Regular exercise is good for the libido. There is still sometimes debate about which sport and intensity best increases libido. In this blog, we try to answer that.
Difference between strength training and fitness training
To get a higher libido through sports, it is useful to first know what types of sports there are. In this, we distinguish between strength training and fitness training, also known as cardio.
Strength training is all about increasing muscle mass and muscle strength.
As your muscles grow, you become stronger. Examples of sports to increase your muscle mass are:
- Bodybuilding
- Weightlifting
- Powerlifting
Cardio is mainly about endurance training. During this workout, your blood starts flowing faster and your muscles are oxygenated. Examples of sports to increase your endurance are:
- Cycling
- Running
- Rowing
Sports and libido
There are several reasons why exercise can contribute to a higher libido.
By exercising, for example, you produce the substances dopamine and endorphins. This lowers the stress hormone cortisol, which, if you have too much of it, promotes muscle breakdown. In addition, exercise is also good for:
- More self-confidence through a fitter body
- Better circulation
- Influence on hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen
- Better condition
Exercising is nice for relaxation and for your libido.
Strength training and libido
Strength training affects your hormones. Strength training makes men produce testosterone and women produce oestrogen in addition to testosterone. The increase in testosterone and oestrogen makes you feel more like sex and strength training increases libido.
Cardio and fitness training
As your self-confidence grows with running and you often feel proud of yourself, your libido gets a boost. It also increases your stamina which, of course, is also good for your fitness and libido.
Normal movement
Low-intensity exercise also affects your hormones.
When you go for a walk, you lower the stress hormone cortisol. This boosts your mental well-being and libido. So you don't necessarily have to do strength training to increase your libido.
Too much exercise is counterproductive
Exercising too much has the opposite effect on your libido. Research has shown that men who train for a marathon, for example, sometimes have an energy deficit. This energy deficiency lowers testosterone and this lowers your libido.
So think twice if you are going to pull out those running shoes.
Conclusion Sports for a healthy libido
So a higher libido through exercise is definitely possible, provided you choose the right sport. In this blog, you have read about the differences between strength training and fitness training. A good support in increasing your libido can be libido pills. By now you have discovered which sports actually increase or decrease your libido. If you like to do strength training but don't feel like going to the gym, perhaps the Iron Gym Extreme suits you. For walkers or runners, the fitness vibrating plate is a handy solution. Read more about libido here.