Lean and Hard

Actually, it's more likely to rank in the single digits, wouldn't you agree? According to this article, being physically fit makes for a dramatically improved sex life, for several intuitively obvious reasons, such as:

Physically fit people look and feel more attractive.

No question about this one, right? Man or woman, old or young, reducing body fat and adding muscle makes for a more attractive appearance. I read something interesting along these lines many years ago in a body-building magazine. It said that people who were (excuse the shameless plug for this blog) lean and hard looked better without clothes than with. Don''t misunderstand, they look good clothed too, it's just that they look even better when the clothes come off.

Conversely, people who are not physically fit take full advantage of the ability of clothes to disguise what they really look like underneath. I remember well, when I lived in the Northeastern U.S., someone pointing out that when winter turned to spring and the sweaters and bulky jackets came off, all the extra padding wouldn't have anywhere to hide anymore. So true. Sex, if you'll forgive me for pointing out the obvious, often requires the clothes to come off. Then it's either Yikes! or Wow!

It stands to reason that people who appear more attractive, to themselves and to others, are more likely to enjoy better sex lives, whatever their marital status or sexual orientation.

A big part of sex is feeling sexy. People who exercise have an improved body image over people who do not exercise. Being more comfortable with your body leads to better and more relaxed sex.

Physically fit people enjoy better sexual performance

The best sex takes flexibility, endurance, energy, and sometimes physical strength. Everyone knows that as we get heavier and develop more and more cushioning, our sexual options become more and more limited. Simple engineering and physics, right?

Sex itself is an intense physical activity requiring strength and endurance. As you exercise, both your strength and endurance will increase, opening the possibility for more varied sexual positions that require greater physical control.

It is known to be true that erectile dysfunction is often associated with obesity-related health problems.

Researchers looked at men over the age of 50 and found that those who were physically active reported better erections and a 30% lower risk of impotence than men who were inactive.

Physically fit people enjoy the regular release of endorphins.

What do endorphins have to do with sex? It turns out that the hormones released during and after strenuous exercise, the ones that create a so-called runner's high, also increase the frequency and pleasure of sexual arousal.

In fact, studies have shown that women who frequently exercise become aroused more quickly and are able to reach an orgasm faster and more intensely.

So if you need some additional motivation to get on the elliptical or say no to that slice of pizza, give this some thought. Achieving and maintaining physical fitness is a warrior's endeavor, and warriors need all the motivation they can get.

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