Intense Workout Kills Libido

Intense Workout Kills Libido

Remember: Leave a little in the tank

tl; dr ... Short and to the Point
Who is this article aimed at?
Guys who push who routinely push themselves to the limit and beyond when exercising. That no pain no gain attitude could be putting the brakes on your sex drive.
I am busy - summarize it for me

A study shows that men who regularly go all out with intense workouts tend to have less energy for and intrest in sex. In this article we look at what evidence there is to support this and consider if it's worth it.

What?

Pop quiz lads, why are some guys so keen to push themselves extra hard in the gym and get really built?

  • A) to get laid
  • B) to get laid
  • C) to get laid
  • D) to get laid?

Okay, so there are probably some other reasons too. Super strength always comes in handy and exercise is famous for its feel-good properties. But flexing your way to plenty of sex has got to be near the top of the list, right?

No one’s arguing a ripped physique won’t help you get people in the sack, but a new study claims too many intense workouts mean you’ll have problems once you’re there.

Says who?

Exercise, Physiology and Nutrition Professor, Anthony Hackney.  He questioned 1,100 men who exercised regularly to find out how hard and often they went in the gym, vs. how hard and often they went in the bedroom.

He found that guys who routinely push themselves to their physical limit during exercise had weaker libidos and displayed less interest in sex. On the other hand guys who work hard but keep a little something in reserve tend to be much more enthusiastic about sex and have it more often.

We’re not sure we’ll ever understand the mindset of guys who are more interested in getting their personal best than their personal best, but according to Prof Hackney’s findings, they do exist.

He concludes:

“Exposure to higher levels of chronic intense and greater durations of endurance training on a regular basis are significantly associated with a decreased libido scores in men”.

It’s more than just tiredness too. This study and others in the past have shown that
overtraining actively lowers testosterone.

A German study from 2002 for example, reports extreme exercise significantly suppressed vital androgens and raises cortisol, the stress hormone. Negative changes it can take the body weeks to put right.

If you’re going to bed with a purpose you should also tone down workouts. A study of elite cyclists competing in the Tour of Spain found that sperm counts fell by 50% and took 3 days to recover.

The team involved in this latest work agree. Hackney adds:

“Fertility specialists will often ask a woman about whether and how much she exercises. Based on our data, we think they should also be asking the man.”

Conclusion?

This study an others show it’s not just about working hard, it’s about working smart too. Be proud of your physique and performance, but don’t spend so long loving yourself that you’ve nothing left for your many fans.

“Go hard or go home” might be great motivation in the gym, but at 2am in your hot hookup’s room, when you realize your burnt out, that same line is crushing.

tl; dr ... Short and to the Point
Who is this article aimed at?
Guys who push who routinely push themselves to the limit and beyond when exercising. That no pain no gain attitude could be putting the brakes on your sex drive.
I am busy - summarize it for me

A study shows that men who regularly go all out with intense workouts tend to have less energy for and intrest in sex. In this article we look at what evidence there is to support this and consider if it's worth it.