The Science of Make-Up Sex

By Raphael Calzadilla, BA, ACE, RTS1
eDiets Chief Fitness Pro

Ever hear of the term, “make-up sex?” You know, when a couple boasts of having great sex after a fight. Did you ever wonder how this became a saying?

The reason is, after a couple has a knock-down, drag-out battle, they’re in a physiological state of arousal. There’s increased blood flow throughout the body, stimulation of the central nervous system, muscle contraction, elevated heart level, etc.

It’s not the best way to activate the system, but it certainly provides all the necessary physical and psychological ingredients for great sex. Then the act itself continues to enhance these physiological factors, but in a much more positive way. Assuming you don’t want to get into a fight with your mate every day, guess what else stimulates all the same physical factors? Yes, exercise!

The act of sex is a physical, psychological and emotional connection with another person. However, most people don’t realize that you can get this same connection with yourself (no, not what you’re thinking!). A great workout will have your muscles feeling stimulated, your cardiovascular system revved and your senses peaked.

Take a moment and really think about it. Exercise increases energy, allows you to fully develop dormant muscles, increases self-esteem and helps with depression and an increase in life span. Think about transferring all those factors to your sex life! Yes, exercise provides more benefit than meets the eye.

According to Paul Pearsall, Ph.D. and author of the book Superimmunity: Master Your Emotions and Improve Your Health, “Sex boosts chemicals in the body that protect against disease.”

If that’s not enough to convince you, then how about some science to back it up? The American Council on Exercise (ACE) points out that numerous studies show a direct correlation between exercise and an improved sex life. It confirms that people who exercise regularly can absolutely improve their sex life. Consider some of the following eye-opening studies provided by ACE:

A study at the University of North Carolina’s Applied Physiology Lab found that athletes who exercised at 70 percent of their VO2 max experienced a 40-percent increase in free-testosterone, a 38-percent increase in cortisol and an increase in epinephrine. These higher hormonal levels all contribute to a heightened sexual arousal.

According to a 10-year Massachusetts Male Aging Study, the largest random sample investigation ever done on erectile dysfunction, there’s a direct correlation between physical inactivity and a lack of potency. Sedentary men had the highest risk for impotence, while men who worked out had the lowest.

These studies show regular exercise may help your sex life to more of a degree than we realize. When we take into consideration the physical, emotional and psychological benefits, what’s really preventing you from starting an exercise program? It’s not about killing yourself in the gym. It’s about moderate, consistent exercise. Isn’t this motivation enough for you?