True Or False? Sex Is Bad For Athletic Performance-
It is a complete fallacy dating back to ancient Greece and traditional Chinese medicine that sex is bad for athletic performance-. According to this myth abstaining from sex can increase frustration as well as aggression and boost energy.
Studies however found that sexual activity had no significant overall effect on how athletes performed during the physical and psychologist tests.
There is a very common misconception that intercourse saps individuals of their testosterone and energy. While it is common knowledge that men have more of this hormone, testosterone is present in both men and women and does help in the athletic world. Testosterone is known to be responsible for increased muscle mass and in turn an increase in energy but because intercourse affects testosterone levels in only short-term ways, it won't affect athletic performance at all
Medical experts believe that athletes should not worry too much about how intercourse may affect their competitions. Apart from being fun, sex is also healthy. If a high level of concentration is however required experts suggest that intercourse should be avoided a few days before a competition.
If sexual intercourse results in a lack of rest, it can affect an athlete’s ability to perform at an optimum level. Good quality rest is crucial for the body to recover and work at its best.
To help promote rest in the evening, shut off computers, smart phones and televisions, take a nice warm shower or bath, and do some reading to focus your thoughts and reduce pre-game stress. It is also recommended that you make sure you have everything you need for the competition set out and ready for the next day.
Pre-game nerves are very hard to control and usually make it impossible to get a solid 8-hour rest before your competition. If you wake up in the middle of the night. Do not get up and turn on lights or check the time.
If possible, take a 20-minute nap 2 hours before your event as this will help boost alertness just in time for you to hit the field.
Coaches and trainers have also changed their minds and adjusted with modern times. They feel that athletes should decide for themselves if they want to abstain or participate in sex in the midst of a major competition.
If you are however concerned about how sex can affect your performance on the field, ring, court or track consult your sports medicine physician as soon as possible. The medical practitioner will be able to provide you with important information on sex and its link to athletic achievement.
