Women's fitness and healthy living can offer many benefits for your physical and mental health. But did you know that a healthy lifestyle may be the key to promoting a happy sex life? The better you feel physically the more likely it is that you will be healthy enough for sex. Building your muscles, especially your pelvic floor muscles actually helps to improve the functions of your sexual organs.
Nutrition is nature's medicine. Begin with a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats. Overeating, especially foods that are high in saturated fats, leads to high blood cholesterol and obesity, both major causes of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. This can mean your body is not healthy enough for sex.
Sex is good for you. When women's estrogen levels drop at menopause, the vaginal walls lose some of their elasticity. It's possible to slow this process or even reverse it through sexual activity. Sex is your vagina's women's fitness program.
Exercise promotes healthy sex: Regular aerobic activity, Pilates, Yoga and strength training exercises all promote women's fitness and may help to improve your sex life. Exercise helps the cardio system and aids in flexibility and stamina to help you enjoy better sex for a longer time.
If your sex life is still lacking, you might try these helpful hints:
Get out of the bedroom. Maybe you've never had sex on the kitchen floor or in a secluded spot in the woods; now might be the time to try it. Or try exploring erotic books and films. Even just the feeling of naughtiness you get from checking out an X-rated movie at the local video store might make you feel frisky.
Sensuality counts. Create an environment for lovemaking that appeals to all five of your senses. Light scented candles, cover your bed with silk or satin for a sensual touch. Play music that you both enjoy, buy flowers and place in a lovely vase. Make your bedroom a special place to make love.
Be playful. Take a bubble bath together or even a shower. Being wet and naked together is a great lead-in to sex. Wash each other's backs. Tickle. Laugh. Enjoy.
Let your imagination soar. Be creative by varying your activity. For example, if you're used to making love on Saturday morning, choose Sunday morning instead. Have sex in the middle of the week. Be open to different positions and new activities. Try sex toys and purchase sexy lingerie.
Be romantic. Surprise each other with flowers when it isn't a special occasion. Plan a day when all you do is lie in bed, talk, and be intimate. Leave sweet messages on each other's cell phones. Tell your lover how special he is and how much you love him.
Karen Ficarelli is the founder and CEO of Fitness4Her.com, a diet, exercise program and women's fitness blog, developed especially for women. A mother of three, Karen knows how hard it is to fit everything into a busy schedule. A fitness author, personal trainer, Pilate's instructor, sports nutritionist, fitness model, wife and mom, Karen is passionate about helping other women reach their fitness goals.
