Oh Sport, You Are Sex. Oh Sex, You Are Sport!
Why do people exercise? To stay young longer, have a fit and attractive body, support heart health, reduce stress and illness, strengthen immunity – and, of course, get compliments! And sport is not only the gym, yoga, cardio and dancing. Sex can be a form of physical activity too!
So here is our ode to sex as a friend of your health.
If you still had doubts about its positive effects on the adult body, let's go through the arguments one by one.
Rejuvenation
The original article links sexual activity with feeling and looking younger and mentions DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone whose levels are higher in younger adults and tend to decline with age.
It also refers to research by Scottish physician David Weeks, who studied links between perceived youthfulness and an active sex life. According to the article, middle-aged men and women who maintained an active sex life were often judged to look younger than their biological age.
And simply from a physiological point of view, sex, like other physical activity, increases circulation. That can temporarily give the skin a healthy flush and glow.
Supporting the heart
Several factors are involved at once: emotional excitement, hormonal responses and physical exertion. Like other forms of cardio activity, sex increases heart rate and breathing and gives the cardiovascular system some work.
Calories and muscle tone
Sex uses energy and engages many muscle groups – especially if both partners are active. Of course, it cannot replace balanced nutrition and regular exercise if your goal is overall fitness. But an active sex life can still be one enjoyable way to move your body and lift your mood.
Stress relief
Sexual activity is associated with the release of endorphins and oxytocin, substances involved in pleasure, bonding and relaxation. For many people, good sex or masturbation can help them unwind after stress and reduce tension.
Sleep
This one hardly needs explaining for anyone who has experienced it: after satisfying sex and orgasm, many people feel relaxed and sleepy. Morning sex, on the other hand, can leave you feeling energized, cheerful and ready for the day.
Self-esteem
Sexual activity can be important for emotional well-being. Feeling desired, giving and receiving affection, exploring each other's bodies and exchanging compliments can support confidence and closeness. Partners can remind each other that they are special, helping everyday worries fade into the background for a while.
Immune system
The original article mentions studies that found associations between regular sexual activity and certain immune markers such as immunoglobulins. It also notes that the relaxation and satisfaction after sex can have a positive effect on general well-being.
Sex and women's health
The article also links positive emotions, relaxation and hormonal responses during sex with women's well-being. It mentions oxytocin and reduced stress as factors that may support the body more broadly.
In short, sex can combine movement, pleasure, intimacy, emotional release and relaxation – all things that can contribute to feeling better.
Still think the only function of sex is reproduction?
Taking care of your orgasms, Danni...