Will walking 10,000 steps a day improve your sex life?

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An eye-opening study has revealed a that working out enhances our sex lives.

More than 1,000 Americans were surveyed by online pharmacy ZipHealth and their fitness tracker data was analyzed to explore how daily movement might impact libido, confidence, and sexual satisfaction.

Those who walked more than 10,000 steps a day reported significantly higher sexual satisfaction, including 67 per cent of Gen X and 59 per cent of baby boomers.

In fact, Gen Xers who hit more than 10,000 steps said they averaged seven sexual encounters per month, while those logging under 2,000 steps had just two.

Also, those who are physically active in general are 76 per cent more likely than those who are sedentary to report sexual satisfaction.

“Physical activity overall is great for the sex, and walking 10,000 steps a day counts as exercise that will make a positive difference,” sexologist and relationship therapist Sofie Roos told The Toronto Sun.

“Walking will help you deal with stress and anxiety better—and since these two feelings reduce both sexual desire and make you unable to be in the moment during intimacy, it will have a positive impact on the sex life.”

Roos also noted how all that walking also helps with sleep, which helps an individual deal with stressful, anxious times.

“You also get more energy which you can invest in your sex life,” she added.

Getting active may be the goal of many who want to improve their fitness, but for others it’s simply about feeling sexy enough to be intimate with someone.

While 32 per cent of those surveyed admitted to avoiding sex because they feel out of shape or are unhappy with their appearance, about 70 per cent said they experienced a boost in sexual confidence from working out.

Nearly one in three Gen Xers and 31 per cent of baby boomers confessed to avoiding sex because they felt out shape.

But 58 per cent of Generation X and 51 per cent of baby boomers revealed they felt more confident initiating on days they’ve worked out, while Gen Z (65 per cent) and millennials (64 per cent) revealed they felt more in the mood after hitting the gym or embarking on other exercise.

As for which exercises are empowering people to feel better about sex, cardiovascular training topped the list with 50 per cent of respondents opting for better endurance in the bedroom.

Core strength was a close second at 49 per cent, followed by flexibility and mobility at 46 per cent.

Notably, gender influenced the perceived importance of certain traits with flexibility and mobility being a top factor for women, while men prioritized their cardio endurance (54 per cent) and core strength (51 per cent).

“Walking as much as 10,000 steps a day will have a positive impact on your cardio which makes you able to have sex for longer,” Roos noted.

“It also open up the blood flow in the body, including in the genital area,” which helps men have “stronger and longer erections and prevent erectile dysfunction.”

Women also have a higher sensitivity in the genitals, due to the increased blood flow, Roos added.

This article was originally published in the Toronto Sun on June 1, 2025.