Sex and the Athlete
The relationship between athletic performance and sex is a debate for the ages. One can’t deny the importance of sex as it is a basic need of everybody. Whether a man or a woman, sex provides healing energy to increase libido in both. However, when it comes to the sexual health of an athlete, there are some myths and facts.
Some experts advise abstaining from sex for 48 hours before participating in certain sports, particularly contact sports. The belief is that an athlete’s aggression and testosterone levels stay at their peak,. However, others believe your body needs relaxation, and sex takes the edge off.
According to research, “sexual activity during training can promote relaxation and positively affect performance.” In some cases, it has been observed that prohibiting sexual activity can cause athletes to feel depressed, making them unable to focus on their goals, taking them off their game. However, as per Greek mythology, abstaining from sex during or before athletic performance would increase frustration and aggression, leading to better performance. There are conflicts between the two ideas, and both can’t be neglected.
Some coaches still believe in this Greek mythology and forbid their students to have sex before sports (especially if they are playing at a professional level. They think that sex can lower their testosterone levels, decreasing their strength and anger.
In the opinion of experts, there is no connection between sex and sports. However, if it is accompanied by a lack of sleep, being together at night, or drinking alcohol, the consequences are obvious! However, if the person does the DEED and gets proper rest and diet, it improves performance.
Sexercise Anyone?
According to the research, during moderate-intensity sexual activity, on average, men burned 101 calories while women burned 69 calories (and no, we didn’t make that number up!). So can you just have sex to lose weight you may wonder? Sorry, marathon sex sessions still aren’t enough to lose weight. It’s still better to hit the gym. Having sex is probably more fun though. Besides the obvious pleasure benefits, sex help to reduce anxiety and depression. It can also lead to better sleep.
The Role of Testosterone
Testosterone is a chemical hormone found in men and women. It’s a significant androgenic hormone, regulating sex drive in men and women. It also helps in building muscles and synthesizing protein. Although the amount of testosterone is higher in men, it affects both sexes when the level drops below average. This can lead to fatigue, lack of energy, depression, and sometimes the person may faint while enduring the pressure. The importance of testosterone in competition is evident. In fact, many athletes threw away their careers or were disqualified from competing for taking steroids further cementing the importance of testosterone. Please remember that steroids contain high amounts of testosterone.
According to Greek mythology, after sexual intercourse, testosterone levels suddenly drop in men and women, and may lead to poor performance. However, according to science, if the person eats right and follows the given sleep cycle, nothing can affect their performance; instead, they will feel better and relaxed physically, mentally even after sex.
The question remains, how important is sex for better athletic performance? The results are contradictory and do not provide clear evidence one way or the other. However, the tests conducted on the athletes’ performance before and after sex also gave conflicting results. So we can assume that it also varies from person to person.
The Role of Endorphins
Sex is a natural painkiller because it releases a chemical called endorphins, helping to reduce pain and stress. It also triggers a positive and relaxed feeling in the body. Endorphins are also released during exercise, which is beneficial for an athlete as it relaxes the body. That high feeling that you get after a run, referred to as a “runner’s high,” is your body’s release of endorphins.
Having sex before a sporting event like a marathon will release endorphins; however, you should proceed with caution. Everyone’s body is different, and the after-effects of sex may weigh down your performance, especially if you’ve gone several rounds in the bedroom!
Wrapping it up!
According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, “sex had no statistically significant effect on athletic performance,” and other studies have concluded. So we can assume that sex doesn’t hinder athletic performance, but it doesn’t provide any benefit either.
However, we must not neglect Greek mythology. Overall, an athlete should take care of his overall health, physical, mental, or sexual. If you believe that sex relaxes your body and helps you win the sport, do it without hesitation, but don’t forget to take a proper nap following a healthy diet. However, if you believe in ancient mythology, it’s your choice.
Your overall health is critical, and you should do what helps you maintain your health, including having a healthy sex life!
