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Why fit women have better sex

Fit women have better sex. Photo: Getty

But it turns out the action relates to your cardiovascular, muscular and neurological pathways, too. In fact, research from Florida Atlantic University shows being physically active is a potent aphrodisiac for women.

We like that. So to boost your overall satisfaction, here are eight science-backed reasons why you should hit the gym.

1. Exercise puts sex on your brain
Getting hot and heavy thinking about your to-do list instead of the job at hand? Exercise can help sync your mind to your body, as well as quiet your mental marathon so you can focus on your sex sesh. “If you find your mind slipping, concentrate on the air coming into your body and going out for three to four breaths,” says Anne-Charlotte Desruelle, director of sensual emporium, Soft Paris. Then get back to thinking about the washing up.

2. Kettlebells increase endurance
Some women can take 12 minutes – or longer – to orgasm. If you find your body fizzles out prior to that, it’s time to step up your workouts, says sex therapist Denise Onofrey. Regular physical activity improves your stamina and trains your muscles to hold out for longer by using energy more efficiently. The result? You won’t have to pause prematurely to give your aching arms or knackered legs a break during sex.

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3.HIIT will intensify pleasure
You’ll have a lot to moan about if you control your breathing. Partners who breathe in tandem may create a bigger build-up, which can boost pleasure. And women who take short, quick breaths as they reach climax can reduce carbon dioxide in the blood, increasing vaginal contractions. High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is one of the most effective ways to increase your lung capacity.

4 .Cardio heightens sensitivity
We don’t mean sobbing over last week’s episode of Bondi Vet. Researchers at the University of Texas found physical activity primes us for sex by making us more sensitive to touch. Exercise revs up a network of neurons that control your arousal – meaning you’ll turn to jelly at his every stroke.

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5. Barre can change your body image
Dr Tina Penhollow, associate professor of health promotion at Florida Atlantic University, US, found women who exercised were more likely to rate their desirability and sexual performance as above average. Women of all sizes reported greater body appreciation, were more easily aroused, enjoyed sex more and had more orgasms. (If they put that on the barre class timetable, more people would go.)

6. Losing weight = lost inhibitions
In a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, a small group of obese women with sexual complaints were put on a weight-loss program. They not only lost an average of 15 kilograms but also reported higher levels of lubrication and greater sexual frequency after 16 weeks. The study authors believe weight loss improves body image and insulin resistance.

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7. Spin class can fast-track your O
Hit the gym on the reg? You’re one of those lucky ducks who gets turned on more quickly and has more intense orgasms. Researchers at the University of Texas found female study participants were 169 per cent more aroused while watching a porn flick after 20 minutes of vigorous cycling than when they watched it without riding beforehand (and no, it was nothing to do with the saddle placement). Cardio helps blood pump faster and, when you get excited, blood surges into the clitoral bulbs, making the vagina responsive to pleasure.

8. Pump pumps up your libido
During a single resistance workout (think: TRX, weights, reformer pilates), your body produces higher levels of growth hormone and testosterone, hormones that play a pivotal role in muscle growth – and sex drive. That, along with the stress-busting benefits of pumping iron, can stoke greater sexual desire, says Kim Chronister, author of The Psychology Behind Fitness Motivation.

More: The crazy thing that could be killing your sex drive