Cite this Response
Alice! Health Promotion. "Does physical activity rev up my sex drive?." Go Ask Alice!, Columbia University, 08 Dec. 2025, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/does-physical-activity-rev-my-sex-drive. Accessed 08, Dec. 2025.
Alice! Health Promotion. (2025, December 08). Does physical activity rev up my sex drive?. Go Ask Alice!, https://goaskalice.columbia.edu/answered-questions/does-physical-activity-rev-my-sex-drive.
Dear Alice,
I'm curious to know if going to the gym increases sexual drive? I am a female in my 20s and recently started an exercise routine (running and weights), and I have noticed that my sexual drive has increased significantly. There have been no other major changes in my life, and I have been dating the same man for close to two years now, so I can think of no other real reason why my libido would have increased. Is there any real connection between working out in the gym and beneath the sheets?
Thanks,
Sporty and Sexy
Dear Sporty and Sexy,
Breaking a sweat in the gym has clearly been breaking some ice in the bedroom too! You’re right that physical activity and sex drive (also known as libido) are connected. This includes its connection to increasing energy levels and boosting confidence in your body. Many other factors might also be contributing to this newfound boost, such as age, relationship satisfaction, and health. Read on to explore which factors might resonate with you.
Does physical activity influence your sex drive?
Studies show that being more physically active is connected to a higher sex drive, more sexual arousal, and a lower risk of sexual dysfunction. Exercise gives you more energy and can make you feel more confident about your body’s appearance, contributing to differences in sex drive. Overall, being more active can bring some spice to help you feel more ready and positive about sex, both physically and mentally.
What other factors impact sex drive?
Besides physical activity, several other factors might have also contributed to your increased sex drive. These include age, relationship satisfaction, and mental health or chronic health conditions.
Mental health conditions and certain medical conditions, like chronic health conditions and obesity, might lead to decreased sex drive. Medications, including birth control pills and antidepressants, are also related to lower sex drive. If you experienced any change in these conditions, it’s also likely that your sex drive went back up for these reasons.
How does age influence sex drive?
People assigned female at birth (AFAB) often experience their highest sex drive between their late 20s and early 40s. In their 20s, it may be related to peak levels of testosterone, a hormone related to sex drive. However, even after this period, sex drive often continues to peak even though testosterone levels drop. While scientists are still figuring out why this happens, some argue that it’s the result of a decrease in fertility and reproductive priorities.
What role can relationship satisfaction play in sex drive?
Higher relationship satisfaction is a common reason for increased sex drive. While you've been dating the same person, have there been small changes in your relationship with your partner? This may also make you more interested in having sexual interactions with him.
In short, a mix of several factors might have contributed to spicing up your (sex) life, including getting more exercise regularly.
Keep moving, both in and out of the gym,