A personal trainer has highlighted some exercises that might be detrimental to your ability to maintain erections.
For those concerned about erectile dysfunction (ED), avoiding potential culprits is certainly a priority. ED is characterized by the inability to achieve or sustain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse and can be triggered by various factors including stress, fatigue, excessive alcohol consumption, medication side effects, or medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances.
Surprisingly, the exercises performed at the gym may also contribute to this issue, according to one trainer.
In an interview with SoloFun, Toby King stated, “A lot of men assume ED is caused by stress or ageing, but in some cases, it’s mechanical. The problem is gym-related issues build up slowly, so people don’t associate the two.”
He further explained, “We are told to work out, we are told to strengthen our pelvic floor, but in some men, too much tension in muscles around the pelvic floor area can cause erectile dysfunction without realising it.”
“The muscles around your pelvic floor play a role in erections and arousal, and if they are constantly tight or overloaded, then they can restrict the blood flow and compress nerves that are essential for healthy sexual function,” he added.
King specifically mentioned that exercises like squats, deadlifts, and abdominal routines might contribute to the issue. He clarified, “I’m not saying avoid these exercises as they are great for overall body composition and health, but if you have found that you are having problems in the bedroom, and you go to the gym, then it’s worth checking if your muscles are tight and if they could be causing the issues.”
“Many men are constantly bracing. They tighten during lifts and often remain tense throughout the day. Over time, this creates an overactive pelvic floor which can interfere with erections and even cause pain,” he noted.
King elaborated that continuously tensing the pelvic floor prevents the muscles from relaxing. This issue can be exacerbated by improper form and the use of heavy weights, which increase pressure.
“If your form is off and you’re not breathing correctly, then that pressure has to go somewhere, and often it ends up in the pelvic floor,” King explained.
While it’s essential not to abandon exercise entirely, King emphasized the importance of evaluating your workout regimen. You might need to modify specific exercises and consult a pelvic floor physiotherapist if necessary.
“If you have ongoing issues, a pelvic floor physiotherapist can assess what is happening, and they will be able to help you restore normal function below,” King advised.
This information could be crucial for those looking to maintain their sexual health.