from health reasons. Some common health causes are:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Medication (especially Antidepressants)
- Excessive use of alcohol and/or recreational drugs
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you feel that any of these causes may be contributing to your low sex drive, and you want to help boost your libido, you should consider adding a little physical fitness to your weekly routine.
Working out on a regular basis can benefit your sex life. Being physically active can have a positive effect on your libido and can also make your sex life more enjoyable.
Here are a few reasons why working out can help increase your libido.
Working Out Helps Improve Your Sexual Desires
According to Associate Professor Dr. Tina Penhollow of Florida Atlantic University, aerobic workouts such as walking, running, biking, or cardio, has been shown to increase circulation and blood flow, which are two factors involved in sexual response.
She explains how improving your cardiovascular functions is good for sexual arousal. This is because any sexual activity is a full body experience that involves your muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
She concludes that maintaining a regular workout that increases your heart rate, breathing, and muscle activity can enhance your sexual performance and sexual satisfaction, which can ultimately lead to a better sex life.
Gain Confidence in Your Body Image
Poor body image, which is the mental image of our own bodies, can also be a psychological factor that can cause a low libido. When it comes to sexes, this number is greater in women.
Denise Martz, PhD clinical health psychologist, and professor at Appalachian State University in North Carolina states that when it comes to body image, women have a overwhelmingly greater body dissatisfaction when compared to men.
Regardless of size or weight, people who workout tend to be more confident with their bodies. Confidence in your body image and a higher self-esteem is a great way to help boost to your libido.
Couples Who Workout Together Have Better Sex!
Working out with your partner helps build a stronger relationship, helps create a better connection, and best of all increases your libido!
Runtastic.com claims that couples working out together on a regular basis not only have more, but better sex. In addition, they state that 80% of men and 60% of women who exercises 2-3 times a week rate their sexual appeal above average.
One reason in particular is because when you workout your brain releases endorphins. The release of this “happy hormone” gives you an euphoric feeling, which is the same feeling during sexual intercourse.
This is why most couples feel attracted to one another after working out together. They go from the gym to the bedroom… or shower as I prefer.
Need more motivation? Here are a few more facts that the adidas Runtastic team put together in this infographic about couples who do cardio together.
![Couples Workout to Increase Sex Drive](https://fitfor18.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/infographic-Runtastic-scaled.jpg)
It’s Time to Get Your Butt in The Gym
If you feel like your libido has taken a dive, think about the last time you went to the gym. There are many benefits from exercising, including boosting your libido!
So the next time you’re thinking about skipping out on a day at the gym, think about the negative effect that it could have on your sex life.
Get up and hit that gym. If you need help creating a workout program, feel free to hit me up! Together, we can create a workout program that will help you reach your fitness goals and build the confidence you need to help boost your libido.
Most importantly, if you have any concerns about your low libido, you should consider discuss it with your doctor. Ask about what treatment would work best for you. Although physical fitness has proven to help boost your sex drive, sometimes doctors can discuss other treatments with you as well.
SOURCES: Medicinenet.com – Build a Better Body Image – No Dieting Required
Mayoclinic.org – Low Sex Drive in Women | Is loss of Sex Drive Normal As a Man Gets Older?
Medicalnewstoday.com – What Causes a Low Libido
Obesityaction.org – Is Obesity Affecting Your Sex Life?
Refinery29.com – Exercise: It’s Good For Your Sex Life Too
Runtastic.com – Boost Your Sex Life By Working Out Together
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