5 Exercises that will Boost Your Libido

Need a boost in the bedroom? Check out five exciting exercises than can help increase your sex drive and make your confidence in the bedroom soar.

Getting in the mood can be a real struggle for a number of mental and physiological reasons – but did you know that you can rediscover your carnal urges at the gym?

1. Exercise that reduces stress

Stress, which we all experience to varying degrees, causes elevated levels of cortisol and clutters the brain. Physical activity, however, releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help counteract cortisol levels and generate an overall feeling of relaxation and well-being, and that are oh-so important for sexual desire.

Try: Yoga. ''It promotes a mind-body connection and allows us to feel more tuned in to our bodies,'' explains Young. ''It teaches us how to breathe, relax and achieve a sense of calm and relaxation.''

2. Exercise that boosts energy

Exercise actually helps to improve energy levels and ameliorate sleep, which is intrinsically tied to our cortisol levels and feelings of stress. If we’re less stressed and we have more energy during the day then we sleep better, which gives us more energy during the day, which makes us feel less stressed. It’s a positive cycle.

Try: Walking. Even low- to moderate-intensity exercise, like a quick jaunt around the block, can increase your mental alertness and up your energy levels. Start finding excuses to put on your walking shoes, even if it’s for only 10 minutes at a time.

3. Exercise that increases circulation

Proper circulation is essential for our sexual function. For men, blood flow to the penis is the main mechanism of an erection. For women, an increase of blood flow to the genitals causes engorgement - and that really heightens sensation.

Blood flow will also increase lubrication, reducing pain, friction and the risk of developing yeast infections and urinary tract infections.

Try: Running or aerobics classes. These types of exercise will also improve your aerobic capacity and endurance levels, both of which may come in handy in the bedroom.

4. Exercise that regulates hormones

Hormonal balance is critical to sexual desire and all of the mechanisms of sexual arousal. Sexual satisfaction is very much connected to sexual desire, If sex is working properly and if sex feels good, then we’re more likely to want more of it

Try: Resistance training. Increased muscle mass also increases our testosterone levels, and testosterone is the primary hormone responsible for sexual desire and drive in both men and women.

5. Exercise that improves self-image

Weight and body image issues are often the culprits behind low levels of sexual desire. Luckily, physical activity can do wonders for improving the way you feel about your body. If you’re proud of the way you look, you’ll feel more confident without your clothes on and less self-conscious about getting naked and intimate with your partner.

Try: Pilates. Not only does this type of body conditioning encourage long and lean muscles for an overall sleek look, it also focuses on the strengthening of your pelvic floor muscles. Stronger pelvic floor muscles contribute to improved sexual sensation and a stronger orgasm.