Is It Just Us or Does Working Out Make You Horny?

Does getting physical make you want to get physical? Maybe pumping iron makes you wanna pump…stuff other than iron? 

Don’t worry; you’re in good cum-pany. Every day, guys leave the gym with a semi, wondering, “Why do I get horny after working out all the time?” It’s not only normal to get horny after gym time, it’s built into our biology! 

So, why does working out make you horny? This is one of the best-kept secrets of sex and physiology: Exercise does all sorts of sexy things to your body.

And although there’s never a bad time to get busy, the science doesn’t lie: A post-workout orgasm can be especially toe-curling. In fact, there’s an impressive amount of information about how your body is primed for hot, hot sex shortly after a workout.

Whether you’re a treadmill tryhard or a squat rack stud, everyone can benefit from channeling their post-gym horniness into some intense sexual gratification.

What do the nerds say about being horny after the gym?

Science — like BDSM or bangs — isn’t for everyone. If you consider yourself more of a jock, then we’ll give it to you gay: Before you give them a swirly, here’s how scientists answer the burning question “Does exercise increase sex drive?” It’s an explanation we can all get behind (or on top of).

Why does working out make me horny? Hormones!

Your libido cranks up after physical activity because of three crucial feel-good hormones: adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin.

Adrenaline is a chemical that rushes throughout your body to ensure it’s operating in peak form. Your heart beats faster, you sweat, and your lungs breathe more efficiently. Basically, your body prepares you to finally give that tricky position you’ve been fantasizing about a whirl.

Dopamine, however, incites arousal in a different sense: It’s all about the body experiencing pleasure. Dopamine is also responsible for a million other feelings and actions, including regulating our sleep, mood, movement capabilities, and motivation.

Serotonin is unique because it doesn’t necessarily increase sex drive by itself but instead creates another hormone, oxytocin, also known as “the love hormone.”

Together, these hormones are an unstoppable trio of epic proportions that activates after an intense workout. And we haven’t even talked about the gigachad of the post-exercise body: testosterone.

Testosterone and bone

Your testosterone levels are also higher after a workout. Testosterone is another hormone associated with sexy time. Even more than adrenaline or dopamine, testosterone primarily exists to regulate your libido and sperm production.

However, the body is efficient, and most hormones have multiple uses. Although testosterone is necessary to get sufficiently bricked up, it’s also responsible for regulating the body’s muscle mass, bone health, and mental health. But managing these aspects of your body contributes to your overall sexual health, too. What else are muscles, bones, and brains for?

Reasons to follow that horny feeling

Aside from sex and orgasms that are the stuff of legends, there are several reasons post-gym coitus is a good idea:

1. Rock-hard erections

Remember when we talked about adrenaline making your heart beat faster? That means blood is circulating throughout your body faster, facilitating an impressively stiff boner. It’s not like you need any of that blood going to your brain, right?

A quick footnote for edging fans: Increased blood flow could potentially make you orgasm faster than you’d like. You may need to compensate accordingly.

2. The scent of a man

Many of us douse ourselves in Acqua di Giò after the gym to cover up the stink. But what if we told you the stink was more of an aphrodisiac than you think?

This is particularly true if you’re in a relationship; basic biology says you’ll be more attracted to people you’re already into when you catch a whiff of their natural odor. 

You can play this to your advantage if you’re coming home from the gym to your partner. Ask them if they need you to reach anything from a high cabinet, turn on a conveniently placed fan, and watch your body work its musky magic.

3. Natural energy boost

Working out is always — almost annoyingly — the easiest way to feel more energized. Sedentary individuals are more likely to have low libido and less energy for sex. Meanwhile, fitness freaks are feeling spry, virile, and ready to blow at the drop of a pant.

4. Flexibility

Regular exercise also makes it easier for you to act on your horny thoughts and feelings without visiting the chiropractor the next day.

Stretching before and after your workout (which you’re all definitely doing, we’re sure) is essential for your body’s health and safety as you push it to the limit. The benefits of stretching and working out carry over into the bedroom, where you’ll be able to put your knees next to your ears without worrying your hip is gonna pop out of place.

Exercise, your dick, and you

Let’s get more specific on how exercise can encourage your family jewels to sparkle like the Hope Diamond (except less cursed).

You already know your blood flow becomes a roaring river during exercise. And once you experience the teensiest bit of arousal, that becomes a waterfall headed south toward your pelvic floor muscles. 

But surely this effect doesn’t last forever, so how long do you have to make the most of this wellspring of wang-related energy? You actually have a sizable window — anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes after your workout.

This period is when your skin is clear, and your vital organs are watered (aka surrounded by lots of healthy, oxygen-rich blood). It’s also usually when those feel-good hormones are peaking, so you’ll have a stiffer erection and a better orgasm.

After the hour is up

Good news for those of you who can’t squeeze in a meat-beating session within an hour of your workout: You and your dick will still reap many benefits from physical activity.

Since exercise regulates many of the hormones that fuel your libido, the better regulated you are, the hornier you’ll be. That means morning wood that will have your partner yelling “timber” and an insatiable appetite for sex that will have them yelling your name.

Safer post-gym sex

Does working out make you hornier? Great! Now, it’s time to capitalize on your body’s aroused state after the gym. Still, there are some considerations you should chew on before you sink your teeth into a lucky someone:

Some light clean up

You definitely want to conserve some of your trademark stink, but not to the point where it’s unsanitary. It’s wise to wash your hands before you engage in any foreplay — or even masturbation — if you’ve used gym equipment.

On the subject of foreplay, your scent isn’t guaranteed to be charming to everyone in all areas. You might wanna take a wet wipe to those pendulous balls of yours before someone gags on you for the wrong reasons.

Gatorade before your sexcapade

If you’re doing it right, sex is probably gonna tire out your already sore body even further. Do your future self a favor and ensure you’re adequately hydrated prior to plowing. It doesn’t hurt to have a protein-rich snack or shake, either. Help your body along so it doesn’t tap out mid-thrust.

Don’t overdo it

Too much of a good thing is still too much. Overexerting yourself at the gym and then again on top of a bunch of guys is burning the candle at both ends, and you dramatically increase your risk of injury this way.

In addition, many men take supplements before they work out, which could make overdoing physical activity even more dicey. If you’re in that camp, keep your juice to yourself until you’re sufficiently less juiced. If you’re really gettin’ blue in the balls, always remember porn is your friend, so you can relieve yourself without a health scare.