Before you say anything, I want to make it clear that I did not come up with this idea all by myself.

I am just passing on a message from The American Council on Exercise (ACE) to remind everyone that exercise improves sexual function in Men and Women. This "workout watchdog" sponsors university-based exercise science research and testing that targets fitness products and trends, and through numerous studies show that the benefits of physical activity is directly linked to our enhanced libidos. Is this just another urban myth to get us going to the gym more often?

"A growing body of evidence supports the notion that regular exercise may enhance sexuality through a variety of mechanisms that affect both the mind and body," said Dr. Cedric Bryant, chief science officer for ACE. "Physical improvements in muscle strength and tone, endurance, body composition and cardiovascular function (specifically, enhanced peripheral blood flow) can all enhance sexual functioning. Be careful not to over-train; too much exercise can actually decrease testosterone levels leading to a less-robust sexual appetite."

* A Harvard study of nearly 23,000 men found that obese men who exercised little had two and a half times the risk of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) compared to men who were not overweight and who exercised vigorously 30 minutes a day.

* Researchers at Duke University Medical Center concluded that overweight adults who lose only 10 percent of their total body weight report significant improvements in their sexual quality of life.

* The National Institutes of Health estimates that most cases of ED are due to a combination of chronic conditions like heart disease that impair blood flow to the penis and conditions like diabetes that injure genital nerves. An estimated 85% of men with diabetes experience ED at some point.

* In October 2004, an article appearing in the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality concluded that individuals who exercise regularly feel better about themselves, perceive they are more sexually desirable and experience greater levels of satisfaction.

"Sexual function is affected by general health and the more you can do to improve our health with physical activity, the better your sex life can be," said Bryant. "Exercise has psychological benefits as well such as stress reduction, improved self-esteem, elevated mood and increased confidence that can also contribute to a more enriched sex life."

So, make Valentines Day extra special this year, and grab your partner and go for a gym workout.


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