And most of us, even those who do train a lot, would like to get both sleep and sex. But if you had to vie for one, which would it be? This takes us back to the original question: for the competitive athlete or the recreational competitor, does having sex before an event boost or bust our game day showing?
An Extended Warm-Up
For decades, the common theory was that abstaining from sex before a big event is a good idea. Muhammad Ali supposedly went so far as to abstain for weeks before big matches. Sexual frustration was thought to increase aggressiveness, especially important in power sports like boxing.
But remember Bob Beamon, the long jumper? The only time he supposedly had sex before an event was in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, when he destroyed the world record in the long jump by feet—not inches—and won the gold medal. So, who’s right?
Anecdotal accounts will support either theory, but research indicates that Beamon’s method is the best. Italian researchers have shown that sex actually increases testosterone levels, which can presumably help with game day aggression.
Research also indicates that sex can stimulate a pain-blocking chemical in women, the results of which can last for days.
Another small study done in recreational marathoners showed that athletic performance didn’t vary depending on whether the athletes had sex in the previous two days, but rather their caloric intake and amount of sleep.
Why Don’t We Do It in the Gym
Having sex won’t necessarily increase performance, but it can’t hurt either, unless it’s hours of sleep you’re sacrificing to do the deed. Sex can help you relax, which might help you get a good’s night rest before a big event. Or sex might just help you reach a desired goal for the evening—climax.
Exercise isn’t the cure all for sex related problems, nor is sex the problem for your poor athletic performing. But one this is for sure: exercise and sex are beneficial to, and beneficiaries of, each other. My running shoes never looked so hot.
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