ARE YOUR WORKOUTS KILLING THE MOOD? UNPACKING THE FITNESS VS INTIMACY DEBATE

FROM viral TikTok fitness challenges to gym class staples, we're constantly encouraged to try the latest and greatest ways to “get in shape”.

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

But what if some of these trendy exercises are doing more harm than good, especially when it comes to your sex life?

Certain popular workouts may be silently undermining your intimacy, according to Anita Fletcher, a sex and relationship expert at Fantasy Co., a brand known for its innovative approach to pleasure.

These exercises, often hailed as beneficial, could be causing tension, discomfort, or even long-term issues in the bedroom.

So, which workouts are the culprits, and how can you protect your sexual well-being without sacrificing your fitness goals?

Fletcher unpacks the surprising risks of four common exercises and offers simple fixes to ensure your workouts support, rather than sabotage your sex life.

1. Kegels

Kegels are often celebrated as a miracle exercise for pelvic floor health, promising better orgasms and improved bladder control. But Fletcher warns that overdoing Kegels can lead to serious problems.

"There's a widespread myth that more Kegels equal better sex, but that's not true, Fletcher explains.

"An overly tight pelvic floor can cause pain during intercourse, make orgasms harder to achieve, and even trigger muscle spasms that completely shut down arousal."

Many people unknowingly start Kegels with already tense pelvic floors due to stress, prolonged sitting, or past injuries. Adding even more tension through excessive Kegel exercises can exacerbate these issues.