It seems you cannot watch any sporting event without getting a heavy dose of commercials for Viagra or Cialis. It appears there is an epidemic of erectile dysfunction that only the pharmaceutical companies can cure. But these drugs can have significant side effects and may even be dangerous for segments of the male population with compromised health. Exercise has been shown to improve sexual function and help to treat or avoid erectile dysfunction completely. Exercising on an elliptical trainer provides the type of intense exercise that will keep you physically fit, and physical fitness equals a healthy sex life.
Erectile dysfunction is usually caused by a lack of blood flow to the penis. Since exercise improves blood flow throughout the body, it would make sense that it would also help erectile dysfunction. In fact, exercise has been shown to help with this problem as much as taking Viagra. German scientists, in a paper presented at the European Association of Uruology Annual Meeting, found that putting men with erection problems on an exercise program was just as effective for improving erection capacity as taking Viagra. Another study examined the sexual frequency and satisfaction ratings of swimmers aged 60 and found that they were the same as those 20 years younger.
So how does exercise increase blood flow? One way exercise increases blood flow is by raising nitric oxide levels. Nitric oxide causes blood vessels to dilate, and wider veins mean greater blood flow. Exercise is also involved in vascular remodeling, which is the process of rebuilding small veins and capillaries throughout your body, including the penis.
Exercise can also address another cause of erectile dysfunction, low testosterone. Healthy testosterone levels are critical to the penile muscles that trap blood for maintaining erections. Regular exercise, especially weight training, has been shown to keep testosterone levels healthy as we age.
Exercise can also improve your sex life by improving your mood. Exercise can help reshape your body which may help your self image. Exercise also causes your body to produce endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that elevate mood and help to counteract the effects of a stressful life, and nothing depresses the libido more than high levels of stress.
Exercise can also help us with healthy sexual function as we age. One study examined combining a low fat diet with exercise and the results were dramatic. Not only did the participants show increased blood flow, they also experienced an average 16% drop in blood pressure, 19% decrease in blood pressure readings, cholesteraol went down by 17%, and triglyceride levels were reduced by 20%. These are important markers for cardiovascular health and a strong cardiovascular system can help to insure great flow to the sexual organs as we age. Other lifestyle habits were important as well, like eating healthy diet and not smoking.
Starting an exercise program with an elliptical trainer is a great way to prevent or even reverse erection problems. An elliptical trainer with moveable arms will work major muscle groups throughout your body. An elliptical workout has a lower rate of perceived exertion compared to other exercises, which means your workout will seem easier than how hard it works your body. The moveable arms, at a high resistance level, can work your upper body in a way similar to weight lifting, which raises testosterone levels. Providing all these benefits in one fitness machine is what makes an elliptical trainer so effective in dealing with erection problems.
So jump on your elliptical trainer and throw your Viagra and Cialis drugs away. An exercise program on a new or refurbished elliptical can help you maintain healthy sexual function throughout your life.
