Want to boost your sex drive naturally and get fit at the same time? Then read on.
For those of us just starting out on the road to a fitter body, take this one piece of advice to up your testosterone (the hormone that boosts sex drive), burn fat and build muscle: Work out your legs!
Here are 5 reasons that should have you bragging to your buddies about leg training in no time:
1. Leg training builds muscle
When you work out your legs, you’re engaging most of the muscles in your body (that’s why it can be so intense). The most effective leg exercise is the squat:
- Beginners – hold your arms straight out in front of you. As you bend at the knees toward the floor keep your back straight. Engage your stomach muscles for a slow, smooth motion down and then go back up.
- For a greater challenge – hold dumbbells at your sides and make sure you lower all the way down so your knees are parallel to the floor.
2. Leg training burns fat
Squats combined with other leg-heavy exercises like lunges burn fat because they work more muscles than jogging or cycling. Combine lunges with proper nutrition and you’ll eliminate that beer belly.
3. Leg training boosts testosterone
About 40% of men over 45 have low testosterone, and guys over 65 are more than twice as likely to suffer from a shortage than their younger counterparts. More than any other exercise, leg workouts like squats provide a solid boost of testosterone. So next time you’re feeling weak, work those hamstrings, thighs and calf muscles for a shot of the sex-pumping hormone.
Other benefits of testosterone: Increases energy levels, boosts immune function and improves bone health.
4. Leg training leads to gluteal gold
In addition to getting a few whistles, strong glutes (a.k.a. butt muscles) actually help prevent pinched nerves and bad knees. If you’re at a desk all day, this one is key for good knee health.
5. Leg training gives you abs
Abdominal muscles and many upper leg muscles originate in the same area as your lower abs. Translation? Leg training works your abs.
Sources:
- The acute hormonal response to free weight and machine weight resistance exercise. Shaner AA, Vingren JL, Hatfield DL, Budnar RG Jr, Duplanty AA, Hill DW. (2014) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24276305
- Squat form. Accessed July 26, 2015. http://stronglifts.com/squat/ , http://stronglifts.com/deadlift/
Doug, Thanks for sharing your story – we’re inspired! It’s awesome to hear that training your legs has had such a positive impact in bettering your health and physical fitness. And the grouse grind… that’s no small feat. Good on you sir!
Sam – Don’t Change Much
Thanks for the info. I’m still amazed at the dramatic impact working my legs has had on my health. Just less than two years ago I was shocked when I had an MI. I was 58, not in terrible shape and my diet wasn’t poor but we had a family history. On the road to recovery I went back to my youth and back to the track and gyms. It took a while and I gradually improved but I noticed even as I started interval training on a track I just didn’t seem to build the leg strength I wanted and walking up inclines could still leave me a little winded although I was much better than before I had a stent inserted. For additional motivation other than trying to eliminate that hard-to-hide worried look on the faces of my family I picked a goal to hike the West Coast Trail but research revealed this is an arduous task so I decided to pursue a goal that if accomplished would ensure I was capable of handling the Trail – I went after the Grouse Grind, the equivalent of about 290 times a set of house stairs. Although I flew up the Grind in university years, now it was a monster to be tamed. The first time up I made it to the 1/4 point and thought it wise to head back down. The next time I overcame that difficult psychological and physical barrier and went to the top. I was exhausted but the congratulatory texts I received from my excited wife and kids were deeply rewarding as well as the satisfaction of beating Goliath. I’ve climbed the Grind (I have another unpublishable name for it) only 6 weekends now but it is my firm commitment to continue because of the tremendous benefits I receive. Combined with a diet partially consisting of a mix of healthy greens, frozen fruit, nuts and almond milk that I throw into the Bullet (blender that I used to make great tasting smoothies for my super athletic daughters) I dropped 16 lbs in short order peeling it off right where it counts, off my waste. My quads, calves, abs and gluts tightened up. Stairs don’t leave me winded anymore. I feel much stronger and have more energy. It basically comes from working my legs on those steps of the grind but anyone can walk up stairs at home or skip an elevator at work and take the stairs or do the squats Daniel suggests anytime, anywhere. Thanks again. Best regards, Doug, North Vancouver.
Thanks Walter. The page we linked to contains information about how to perform a squat safely. Deadlifts are a popular exercise as well, so we’ve added a link now that guys can reference.
Sam -Don’t Change Much
Hi Dragan,
Thanks for the comment! Sorry for missing it before. We’re glad you’ve found the information helpful. We have a squat fitness challenge up on the blog now if you want to check that out: https://dontchangemuch.ca/activity/the-wall-squat/.
Thanks,
Sam – Don’t Change Much
Hello DontChangeMuch.ca and Canadian Men’s Health Foundation Staff,
To begin, I want to thank you for posting the above very informative exercise tip. I have been running for years and never seem to be able to strengthen my “Strong Glutes”. This evening, I began this exercise and hope I can finally strengthen my strong glutes. As well, my legs and abdominal muscles. Could you please let me know how many sets and repetitions of this exercise I need to do per day or per week? Your reply in this matter, would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Dragan Djogovich. Mississauga, ON.
Hi Dragan,
Thanks for the comment! Sorry for missing it before. We’re glad you’ve found the information helpful. We have a squat fitness challenge up on the blog now if you want to check that out: https://dontchangemuch.ca/activity/the-wall-squat/.
Thanks,
Sam – Don’t Change Much
Don’t forget about deadlifts. I see you’ve included the link to the “Stronglifts” site. They have excellent information on a number of lifts, including deadlifts.
Thanks Walter! The page we linked to contains information about how to perform a squat safely. Deadlifts are a popular exercise as well, so we’ll be sure to include a link for guys to reference.
Sam -Don’t Change Much