Everybody knows exercise is the key to a good heart and a more sleek physique. But did you know working out may improve your sex life, trigger a better night's sleep and help you look and feel better?

Exercise Makes You Feel Sexy

A big part of sex is feeling sexy. People who exercise have an improved body image over people who do not exercise. The feeling you have a fit body leads to better and more relaxed sex.

A study showed that more physically fit men and women rated their own sexual desirability higher than less active men and women the same age. Eighty percent of men and 60% of females who exercised two to three times weekly rated their own sexual desirability as above average. As the number of days of exercise per week increased, so did the ratings of sexual desirability.

The reason for this could simply be an increase in confidence because of an improved body image, or a physiological reason - such as better circulation and blood flow.

Exercise keeps you young and happy

Sixty-year-olds who exercise frequently report having the same amount of sex and sexual pleasure as people decades younger.

Exercise releases endorphins that give a feeling of pleasure. The classic “runner’s high” is an example. One may experience a feeling of bliss and contentment during exercise caused by a release of endorphins. Your sex drive and feelings of sexual pleasure also use an endorphin release system. Each time you exercise your body releases these endorphins. The more frequent and intense the releases, the easier it is for sexual arousal and pleasure in the future.

The Bottom Line

If better health isn’t enough motivation to get you into the gym or out for a run, maybe better sex will be. Use the information here to inspire yourself to increase your fitness and just watch what may happen to your sex life.