Fitness & Sex

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

I just found this interesting little tidbit in Fitness magazine... I know the Spoos will find it interesting anyway (and maybe they can even confirm it).

 

According to Run For Life by Sam Murphy, 40% of women who ran for exercise reported greater sexual arousal. 31% had sex more often and 25% found orgasm easier to achieve.

 

Sounds like a good reason to take up running, if you ask me.

[Spoomonkey 421]

I just found this interesting little tidbit in Fitness magazine... I know the Spoos will find it interesting anyway (and maybe they can even confirm it).

 

It's blood flow. When you exercise, you improve your body's ability to move blood to important places - like your erogenous zones. My erections have improved tremendously since we've gotten serious about running and exercise - and our frequency has improved from 4-5 times per week to almost everyday and often more than once. My refractory period has improved tremendously as well - and that's always been in league with a teenager.

 

All I needed to know to encourage me to exercise was that people were going to see me naked... But the extra benefits have been well worth it.

 

One thing I would say though - learn to mix up your routines. You get bored and drop out, then have to start over. And the benefits plateau. Heading into winter, we are starting to lift weights more and do more interval training (faster fat burn than distance running - which is important during the "fat packing" time that we face during the colder months).

 

We are going to try to maintain 3-5 mile runs on the weekends, and then pick up again in the spring as we head into the race season.

 

I can't emphasize exercise enough, from my point of view, it's critical for one's health. But - if that isn't enough motivation - there are plenty of sexual benefits

 

Spoomonkey

[EvilMJ 65]

That's really interesting. And I have to agree with mixing things up I tend to get board very easy. I have an exercise bike in the house now that I can use but running is just a no no for me to much of a chance for spraining my ankle (again), lets face the dr. said I have to use ankle braces when I walk (for exercise not all the time).

 

Don't forget your streching like yoga and pilates...that improves your sexlife in many ways as well.

[DandS 15]

As a marathon runner myself let me 2nd that confirmation. Its not only increased blood flow but increased oxygen in the blood as a result of increased lung capacity, allowing for increased stamina/endurance as well. Like Spoo said.... lots of benifits

 

Mixing it up is good, have you guys tried bicycling? My knees were getting sore from running so much so I added a hard 30 mile bike ride twice a week to my routine instead of just running all the time. I found cycling stresses my joints a lot less but still gives me a good arobic work out.

 

Spoo, try mixing up your weight lifting routines every week as well so you are not continually stressing your joints in the same way every time. For example if you do bench press for a chest work out one week try flys the next week.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Here's my problem, I get bored in general. Unless I have someone with me I have no desire to run/walk/bike outside. I have a treadmill (that has been broken for the last week). I'm considering getting an exercise bike so that I use it in the house to mix things up a bit. I do weight training 3-4 times a week already... and luckily the bikes and treadmills at the gym DO work so I use them when I'm there.

 

Once I get going regularly I'm golden... but here lately with my treadmill being broken it's been really hard for me to get moving.

[Guest alexa and matt]

Julie,

 

Have you tried an organized class in an athletic activity with a skill component? (And, no, I'm not talking about the skill near and dear to everyone here's wicked little heart.) Boredom sets in a lot slower when you are learning a new skill along with getting a good workout. I (Matt) teach martial arts as a side job, and Alexa trains in my classes. We do the gym thing too, but mainly strength and base cardio work.

 

As a fringe benefit, any movement skill seems to add to ability in bed IMHO. Especially if there's a flexibility component...

[sensuality 2]

I definitely believe exercise makes for the best sex. The more I work out, the freakier I get...and I am not exaggerating!! And, the orgasms? Phenomenal...I'm sure my hunny also has something to do with it... What an incentive to exercise!!!

[curious24 17]

I run 9 miles a week. Mon, Wed, Fri I run at the local trail that everyone runs at. It's awesome. It has a 3 mile loop, a 4.1 mile loop, and a 4.5 mile loop. It goes around what we call town lake (it's really the Colorado River dammed up). So not only is it a hot spot for hotties and many many people to go running it provides a nice get away in a urban setting to run and relax. I love it down there

 

Here are some tips that I tell people who have a hard time trying to get inspired to exercise. First get a bike and ride your bike where ever you can. I ride my bike 5 miles to and from my art studio a few times a week. It saves a TON on gas money and I get a really good workout. Next get a bike rack for your car/truck. A very good investment because you just put you bike on the car, park far away from wherever you are going to avoid traffic and trying to find that parking space, and just ride in. Now with the weather cooling down in most places biking is a really good alternative!

