How Exercise Can Improve Intimacy

You love your partner and probably do a lot of little things to show your love. Perhaps you always pick up his favorite cereal at the grocery store, or he always fluffs your pillow just the way you like it. What you may not realize is that exercise is another great way to show your love in ways that are both physical and emotional.

Physical

There is no doubt that exercise is great for your body. Exercise is more than just toning your body. Overall you can become stronger, healthier, and more invigorated, which can help translate into a more intense and connected experience with your partner.

Mental

Exercise also helps relieve stress and increase confidence. When your body is moving, it allows your mind to process your thoughts with less effort. This lets you shed the stressors in your day so when you hit the sheets, your mind is free to be present with your partner. It also doesn’t hurt that exercise can help provide a healthier perspective when you look in the mirror. Confidence is sexy. When you’re feeling confident, you are more likely to be engaged in the intimate moments with your partner.

Emotional

The Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality reports that exercise can both elevate and stabilize your mood, making you more emotionally agile than your sedentary counterparts. In everyday speak, this means you're more emotionally balanced and can better build trust and intimacy in your relationship. Think about it: when your mood is stable and steady, you're less likely to argue over little things and more likely to spend quality time with your partner. And, when you need to discuss something, you are more likely to be calm and rational instead of overly emotional. Quality time could include anything from watching movies to lightly caressing one another to having deep, emotional conversations.

Working out together

Sharing time with your partner is important, especially when that time is spent doing things that make both of you feel good and accentuate the positive aspects of your relationship. Working out with your partner as a team is one way to spend quality time together. A reward for working out together could be giving each other a massage when you are finished. Not only will you relieve stress stored in the muscles, which aids in muscle recovery, you will also create a new experience that only the two of you will share.

References

• Current Opinion in Psychiatry: Exercise and Well-Being: A Review of Mental and Physical Health Benefits Associated With Physical Activity
• Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality: Sexual Desirability and Sexual Performance: Does Exercise and Fitness Really Matter?

About the Author

Polly Anna has been writing articles about the mental, emotional, and interpersonal well being since 2012. Her articles have appeared in "Kindred Spirit" magazine, "Wake-Up World News," and "Spiritual Awakening" magazine. Anna holds a Master of Science in psychology and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, with a Bachelor's in theater and arts management.