Man, oh man, with all the benefits of exercise, you'd think we'd be punished in some way for doing it. But no, I've never found a single drawback to proper health and fitness. We can look hot, feel great... heck, sometimes, we can feel really great!

Okay, okay; I'm just going to come right out and say it: Exercise has been proven to improve one's sex life. There I said it, and I think I'm blushing.

But it's true. A better sex life filled with more desire for passionate and more frequent sex is one of the many benefits of exercise. There are several explanations for this, and in this article, I'm spillin' them all (oh, that was bad!).

The Truth About Sex

We're all adults here, so let's be honest: Everyone wants to have a good sex life. If you don't, believe me, you should! Just look at all the "cheating" statistics. Nine point nine times out of ten, sex is involved.

The desire for it is healthy and natural. Men think about sex about as much as we think about chocolate and shoe shopping —  yes, combined; now you know what's on their minds at all times of the day!

I once heard that if sex is good between couples, it only affects the relationship seven percent. If, on the other hand, sex is not good, it affects the relationship ninety percent. Ouch!

I'm not saying that exercise and sex are the cure-all, but in today's society, I think it's pretty clear that proper nutrition and exercise are lacking, and the only things going "up" are the divorce and obesity rates! (Notice the sexual innuendo?)

So, why am I writing about this, you ask? Simple — because fitness is all around healthy and will improve every aspect of your life. Call me crazy but I believe sex, intimacy, and the relationship you have with your mate plays a huge role in your overall happiness, well being, self esteem, and so on.

That being said, I honestly think this benefit of exercise is overlooked and not talked about enough. I also believe that this information will make you a better person and improve your relationship with your mate tremendously; well, assuming the sex you're having is with your mate and not someone else (I'm joking, relax!).

Now that you're all awake, let's take a look at the benefits of exercise that lead to better sex.

Exercise With Benefits

Know what I love most about being in the fitness profession? Knowing that what I preach makes a difference in people's lives — in all aspects, not just body transformation.

The benefits of exercise, as you all know, go far beyond vanity. I've seen clients gain self esteem, confidence, kick their loser boyfriends to the curb, leave their stale jobs to better themselves, etc.

Being fit and healthy really can (and does) improve all aspect of your life, and sex is one of them. Lucky us! Let's take a look at how exercise directly affects us in the bedroom.

1. Increases Body and Self Confidence

This benefit takes the cake! Confidence is huge. Ever notice how you carry yourself when you're not working out or eating right, and are just having a bad run at things?

Well, some people walk around like that all the time! It's very unattractive, don't you think? It's much different then how we walk around when we are on top of things, feeling sexy and confident. That alone makes you more appealing to your mate.

I've had so many guy friends come to me almost crying, begging me to get their wives into shape so they don't have to stop the foreplay to shut off the lights! Their women don't want to be seen naked because they don't like their bodies. That in itself is a huge turn off to men — or to anyone, really.

As a side note, just so you know (and this is straight from the mouths of men): Even if you don't have the "perfect" body, chances are they've already seen it and they love you anyway. So just pretend you're flawless!

We women tend to be extremely critical of ourselves. Ever notice that men are usually the opposite? Not only are they typically not critical of our bodies, but of their own bodies as well.

Ever notice how men walk around the gym? Most of them can't take their eyes off their reflections in the mirror. They may be bald, fat, ugly, and they still can't take their eyes off themselves!

Why can't women be like that? I can barely get my girls to look in the mirror at all, never mind stareat their own reflections.

A man, on the other hand, can have three inches of fat around his waist and still feel like he can't rip his clothes off fast enough — lights on and all! Because in his mind, he isn't fat; he's just "bulking." Sure, whatever you say, stud.

I once saw a cartoon clipping of a male and a female looking in a mirror. The woman had a cute little shape on her, but her reflection showed a pudgy woman. The male on the other hand, had man boobs and a gut, but his reflection showed bulging biceps and a six pack.

Men really are from Mars. But you know what? Mars doesn't seem so bad! At least the guys have self-acceptance and confidence (even if it is over a distorted image).

Confidence is a sexy and attractive trait. That's why when you have a new boyfriend, every guy seems to want you. It's because you're confident!

Giving into your insecurities and imperfections make you appear unattractive. Staying active and fit, even if you'd only lost five pounds and have another twenty to go, can boost your confidence and body image, making you much more appealing to the opposite sex.  

2. Improves Your Mood

Science has proven time and time again that exercise improves our mood by releasing "happy" chemicals/endorphins in the brain. How does that help your sex life? Come on, nobody wants to come home to a bitch!

3. You're More Easily Aroused

Both exercise and sex release the same chemicals in the brain. Picture a "runner's high," that blissful and content feeling you get while working out. It's the same as sex! And the more frequent and intense the releases of endorphins, the easier it is for sexual arousal and pleasure in the future.

Therefore, women who frequently exercise become aroused more quickly than those who don't. Also, we're able to reach an orgasm faster and more intensely. I personally love this one, because we get the credit — and the whole time, the guys think they have all the right moves. Ha!

4. Increases Flexibility

I'm a shy girl. Please don't make me explain this one.  

5. Maintains Circulation and Energy

Exercise increases blood flow to your muscles, your brain, and to other places too (if you know what I mean). Exercise also strengthens the cardiovascular system and improves circulation, which in turn helps increase sexual potency.

Of course, supplying your body with proper nutrients and movement will ensure a good supply of energy to make it through your day and still have plenty of spunk left to spare after the kids go to bed.

6. Increases Muscle Strength and Endurance

Go girl, go! Exercise strengthens your muscles and your heart, so you can keep going and going for hours. You can be his little energizer bunny.

7. Reduces Stress

Did you know that low sex drive is often caused by stress and fatigue?

It's true. And both sex and exercise have been proven to help reduce stress, so doing both on a regular basis will help you stay stress-free and happy.

8. Makes You Feel Sexy

With your body fat in control and all the benefits listed above, you'll feel hot and sexy — and have more body awareness, too. When you're more comfortable in your own body, it'll lead to better, more relaxed sex.

Exercise vs. Non-Exercise

To sum it all up, let's take a look at these equations:

Exercise = Feel good, look better, increased esteem = Feel more attractive and confident within yourself = Be more attractive, appealing and sexy to your mate = Have more desire for sex, have the energy for sex = Have sex

Vs.

No Exercise =Feel lethargic, depressed, and irritable, have negative body image and esteem = Feel unattractive and lack confidence = Be less desirable to your mate = Have no desire, energy or esteem for sex = Have little or no sex

So there you have it, the truth. If eating right and working out are sometimes not enough to get you moving, maybe this "benefit" will help!

Kiss those insecurities away! You're fit, you're hot, now rock his world!