How Regular Exercise Improves Your Sex Life
Updated 2026-11-01 · Draft: awaiting expert review
A systematic review of trials found that regular aerobic exercise improves erectile function, though studies varied in quality. Benefits for mood and energy are well established for everyone.
Aerobic exercise supports circulation, mood, energy, and body confidence. Research shows it can improve erectile function in particular.
What the research says
A systematic review of randomised trials found that regular aerobic activity improved erectile function, with the greatest benefits in men who were inactive, overweight, or had heart-related risk factors.
For everyone, exercise improves mood, reduces stress, helps sleep, and can boost body confidence, all of which affect desire.
How much is enough?
- The studies that showed benefits used about 40 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity, around four times a week.
- Brisk walking, cycling, swimming, and dancing all count.
- Strength training twice a week supports overall health and energy.
Make it something you do together
- Go for an evening walk without phones.
- Take a dance class together.
- Try a weekend hike or bike ride as a date.
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before starting supplements, especially if you are pregnant, have a health condition, or take medication.
Sources
- Physical Activity to Improve Erectile Function: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies (Gerbild H et al.). Sexual Medicine, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esxm.2018.02.001
We summarise research in our own words and link to the original. We do not copy text or images from these sources.