Now that I have your attention, let me tell you just how having more sex will increase you level of health and fitness and lead to a longer, happier life.
When you have sex, certain beneficial chemicals are released in the bodies of both men and women. DHEA is an anti-depressant that also helps repair muscle tissue, improves cognitive function, and enhances skin health. Oxytocin is an effective pain reliever in the body. Endorphins also help relieve pain caused by things like arthritis and promote better sleep.
Other chemicals are mostly unique to either men or women. For men, testosterone helps build strong muscles and bones. For women, the release of estrogen lowers the risk of heart attack and helps prevent osteoarthritis and osteopenia.
But women aren’t the only ones who will lower their risk of heart attack though having sex. Men who have sex three or more times per week cut their risk of heart attack or stroke in half.
Regular sex also lowers your blood pressure, your stress levels, and your risk of prostate and other cancers. In addition, having sex one to two times per week boosts your immune system by 30 percent.
Having regular sex actually slows the aging process. Those who regularly engage in sexual activity look four to seven years younger than they actually are. And, people who reported enjoying their sex life lived seven to eight years longer than those who either did not enjoy their sex life or had neutral feelings.
Let’s not forget to look at it from the other side. We’ve talked about how having sex leads to better health, now let’s think about how having better health and conditioning leads to better sex. I think most of you can imagine how more strength and endurance can lead to a more satisfying sexual experience
Finally, if all the health benefits of sex haven’t won you over, consider this … studies show having regular sex makes you feel as happy as making an additional $100,000 annually! So if you want to be healthier, live longer, and feel richer – the answer is obvious. Have more sex!
Editor’s note: Kent Pegg is a certified personal trainer and the owner of the Los Alamos Fitness Center. Direct questions about the information in this column to him at 662-5232.
