According to a study by Anglia Ruskin University, only 40% of Brits have taken part in sexual activity since the start of lockdown, with stress and tiredness cited as a factor.
Whilst many factors can contribute to low libido, staying active and confident can help you to overcome barriers to intimacy. That’s why bed and mattress specialist, Bed SOS, has worked with sex, intimacy and relationship coach, Duchess Iphie, to reveal how you can get your sex life back on track with a few simple exercises.
- Cardio
Cardio exercise, such as running, swimming or aerobics, is a great way to improve your sex life, as it provides an all-round boost to your fitness and endurance, leaving you with plenty of stamina in the bedroom.
Cardio is also a great stress buster and will help to relieve tension and release endorphins, boosting your libido.
Duchess said: “Most people think that cardio has to involve the gym, but don’t fear if that’s not your thing! You can increase your stamina by walking, dancing, and even playing with your children. As long as you have fun while improving your cardio, you will reap the benefits in the bedroom.”
- Strength Training
Similar to cardio, strength training such as weight lifting or resistance training helps to relieve stress, increase body positivity and improve muscular stamina.
Strength training also releases testosterone, which can directly increase your sex drive.
Improving overall strength will also come in handy when experimenting in the bedroom, allowing you and your partner to try more adventurous positions.
- Yoga and Stretching
Yoga is well known as a relaxing exercise and by helping to calm your mind, it helps to reduce the negative impact stress can have on your sex drive.
Yoga also increases suppleness and flexibility, which will help if you sometimes experience muscular discomfort during sex, especially if you’re experimenting with new positions.
Duchess added: “Incorporating gentle stretching into your exercise routine will help keep your muscles, particularly the legs, very supple and less prone to cramps. It also helps with flexibility, balance and coordination. This could be yoga, Pilates, or just simple static stretches.”
- Kegels
Kegels and pelvic floor exercises are a very simple way to improve your stamina in bed and increase enjoyment for both women and men.
Duchess said: “While it may not seem strenuous, working on your pelvic floor muscles will help tighten a woman’s vaginal walls, which enables you to enjoy penetration a lot more. For men, they allow you to maintain an erection and hold off premature ejaculation.”
- Bodyweight Exercises
Not everyone has access to gym equipment, especially during lockdown, but you can see similar physical benefits from bodyweight exercises that can be done at home.
Exercises such as press-ups, sit-ups and planking will help to improve the core and upper body, whilst squats will increase leg and lower body strength. Combined, these exercises provide many of the same benefits as gym exercises, but with less cost and more convenience.
Many factors can contribute to low libido, but staying active and confident can help you to overcome barriers to intimacy.
Duchess says: “The most important thing to remember is that to truly improve and enjoy your sex life, there should be body confidence, sexual confidence and an intimate connection with your partner. This will guarantee a great, loving, passionate and mind-blowing sex life no matter your age.”
Danny Richmond, Managing Director of Bed SOS, says: “We believe that the bedroom should be reserved for two things: sleep and sex. But in these challenging times there’s no reason to feel embarrassed if your libido has been unusually low.
“We hope that these tips help people’s sex drive return to pre-lockdown levels, allowing Brits to become more active and intimate in bed again.”
For more information about how to turn your bedroom into a romantic sanctuary, visit https://www.bedsos.co.uk/blog/2020/07/how-to-create-an-intimate-atmosphere-in-your-bedroom/