A low sex drive isn’t necessarily a sign of major problems. But if it lasts a long time and you don’t know what’s causing it, it may progressively worsen.
That’s why it’s important to nip it in the proverbial bud, and there are few better ways of doing so than exercise.
Working out has a marked effect on libido in various ways. Although some workouts are better than others.
In this article, you’ll find out which workouts are best for boosting your libido, along with some useful facts about why they’re so effective.
WHY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BOOSTS LIBIDO
An assumption many people have is that libido is a purely physical function. As long as the right hormones are in order – the assumption goes – everything will fall into place.
The truth is that there’s a lot more to it than that. Libido has a multitude of moving parts, and your physiology is just one of them.
First and foremost, exercise can help you get in the mood by simply making you feel better about yourself. Self-confidence is a critical part of feeling libidinous, and exercise is one of the best ways to increase it.
Exercise also reduces stress, which wreaks havoc on your libido. Working out helps you get accustomed to stress hormones.
Perhaps most crucially, though, is the effects of exercise on your stamina and endurance. Both of which play a big role in sexual activity.
Now, let’s take a look at some of those workouts.
HIGH-INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING
HIIT isn’t a new methodology, but it came into mainstream prominence after a study done by Japanese researcher, Izumi Tabata.
In HIIT workouts, the goal is to oscillate between periods of intense activity and periods of rest. A prime example is the Tabata workout itself.
Tabata HIIT is an eight-round program of 20-second work periods and 10-second rest periods. So, the structure looks like this:
1. Maximum intensity work for 20 seconds
2. Rest for 10 seconds
3. Repeat for eight rounds
The exercise itself can vary but should focus on progressive intensity build-up. Burpees, jump rope, or cycling are good candidates.
Alternatively, a popular HIIT program is 1:1 work/rest periods over a period of up to 30 minutes. For example, one minute of work followed by one minute of rest for 20 minutes. For longer HIIT workouts, choose an exercise that you can sustain for the entire period.
STRENGTH TRAINING
Training for strength will invariably increase your muscle size. Even if you’re the least vain person on earth, getting more toned will increase your self-confidence, leading to an increased willingness to engage in sexual activity.
Strength training also has a positive effect on testosterone levels. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and regulates numerous functions, including libido.
If you’re a complete beginner and in a position to do so, hire a trainer. It’s the best way to avoid injury and ensure that your workouts are as efficient as possible.
But a trainer certainly isn’t a necessity. A simple workout that targets all the muscle groups is enough to have an effect.
Choose a set of five compound exercises (those that work several muscle groups) and perform three sets of 10 repetitions of each exercise. That’s a good initial workout that you can slowly develop if you feel the need.
YOGA
Although not as popular in the male demographic, yoga has started to enter mainstream life. Endorsement from fitness figures such as former wrestler, Diamond Dallas Page, and MMA commentator, Joe Rogan, have made yoga much more appealing to men.
Tantric yoga is the most commonly associated with libido, but it’s definitely not the only kind of yoga that can help you.
Yoga is focused on increasing strength relative to your body size as well as flexibility – two key parts of sexual activity.
The best way for a beginner to get into yoga is by joining a beginner’s class. However, if that sounds a little intimidating, you can start with the plethora of resources online for yoga newcomers.
LOOK GOOD AND FEEL GOOD
Working out is a major piece of the libido puzzle, and a great way to improve overall health as well. However, you should keep in mind that it’s not a simple solution.
You need to understand libido as a complex function and work at it persistently over time. Exercise is certainly a big part of it, but so are a healthy diet and correct supplementation.
If you take a slow-and-steady approach and the time to educate yourself, you’ll have your libido back up in no time.
