Exercise your way to a better relationship
Exercise has been shown to be positively related to many different variables including sexual satisfaction, mental health, and physical health. These variables, in turn, have been linked to increased life satisfaction and couple satisfaction (St.Martin, 2007).
Research found that those who exercise more had better health. In having better health, individuals often feel better about themselves. This allows for a greater capacity to focus externally on their partner and express greater love towards them. This in turn could lead to higher feelings of satisfaction with the relationship.
The better we feel about ourselves, the better able we are to see our partner’s perspective. St. Martin (2007) believes that through exercising an individual is in better health, which could serve to boost one’s self-esteem, which in turn may lead to one being able to feel confident and able to interact well with their partner. Previous studies have shown that exercise was positively related to both physical health and self-esteem (e.g. USDHHS, 1996; Fox, 2000). Exercising has been shown to improve self-esteem. Self-esteem has been found to be positively related to couple satisfaction (e.g. Davila, et al., 2003).
According to authors Robert J. Davis with Brad Kolowich, Jr, research in women has found that those who are physically active report greater sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction. Physical activity— especially strength training— has been shown to increase levels of testosterone. Increased levels of testosterone may play a role in increased sex drive in both men and women. According to Morales et al., (2009) physical exercise has been linked to greater life satisfaction. Additionally, exercise has been linked to a feelings of confidence and improvement in motivation.
Improved self-esteem is one of the many benefits of regular exercise. When you exercise, your body releases neurochemicals. These neurochemicals, especially serotonin, dopamine, and norepinepherine, are a type of neurotransmitter called monoamines. Monoamines have been extensively studied and found to have a positive affect on mood. Exercise causes increased mental clarity, and over time it can reduce the rate of mental decline, as well as, guard against some degenerative diseases of the brain. An additional benefit to exercise is that endorphins naturally found in the nervous system also function as a natural pain remedy. Endorphins produced while exercising interact with the body opiate receptors in the brain and reduces the perception of pain.
There is more and more evidence pointing to the production of serotonin and dopamine during exercise. There is a common misconception that one must exercise for long periods of time to trigger an endorphin release. The truth is that it only takes moderate amounts of exercise lasting 20 to 30 minutes in duration to cause an endorphin release.
Taking a walk with your partner can not only help your health and well being, it can help your relationship and improve your sex life.
