About this episode
Waning libido is common but it’s not the only thing to consider. We’re looking at libido, sex, and orgasm all inclusively in this episode. If this all makes you blush, it’s audio-only, and we’re just talking. But if you don’t have this discussion with girlfriends because sex talk is uncomfortable, you don’t want it and your partner does or vice versa, I’m actually sharing this podcast for exactly that reason. If not here, where? Intimacy (including sex) is actually quite tied to overall health and wellbeing. If an integral part of your life is missing but you’re not inspired to discuss it, then maybe this is for you. It’s still pretty PG so, no worries there. A European study conducted by a sports nutrition company in 2022 with expert opinions from a Professor of Exercise Science and a Sexual Health Educator set out to find out how different sports improve sex lives. The study was conducted by survey of 3200 Europeans who play sports or exercise. Interestingly, several of the sources I found reviewing references for this episode were done by sports companies of some sort. I point this out, because it’s no accident. We care about sex. They’re posting content and spending time, money, and energy polling, conducting surveys for one reason, to sell more products. I want you to know that if you’re feeling like if this were a book you’d have to put a brown paper wrapper over it, don’t. This is something pretty foundational to every human. Sex and Exercise & Sports Participation Exercise (and sport) can be a part of bringing this little bit of joy and connection back or enhancing it if it’s already present for you. I’ll put in resources a few other connections that can help. But above all, 100% transparency, strength training may be a girl’s a boy’s, and a couple’s best friend, as long as you’re in the sweet spot. (couldn’t resist!) It’s not football players .. in fact they were the least likely to reach the big O and the least confident in the bedroom. Golfers enjoy the most sexual activity among all popular sports, followed by dancers and weightlifters. More than three-quarters of golfers said the sport improved their “o experience. Golfers, and this is probably better golfers, are very in tune with their body position, confident in their ability to affect results by changes that they make. Incredible self-awareness in any area of life spills over into awareness elsewhere. Dancing, provided it’s not a waif-like ballerina sacrificing her libido by starving and extreme discipline, is very rewarding in terms of intimacy. Dancing fosters feelings of lust, sensuality, and sexiness. Those least adventurous on the dance floor may also be least adventurous or confident in the bedroom. Easiest place to start? Some dance lessons to help you get more confident in your own body. There aren’t many things more sensual than dancing with the right partner. Sex and Sports Specifics 78% of regular walkers report it improving their sex life. It might be that exploring new places and having new adventures builds trust, happiness and satisfaction that pays off in the bedroom. Consider getting off the beaten path. 81% of swimmers say swimming improved their sex lives but only 44% are confident in the bedroom. While women actually enjoy watching football, the benefits of the sport don’t actually add up to the best results in the bedroom. Fballers aren’t all that confident and don’t climax as much as other sports participants. Running can have a positive effect on hormone levels provided it’s not too much. Endurance exercise decreases testosterone and increases cortisol levels, having the opposite desired effect (see what I did there). Couples, about 66% on average, who run together report a higher frequency of sex compared to those who don’t. (a survey conducted by Brooks Running) What was the quote? "The Tango is the vertical expression of a horizontal desire." – Jennifer Lopez’ character in Shall We Dance? More than any other sport, 90% of weight trainers said it had a positive impact on their sex life. What’s the physiological reason? Weight training not only improves testosterone levels that directly impact libido or desire, it also edges out yoga for support in cognitive function and problem solving, lending to decreased stress levels through enhanced resilience. Physiologically, no other exercise will change your body shape in the way strength training has the ability to do. Aerobic activity may support weight loss to some extent, but it leaves a smaller version – possibly even less toned – than you started with. Parting Thoughts About Sex and Sport One of the biggest killers of libido, sex and orgasm tends to be a mismatch between fitness status of partners. Even if the couple doesn’t do the same fitness or sport activity, those that support each other independently pursuing some type of fitness activity tend to also have a better relationship. Reference: https://de.myprotein.com/thezone/lifestyle/europaeische-studie-einfluss-von-sport-auf-das-liebesleben/ Resources: STRONGER 12-Week Strength Training: https://www.flippingfifty.com/getstronger Libido boosting Julva: https://www.flippingfifty.com/julva Other Episodes You Might Like: Better Sex After 50 How to Love Getting Intimate https://www.flippingfifty.com/better-sex-2/ Juicy New Menopause, Libido, & Intimacy Solutions https://www.flippingfifty.com/juicy-new-menopause-libido-intimacy-solutions/ Not Just for Men, Why Women Need Testosterone, Too! https://www.flippingfifty.com/testosterone/