 

Another thing I tell people is if you do drive to say the store. Park far away. Take the time to walk a bit further. Use the stairs, unless where you are going is on the 20th floor! Make sure to eat right! Probably the most important thing of all. Stop buying those sodas. Start shopping at your local health store and ask the people what's good etc. Get cook books to learn how to make good food. Choose a meal from it and then go to the store after work and buy the stuff and cook it. Invite friends over for dinner one a week once a month or just whatever.

 

Right before the sun goes down take the dog for a walk. Go for a walk yourself in your neighborhood. Ask a neighbor to go for a walk. Call a friend to go for a walk. Go see an art opening. Point is stay active and do things. Lead a healthy life and the great sex as you all pointed out will follow

 

Now all I need is a freaking partner for the great sex! lol

[akamgaxoxo 25]

Dang Julie, I knew there was a reason that I have been considering picking up running!! Sounds like a great reason to me!! Now all I have to do is save up for the running shoes! doh!!

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Julie,

 

Have you tried an organized class in an athletic activity with a skill component?

 

Right now I have a personal trainer that I see twice a week for weight training... this works so much better for me than trying to go to the gym on my own as I would end up wondering around and just doing the same things over and over again. Seeing her she re-arranges my routine every time I come in so that I am trying new things and working new areas. I also go to a circuit training class 1-2 times a week, and they are good about changing the routine for that every week (so if I go twice in the same week it's the same both times). The gym I use is small, it's more of a personal training facility than a full gym, so they don't really offer any classes. If one of the gyms closer to me offered something like kickboxing where i could pay as I go (for the class and not have to be a membr of the gym as well) I'd do it in a heartbeat.

 

On the upside, my bf did some work for my PT this week on a house she owns and in doing so ended up cleaning out the shed which had some left over gym equipment from when she lived there. So I ended up with a boxing bag (the big kickboxing kind) and a weight bench... I'm creating quite the little home gym... now I just need to clean out my garage so I have someplace to put it. And my PT said she would put together a kickboxing routine for me.

 

Beyond that I have a couple of different types of exercise videos that I use when working out at home so I can do different things and not get totally bored of doing the same thing every day. I think I'd actually be set if my treadmill was working. I don't mind walking on a treadmill because I can read or watch tv while I walk.

[JustAskJulie 2,595]

Another thing I tell people is if you do drive to say the store. Park far away. Take the time to walk a bit further.

 

This is something I do for two reasons. One for the extra exercise and two because it is less stress and less time to just park at the end of the parking lot and walk than it is to drive around for 10 minutes looking for that perfect spot.

[Spoomonkey 421]

Spoo, try mixing up your weight lifting routines every week as well so you are not continually stressing your joints in the same way every time. For example if you do bench press for a chest work out one week try flys the next week.

 

That's a great idea! We need a little more flexibility with our weights system (there isn't a whole lot right now) but that makes a lot of sense.

[good times 991]

Darn, it is too bad you guys don't live closer to us. We have a complete gym with weight machine, free weights, treadmill, the works, hardly gets used at all. I keep looking at it and trying to get psyched up to work out, but I'm so out of shape I just can't seem to get up the energy to do it.

[ALilOEverything 901]

My drive has really increased as I've been more active with roller blading and biking. I just feel like I have so much energy after several miles on my blades that I can't help but feel energized for sex too! My husband loves it because not only do I want sex more but my legs wrap tighter around him than ever before

 

I can't work out by myself, I just get too bored so I'm always getting someone to go with me. My kids love it because I have a trailer behind my bike or the jogging stroller with my blades. I'm really dreading the winter months because I hate the cold and I have no motivation for a regular gym.

[Spoomonkey 421]

My drive has really increased as I've been more active with roller blading and biking.

 

Those are great activities, but did you know they rank first and third in exercise related accidents? I forget what number two is, but I think alligator wrestling is up there somewhere - along with midget bowling (though in midget bowling, the injuries aren't really to the exerciser...

