Sex is great Cardio

According to a study published in the journal Archives of Sexual Behaviour which collected data from more than 26’000 people, American adults had sex about nine fewer times per year in the early 2010s compared to the late 1990s. This was partially explained with the higher percentage of singles, who have less intercourse than people in a relationship. But while the percentage among unpartnered individuals stayed steady, the sexual frequency declined among married or living together couples. ‘In the 1990s, married people had sex more times per year than never-married people, but by the mid-2000s that reversed, with the never-married having more sex’ says Jean M. Twenge, the study’s lead author and university professor of psychology. He explains that the reason maybe generation related with the Millennials and the generation after them (known as iGen or Generation Z) having sex less often than their parents and grandparents when they were young. But in every generation, age also appears to play a significant role. People in their 20s have sex more than 80 times per year, declining to 60 times per year by age 45, and 20 times per year by age 65. Each year after the peak of sexual frequency at 25, sexual frequency declines 3.2 percent.

You may suspect stress to be the sex-killer since we all have more responsibilities when we get older. But interesting enough, those who work more hours happen to have sex more often. Research also reveals that when a person is overweight or obese, their sex life suffers because sex drive and performance may nosedive. In fact Martin Binks, a psychologist of behavioural health at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center at Duke University Medical Center says that morbidly obese people are 25 times more likely to report problems in their sex lives, compared with normal-weight people.

It is a vicious cycle: Because overweight people lack energy and self confidence they are not in the mood for sex. So instead of men burning 100 calories and women 69 calories in an average 25 minutes sex session, they stuff themselves with comfort food which makes them even bigger. But sex is not only a great cardio, it is also linked to a lower risk for prostate and breast cancers and a stronger heart. What is more, sex is a boon for mental health, since sex is associated with lower rates of depression and better mood.

Here are some thoughts to get into the mood for sex and have lots of cardio sessions under your bed sheets:

• Do it with the person you really love and feel comfortable with. One night stands may be exciting but are mostly disappointing because that person doesn’t know what you like. It may also be risky when it comes to protection since condoms can always break.
• Be assured that your partner is not perfect either and that is totally okay. You are attracted to your partner your partner is to you. That is all that counts, no?
• Have sex in a nice ambient. If you are freezing or exposed to your neighbours, you won’t be relaxed. Light some candles, put on some music and turn off your phone. You really don’t want your mom to call you when you are fully naked with your beloved one.
• After a long day at work, having sex may be the perfect way to de-stress together. Ask him to give you a massage or take a bath together if you need to get into the mood first.
• Get inspired for different positions by buying a kamasutra book or watching an erotic movie together. You may use the film as an opener to talk about your desires and phantasies.
• Do some lingerie shopping together. It may help you to feel more sexy and it is definitely a fun way of getting into the mood for later.