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Why no Sex before Sports? This question has intrigued both laypeople and scientists for centuries. The idea that sex weakens athletic performance dates back to antiquity. But is this true? Does sex impact athletic performance in any way? Are there other factors that influence sports performance? Read on to discover whether you should abstain before exercising or if passionate sex could even enhance your athletic abilities.
Why No Sex Before Sports? Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Namath
Before diving into scientific findings, let’s hear from two sports legends. Muhammad Ali, considered by many fans the greatest boxer of all time, refrained from sexual activity for six weeks before fights, believing this helped him deliver his best in the ring.
In contrast, American football star Joe Namath reportedly had plenty of sex before games, as he believed it helped him perform at 100% on the field. Other athletes have also engaged in sexual activity before events and claimed it made them more relaxed and focused.
Science and Male Energy Levels
According to many scientists, a man’s energy level remains unaffected by whether or not he has sex before a workout. However, the more interesting question revolves around testosterone levels, whose role remains inconclusive. There is still insufficient data on how sexual activity or abstinence impacts testosterone levels—do they rise, fall, or remain unchanged? So, why no sex before sports, or should you?
Another intriguing question concerns heart rate. Could sexual activity hours before a sports event impact heart rate recovery? If it takes longer to stabilize after sex, it could negatively affect fitness. For instance, a football player might experience quicker fatigue during a 90- or 120-minute match, which could be detrimental.
Studies by Experts: Why No Sex Before Sports?
Research now exists on the link between sexual activity and certain sports. Studies led by Professor Frank Sommer have examined the effects of sex on disciplines like boxing, taekwondo, and other combat sports, as well as athletics and shooting sports (e.g., pistol or archery).
One finding was that orgasms a few hours before a competition negatively affected boxers, taekwondo athletes, and other combat sports professionals, as their aggression and concentration were not at 100%. Similar results were found for sprinters and shot-putters, suggesting that sexual abstinence 36 hours before competition might be advisable.
However, for precision sports like archery and pistol shooting, Professor Sommer’s studies showed better performance after sexual activity.
Training Camp Restrictions on Partners Can Be Counterproductive
Do you remember the 1994 FIFA World Cup? The then-German national coach banned players’ partners from training camps, and the team was eliminated in the quarterfinals. Professor Sommer’s studies also showed that a 48-hour abstinence period before games allows for peak performance. However, extended abstinence, as in the World Cup example, might even harm performance.
This also means players who ignore the 48-hour guideline might face reduced stamina. Succumbing to sexual desires 36 hours before a match could impact sprinting ability. If a player has sex just four hours before kick-off, their tackling strength might diminish.
Do Certain Sports Increase the Desire for Sex?
It’s scientifically proven that increased testosterone release boosts libido and sexual desire. Therefore, sports that elevate testosterone levels, such as short, intense workouts—bodyweight strength training, sprint training lasting no more than 40 minutes, or running intervals—can heighten sexual desire.
Yoga and Pilates Also Boost Libido
Relaxation-focused sports like yoga and Pilates can also increase sexual desire. This is due to the release of “cuddle hormones” such as serotonin and oxytocin. These activities also strengthen the pelvic floor, improve circulation, and promote a positive body image—all of which enhance libido.
Too Much or Too Little Exercise Can Be Harmful
For well-trained endurance athletes such as marathon runners, triathletes, or cyclists, studies have shown that extreme physical demands can disrupt hormone production, leading to low testosterone and reduced libido. To achieve optimal performance in both sports and sex, avoid prolonged, extreme training regimens.
In general, regular exercise—three to four workouts per week—can reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction. The type of sport doesn’t matter much, but cycling has been shown to exert pressure on the perineum, which can impair blood flow and sensitivity, potentially causing erectile dysfunction.
Can Sex Enhance Athletic Performance?
In fact, brief, intense sexual activity can temporarily raise testosterone levels, promoting anabolic processes and enhancing recovery after significant physical exertion. While concrete findings are scarce, trends suggest this might be the case.
Not Just Sex Affects Athletic Performance
International studies have shown that factors like sleep quality significantly impact sports performance. Staying up late and sleeping poorly or too little leaves you exhausted, making it difficult to perform at your best.
Diet also plays a crucial role. To achieve peak performance, your body needs essential nutrients, which can only be provided through a balanced diet, and if necessary, supplements.
Excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug use negatively affect both sports and sex, reducing the ability to perform at peak levels.
Why no sex before sports – but why Free Condoms and Tinder Gold at the Olympics
It seems widely accepted that sexual activity likely has little impact on athletic performance. How else can one explain the organizers of the 2018 Winter Olympics distributing an estimated 110,000 free condoms and giving all residents of the Olympic Village Tinder Gold subscriptions?
Perhaps sex and sports are like many other things: engaging in sexual activity with a partner or using sex toys likely won’t significantly impact performance as long as it’s not overdone. Ultimately, everyone must determine what works best for them, and experimenting to find the ideal balance can be quite enjoyable.
In conclusion, the question “Why no sex before sports?” is largely settled. Unless you’re a professional athlete, there’s no need to abstain from one of life’s greatest pleasures.
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