 

Lots of you have mentioned not being motivated to work out alone. This is something I struggle with as well. Even though we run at different paces, just knowing that Mrs Spoo is somewhere on the trail with me makes me more focused and energetic - and on long runs, when she isn't there with me, step for step, it turns into a drudgery (sp???). She had a stress fracture and that was pretty much the end for both of us as far as the marathon goes for this year. I did finish two halves this year - one without her - and if she hadn't found a way to let me see her at four different spots in the course, I would have dropped out of the last one... Having someone to motivate you and keep you from realizing how incredibly boring exercise can be is a major plus.

 

On the other hand - when we our paces do differ and we are alone-together on the trails, the time to just think is very relaxing.

[good times 991]

It's funny you should mention space. We went out looking for a good workout bench and a better set of free weights. During our shopping trip we ran across a three station Wieder weight training machine that would allow us to do all the weight training exercise routines we would ever need to do in one easily adjustable machine, and it was on sale for half price (only $500.00). So we bring our machine home and I proceeded to assemble it in our extra bedroom that we were setting up as our home gym. After I had a mountain of parts sitting on the floor and laid out in the proper order it became obvious even to me that the weight machine was about two feet longer than our room (it looked way smaller in the big store). Fortunately our guest bedroom was considerably larger and so we changed plans and made that our weight room. Even at that we have to open the closet in order to have enough room to make full use of the cable station, and when you are at the squat station on the opposite end, and in a full squat, your butt is about three inches from the wall. But hey, it's still a lot of fun doing naked workouts with Mrs. GT, although sometimes it digresses into a different kind of workout then we originally intended.

 

I agree, it is a lot easier to keep motivated if you can work out with a partner. Haven't tried a two couple workout yet.....hmmm.

[LikeMinds321 1,527]

There's no doubt about it, keeping fit will allow you to move agilely during sex and go longer and stronger. Exercise helps you stay fit and feel your best.

 

Now, after plugging exercise I will admit to doing almost none.

 

I do my Kegels - don't laugh too hard - those really do help with orgasms and increase my sexual pleasure!

 

I use my treadmill, but 15 to 30 minutes is a struggle because of boredom and I only get on about 2-3 times a week.

 

Having someone join you helps. I love to walk and Mr LM and I take a walk each week on a bike trail.

 

As far as an "athletic activity with a skill component", would that include rowing? I took that up this summer and loved it. It's a great cardiovascular activity and works the muscles too. I was on a 8+ team; having others with me and being outdoors is what kept it fun.

 

I'll never be an athlete. Too often people hate themselves for not doing everything they think they should. My attitude is do a little something everyday (like always take the stairs and park far from the mall) then pat yourself on the back when you do these extras. It's better than nothing at all.

[ALilOEverything 901]

Those are great activities, but did you know they rank first and third in exercise related accidents?

 

That's what the doctors at work keep telling me. I took a good fall on my bike about 5 years ago and you can still the the huge scar on my knee. I just got up and kept on going. I think I enjoy these the most as exercise because it's something my 13 year old enjoys and it helps me keep up with him when we go out together. He thinks I'm a cool mom because I roller blade, though I hope he will think I'm just as cool with my arm in a cast.

 

PS - lots of you have mentioned not being motivated to work out alone.

 

My husband is the one who really wants to lose weight and get in shape but he's the hardest to motivate. So to make it out 3 times a week I usually take my kids and/or a friend and that works well. If I could convince my husband to go I would be out every single nice day. I worry about going alone because if I did fall, who would pick me up? (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)

[BradAndJanet 70]

Y'all have motivated me to start walking again, especially with the idea that it will improve my sex life. I've also got some free weights in the basement and as soon as I get a TV down there (to combat the boredom), I'm going to start that up again too. Thanks!

[DandS 15]

We have turned our basement into a gym. Free weights, BoFlex, pull down machine, squat rack, etc. On one side of the basement we have a Nordic track, treadmill and the latest addition...S bought a stand for his bike so he can bring it inside and use it as an exercise bike.

 

So, to answer you question, I run outside whenever I can and when the weather is not cooperating I run on the treadmill or use the bicycle in the basement. Its not quite as good as being outside but we have them positioned in front of a TV to help combat the boredom.

[EvilMJ 65]

You know, I find swimming a great exercise that is fun too. It is something I can drag the whole family to and get a great work out. The local pool is only 10 minutes away. Hubby and I take turns swimming with our little guy, so we can both get a good work out and some quailty parent/kid time.

 

I have also never, sprained, fratured or broken anything swimming....for me that is a record!!