Can Exercise Increase Libido and Enhance Your Sex Life?

If your sex drive isn't what it used to be, don't be so quick to blame it on your age. The answer to a low libido may be as simple as putting on exercise shoes and moving your body more. It appears that exercise may be a simple, all-natural way to increase libido. Not only can it increase desire, there's some evidence that the increased blood flow associated with exercise can help with erectile dysfunction in men.

Why does exercise increase libido? The reasons exercise can give your sex life a boost is probably multi-factorial. Exercise gets the heart pumping and increases blood flow to all parts of the body including sexual organs which can enhance desire while enabling better sexual performance. Exercise also promotes weight loss and studies have shown that obesity is associated with a higher incidence of erectile dysfunction in men.

When you exercise, certain hormonal changes take place that can indirectly increase libido. When you swing into a face paced exercise routine your sympathetic nervous system kicks out higher levels of adrenaline, a hormone which pumps you up and heightens your sense of awareness. This helps to fuel a more powerful sex drive. Exercise also increases the release of the "feel good" hormones known as endorphins which can promote relaxation and reduce performance anxiety. Both of these powerful body chemicals can help to increase libido and enhance sexual performance.

Another way exercise increases libido is by fostering a greater sense of self confidence. When you exercise you become more aware of your body as well as more self confident about your appearance. This can cause you to be less inhibited and self conscious and more secure in your relationship.

An article published in American Fitness in 2004 showed that testosterone levels in men increase within an hour after working out. Women also produce low levels of testosterone and get a boost in testosterone production after a vigorous workout. Higher testosterone levels are associated with higher sexual desire.

One of the best ways to increase libido and enhance your sex life is to start an exercise program with your partner. Working out together can be a sensual, relationship strengthening experience. Choose something that both of you enjoy. Biking, jogging, and hiking are good ways to strengthen your heart while pumping out hormones that will enhance your sex drive. Lifting weights as a twosome can also bring you closer together while increasing testosterone levels. You can even find special workout videos designed specifically for couples by doing a search online.

Exercise is a safe and natural way to increase libido while doing something healthy for your body and your mind. If your sex life could use a little boost, why not do it the healthy natural way?