Eat, Train, Shag, Repeat...

Let's Talk Sex

Sex is everywhere. You know it, I know it, everybody knows it. Biologically, it's on our minds because our bodies are built to crave it. It's driven by hormones like testosterone and dopamine, which stimulate sexual desire and pleasure. It's nature's way of making sure we don't forget to keep our species going.

In today's society, sex is advertised right in front of us. Whether it's through movies on Netflix or lingerie on display in the shop windows that you walk past, there is no way to escape the sexy stuff.

Besides the obvious (you know, that it’s fun), sex is also fascinating. Thanks to the interesting curiosities from researchers, this blog is jam packed with weird study findings that will blow your mind (pun intended).

Sex Can Act Like a Painkiller and Stress Reliever

Stress is something that we all experience in different ways. During sexual activity, your body releases endorphins and oxytocin—aka the “feel-good hormones". A study showed that the individuals who reported having sex at least once a week experienced less stress than those who had less frequent sexual encounters. Let’s be honest, sex is way more enjoyable than meditating on your yoga mat.

Sex can also act as a natural painkiller. Research indicates that sexual activity can increase pain tolerance. The same hormones released in your system during orgasm can make you feel less pain. So, no more “I have a headache” excuses! A study found that sex can relieve headaches. About 60% of migraine sufferers reported partial or complete pain relief after having sex. Next time you feel a headache coming on, show your partner this blog.

Adding to this, let me mention the immune system. Researchers at Pennsylvania’s Wilkes University asked college students how often they had sex each week and then compared the levels of immunoglobulin A, an antibody that functions as the body’s first line of defence, in their saliva. The students who engaged in sexual activity once or twice a week had the highest levels of immunoglobulin A, which were 30% higher compared to those who had no sex.

Semen Contains Mood Boosting Chemicals

Sperm is packing more than just the potential for babies. Research has found that it contains a variety of substances, including testosterone, serotonin, and even prostaglandins—all of which can play a role in enhancing your mood. One study shows that the compounds in semen can help boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

How exactly does this work? Well, when semen is introduced into the body, the chemicals can enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to increased feelings of happiness and well-being. For instance, oxytocin, often called the “cuddle hormone", is known for promoting bonding and affection, which is why those post-sex cuddles feel so good. A study at SUNY Albany found that women who were regularly exposed to semen (through unprotected sex) experienced significantly fewer symptoms of depression than those who used condoms.

Feel like I have to say this: safe sex is essential!

It's not only semen, sex itself can boost your mood. A study involving 30,000 men and women from 1989 to 2012 discovered that being in a committed relationship and engaging in sexual activity at least once a week was enough to bring happiness to individuals.

Women Are More Likely to Orgasm if Their Partner Works Out

Having a fit partner can have a big impact on a woman’s sexual satisfaction study. A study found that women were more likely to reach orgasm if their partner had good physical fitness. Exercise increases circulation and blood flow, and blood flow is very important for us guys.

Exercise also increases blood flow and boosts hormone levels, which can lead to heightened arousal for both partners. Research has found that women have an increased sexual desire and satisfaction when their partners are physically fit.

Hitting the gym often means that your partner is not only healthier but also more confident. When your partner feels good about themselves, they can bring that energy to the bedroom, creating a more enjoyable and passionate experience. Regular exercise increases stamina and flexibility, which can definitely enhance performance.

So, if you want to impress your partner in bed, hit the gym regularly. They will likely thank you (many, many times).

Lifting Heavy Can Boost Your Sex Drive

Another hidden perk of lifting heavy is that it boosts your sex drive, thanks to the deadlifts and squats increasing your libido. But how exactly does picking up heavy stuff make you want to pick up your partner? It’s all about the testosterone. This is the hormone that fuels your drive, in more ways than one. Lifting heavy weights causes a spike in testosterone levels for both men and women. One study found that people who regularly engage in resistance training reported higher libido levels compared to those who stick to lighter weights or cardio. So, if you’re pushing those PRs in the gym, you might just be setting yourself up for a different kind of personal best later!

Another way heavy lifting boosts your sex drive? Blood flow. Yep, that same blood flow that gives you a great pump also helps you get a little extra pumped up for intimacy. Resistance training improves circulation, which can lead to better sexual function and arousal. According to a study, weightlifting promotes cardiovascular health, which means not only are you stronger in the gym, but your body is better prepared for intimate activities.

Too Much Exercise Can Lower Libido

Now that you know exercise is great for your body, your mood, and yes, even your sex life. But what happens when you’re too committed to the gym?

Research suggests that people who engage in intense, prolonged exercise—think marathon training, can actually experience a drop in libido. This can simply be because your body is too tired for some sexy time after all that effort. Turns out, excessive exercise can sometimes hit your sex life where it hurts.

The main reason for this dip is the hormonal imbalance. When you over-exercise, your body pumps out a lot of cortisol. Too much cortisol floating around for too long can lead to a drop in testosterone, which is the hormone responsible for a healthy libido. Studies show that athletes who regularly engage in extreme endurance training often see a significant reduction in testosterone levels, leaving them feeling less frisky and more fatigued. So, while you might be building muscle, you could also be shrinking your sex drive.

Overtraining can leave you with zero energy. Your muscles might be on fire, but your libido? Not so much. While rest days are crucial for muscle recovery, they’re equally important for keeping your sex drive alive.

Regular exercise is awesome, but make sure you’re mixing in some rest days, and getting enough sleep. Your body and your partner will thank you.

Sex Can Improve Sleep

What if the solution to your sleepless nights was right next to you in bed? Sex can be the ultimate bedtime story, helping you to fall asleep faster. It's all about the feel-good chemicals your brain releases during sex. After orgasm, when your body releases oxytocin (cuddle hormone) and prolactin, your relaxation and sleepiness will improve. Oxytocin helps you feel all warm and cosy, while prolactin triggers the drowsiness that makes your bed feel even more comfortable. According to a study, people who engage in sexual activity before bed tend to fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. Another study found that people who had sex reported feeling more relaxed and less anxious which obviously helps you to fall asleep.

One of my favourite supplements is melatonin. This is the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Melatonin kicks in after sex, helping you get ready to snooze. A bit of bedroom fun is a natural way to boost melatonin levels, meaning you’ll be asleep faster.

A study involving almost 10,000 women between the ages of 50 and 79 showed that those who slept less than seven hours per night were less likely to engage in sexual activity. A similar study found that women who had a peaceful night's sleep were more likely to experience sexual desire the next day. For every extra hour of sleep, there was a 14% increased chance that a woman would engage in sexual activity with her partner.

It doesn’t matter if you’re flying solo or with a partner, sex can help improve your sleep either way! Whether you’re getting intimate with a partner or masturbating, orgasms lead to a surge in all the right hormones to get your body in sleep mode.

So, how do you get better sleep? Step 1 is checking out more of my sleep blogs... and step 2 is by actually having sex.

Eat, Sleep, Train, Shag, Repeat

Sex and fitness work well with each other. Sex is a fantastic way to support your overall health and wellbeing. Next time you hit the gym, just remember that your efforts there might pay off in more ways than one!

Step 2 - Recommended Blog...

Exercise During Pregnancy