Fitness = Great Sex

Fitness = Great Sex

There are all these boring, though important, reasons why you should work out—for a better cardiovascular system, more stamina, a toned body... All that is great to know and to achieve. But, do you know, dear readers, that workouts also mean better sex? And hey! Before you think that I'm talking about the benefits of sex, no, I certainly am not! I had already talked of that in a previous column, remember? What I'm saying is simply that less fat means urge for more sex!

So, if you aren't motivated enough by reducing the risk of heart disease and prostate cancer, longer life spans and great physique, maybe the notion that less fat means more sex should propel you towards a body that's aiming to be a lean, mean fighting machine!

Look, sex is something that's almost automatic in our youth. Nature demands that people procreate and the younger generation definitely spends a lot of time, thought and energy on the activity, if not exactly in the process of procreation per se. However, by the time you are in your mid 20's and 30's, let yourself 'go'. Your body is no longer in shape and guess what one of the fallouts of this state is? Lacklustre, routine sex lives.

Of course, factors like the pressure to earn, family responsibilities and stress at work also interfere with great sex but when you lose that trim, fit physique of youth, sex is not as automatic, as it was, when you were younger and had that body.

So, let’s just look at the important factors that contribute to wonderful sex. Of course, the will to do is the primary motivator, but the endurance and strength of the body are very important elements as well. Everyone knows that sportsmen have great sex! And this, incidentally, is not only because their bodies are muscled and toned but also because they have the strength and energy to go for it big time!

Every Day, Sometimes More
The other factor here is that the more attractive your body is, the more interest it generates in the opposite gender. This leads to greater self-esteem, making you feel sexy.

Says Rita Aggarwal, who works in a bank: “I've been on both sides of the fitness fence. In my 30's my long working hours at a sedentary job, coupled with lack of exercise, got my body all flabby. By the time I realised that my metabolism was no longer what it used to be, when I was young, I'd become a lump of lard! Of course, my sex life took a real beating because I couldn't believe that anyone could find me desirable. I myself started feeling extremely un-sexy.”

In the Duke University survey, at the outset, 68 per cent of women said they felt sexually unattractive, and 63 per cent did not want to be seen undressed. They went on a diet and exercise programme and within a year, things improved dramatically, just as they did for Rita, who joined a gym and took to organic, health food in a big way. Today she's in her forties and she is glowing with health and vigour. “Sex?” she laughs, “Every day of the week and sometimes more!”

States Dr. Sandra Leiblum of the Centre for Sexual and Marital Therapy at UMDNJ - Robertwood Johnson Medical School, New Jersey: “No one disputes the evidence that women of any age can be unhappy with their sex life, but the reasons for their discontent change with age. While younger women are more likely to report difficulty in reaching orgasm, women over 40, cite other difficulties such as a partner, who doesn't make love in a satisfying way, or who can't perform, painful intercourse, or their feeling that they are no longer physically desirable.”

Shed Pounds: Have More Sex!
In the Duke University survey, weight loss helped both men and women significantly and even with the 10-13 per cent weight loss the improvement was marked. In the beginning, 21 per cent said that their sex life wasn't enjoyable. This figure fell by 10 per cent. From 39 per cent, who lacked sexual desire in the beginning, only 15 per cent said so a year later.

O.K.! Now we're all in agreement that great sex is achievable provided we work on our bodies. Now, how do we go about shedding those extra pounds and improving our physical and mental health?

There are a few basic rules that you need to follow-
Rule 1: To begin with, ingest fewer calories than you expend. Eat a lot of high-quality protein, moderate levels of complex carbohydrates and low levels of fat. No junk food, please! When you reach for that slice of chocolate cake, think, would you rather eat that or have sex tonight? Also, 5 to 7 small meals in a day are better than three big ones!

Rule 2: Train, train, train. Progressive resistance training adds lean muscle mass, which boosts your metabolism to burn fat faster, and, hey, you look hot as well.

Rule 3: Intensive cardiovascular exercises. You should add variety to our exercise regime by incorporating biking, aerobics, walking, all of which keeps your metabolism in great shape.

Rule 4: Take a breather. You need adequate amounts of rest and sleep to aid the muscle-building process and improving mental functioning.

Rule 5: Take diet supplements. High quality proteins like multi-vitamins, C, E and B-complex could be used. But do consult your doctor.

So, what are you waiting for? Go for it! There are great things in the offing. Go on, hit the gym, train hard, have great sex and enjoy!