By Omar West, Contributor
IF THE better known benefits of exercise (reduction of health risks, reduced body fat, muscle toning) were not enough to get you into the gym, how about improving your sex life? If you're searching for a way to improve your sex life, exercise just might be the answer.
Many people don't realise that there is a direct correlation between exercise and great, long-lasting sex. Regular exercise plays a vital role in increasing the enjoyment of our sexual experiences. Exercising as little as three days per week can enhance sexual stamina, sexual desire, muscular strength and flexibility, leading to more vibrant and fulfilling sex.
One of the surest ways to increase sexual stamina is through aerobic activity. Aerobic exercise increases our cardiovascular endurance, strengthens the heart and reduces our heart rate. What a lower heart rate really means is that the heart is conserving energy at rest and, during activity, it has built-in protection against beating too fast. A conditioned heart can do twice the work and go twice as long before fatigue starts to set in. As it relates to sexual activity, cardiovascular endurance will allow us to last longer periods of time without shortness of breath, tiredness or exhaustion. Three days per week of aerobic exercises like walking, running, cycling or swimming is sufficient to improve your cardiovascular endurance and sexual stamina.
MUSCLES AND
THEIR VITAL ROLE
Sex also requires muscular strength. Trying to hold certain positions for a period of time can take a toll on your muscles. The chest, arms, shoulders, legs and lower back muscles play a critical role here. The pain and discomfort in these areas can easily lead to frustration and a premature end to an otherwise beautiful experience. This is where resistance training comes in. Resistance training, or weight training, strengthens and conditions the muscles allowing them to last longer periods of time while under tension. This means that as the muscles get stronger they will endure heavier and more productive loads. Having more productive muscles will translate to more sexual endurance and longer, more enjoyable sessions in your favourite positions.
FLEXIBILITY
A little flexibility can go a long way in improving sexual experiences. Flexibility can enhance sex by allowing one to engage comfortably in challenging positions. Poor flexibility can cause muscle tightening and cramping during sex, particularly in the challenging or unfamiliar positions. Any well-tailored fitness programme will include a stretching regimen to improve range of motion and reduce soreness after exercise. However, rather than using short and intense periods of stretching, opt for longer, more frequent periods where less tension is used. Only stretch to the point of mild to moderate discomfort. Excessive pain during the session or soreness after are usually signs that you're stretching too hard. Additionally, be sure to add pelvic stretches to your regimen, these will help keep the muscles used during sex limber and more flexible as well as help facilitate orgasms. Gradually increasing your flexibility may be just what is needed to get you into those acrobatic poses and spice up your sex life.
Omar West is a certified fitness trainer, and owner of SandWest Fitness Studio located in Northside Plaza in the Liguanea area. SandWest is an exclusive weight management facility that provides personal fitness training to meet various health and fitness goals.
