The truth is that we as a species are incredibly interested in sex, most certainly for its zesty bodily pleasures, not to mention its tangential role in the continuation of our species. An immense body of scientific research exists underlining how good the simple act of pedalling about on a bicycle is for your bedroom athletics, and this is in addition to the obvious sensual benefits of wearing bottom-hugging sweaty Lycra next to your panting body!
In Phuket, as is the case worldwide, cycling is rapidly growing in popularity, partly because of the multitude of physical, mental, social and environmental benefits it confers. In addition, our ‘naughty bits’ also respond very positively to regular cycling, particularly long distance aerobic work and intense interval training and sprints.
Research from the British Heart Foundation sampling 600 men and women found that 25% would rather date a cyclist than any other athlete!
The UK Cycle Scheme survey into the impact of cycling on sex reported that 79% of respondents claimed that cycling home from work put them in a good mood for their partner, while 66% thought that their relationships improved as a result of cycling, and 39% said commuting by bike gave them more energy which also improved their sex life.
“Cycling is a major contributor to improved cardiovascular health and increased blood flow,” explains Roger Walker, consultant urologist at Spire St Anthony’s Hospital in Surrey, England.
“Both are proven benefits for healthy sexual function. Cycling has been shown to be an ideal low-impact means of addressing the issues linked to sexual dysfunction, especially among men approaching, or in, middle age.”
Indeed, it’s the aerobic benefits and the boost to blood flow that’s been shown to make cycling a sexual enhancer for many.
In Italy, where a healthy interest in sex and an enthusiastic cycling culture make it an ideal place for such studies, the Lancisi Heart Institute in Ancona revealed how cycling acts as a sex aid. In trials comparing 30 men experiencing sexual dysfunction linked to weak heart muscles, they demonstrated that by cycling three times a week for eight weeks, those weak-hearted patients underwent a major transformation.
The men in question not only recorded improved oxygen uptake and blood flow, but in response to questionnaires, their wives and partners said that they exhibited improved sexual performance too.
Regular cycling also helps manage our production of stress hormones – those fight-or-flight chemicals such as adrenaline and cortisol – which, when released, can hamper sexual arousal. Cycling is also associated with a decrease in depression and improved mood and happiness, all factors leading to increased motivation and capacity for bedroom gymnastics!
With so many health benefits associated with cycling, why isn’t everyone doing it? Well, there are concerns that long sessions in the saddle may cause numbness of the genitals, inflammation and bruising. However, recent findings of a University of London study into the impact of long-term cycling on erectile dysfunction or infertility concluded that the many health benefits far outweighed any potential health risks.
All this is true with the strong caveat, most certainly applicable in the Phuket context, that you don’t have an accident while out cycling.
Happy and safe sex and cycling to you all!
“Bicycling” Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures. When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the world's largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013.
Christy Sweet | 02 June 2019 - 12:27:07