The relationship between physical exercise, sexual activity, and desire for sexual activity

Abstract

This study was an exploratory investigation of the relationship between physical exercise and sexual behavior. It was hypothesized that self‐report of increased time spent in physical exercise would be associated with a higher self‐reported frequency of sexual behavior and frequency of desired sexual activity. An anonymous questionnaire was given to a sample of undergraduates (N = 78) and a sample of persons (N = 144) walking through a fieldhouse/classroom complex at Indiana University. Pearson correlational analysis of each sample supported the hypotheses (p < .001). Further investigation via a more comprehensive questionnaire or a factorial design study was discussed.