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11 Replies Last post: Apr 9, 2008 2:33 PM by Eco13

kdb123

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Jul 20, 2006 5:08 PM

sex and training/racing

is there any evidence supporting pre-race sexual activity as having positive or negative effects on race performance? specifically, if i have sex the night before a race will it slow me down? what are the physiological effects of sex on an athlete? please help.

cnasti

8 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Aug 2, 2006 2:42 AM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

I found one study (Sztajzel, J., et. al, 2000) that said that "sexual activity had no detrimental influence on the maximal workload achieved (in cycling) and on the athletes' mental concentration (math test)." The subjects were a variety of male athletes.

The one drawback they mentioned was that the athletes had a higher post-exercise HR on the day they had sex compared with the day the did not. This would only affect recovery time, not performance.

bstovall34

5 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Nov 26, 2006 3:53 PM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

I am a competitive MTB and weight train several days per week. I'd have to say that I respectfuklly disagree with the results of this study. Perhaps the effects are simply psychological, but I have experienced personally that sexual activity could have a negative effect (at least on anaerobic ability) on an athlete.

At a minimum you should consider it to be like any other energy sapping activity because of the reduced/interrupted sleep and physical activity.

beerpace

117 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Nov 27, 2006 5:33 AM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

Bob Beamon set the Worlds record for the long jump. Had sex the night before. He said he slept fantastically that night. What on earth would having sex the night prior to an event have to do with poor performance the next day? It is time to put this silly myth to bed. Pun intended.

bstovall34

5 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Nov 29, 2006 7:17 PM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

Interesting thought. Mike Tyson, had sex the night before his first career loss ever to Buster Douglas - arguably the biggest upset in boxing history. maybe that's just coincidence based on your theory, but I think not. By the way ALL professional boxers are told to stay away from sex during training while leading up to big fights, ask around.

beerpace

117 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Nov 30, 2006 5:40 AM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

Google Sex and athletic performance. You will find article after article after article debunking this myth. For example- National Geographic News, Feb 22, 2006.
This is a myth, old wives tale, whatever you want to call it. Have fun the night before the big race. You won't regret it.

lauragood

15 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Nov 30, 2006 9:50 AM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

Sex helps to alleviate stress and unless added stress helps in your race performance, I would say sex prior to an event is fine.

pgmanski

35 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

7. Jun 30, 2007 12:21 PM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

I think it depends a lot on 1)If you are male or female 2) If you are female what time of your monthly cycle
3)Your age 4) What kind of race length you are talking about.
My general research has found that sex is ok for females and will actually improve performance. With males I've found that the key is the number of times you ********* and your age. For a man As you age sex definitely leaves one kind of foggy and in a mood for sleep. Which is cool if you want to relax and chill but it can definitely take the edge off.

yo-sal

260 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

8. Jul 2, 2007 7:46 AM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

what?????

beerpace

117 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

9. Jul 2, 2007 3:47 PM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

Take the edge off? We're talking about the night before an event, not a few minutes before. Besides, if it leaves one foggy, that means sleep comes easier!

brittaH2O

33 posts since
Jul 13, 2003

10. Apr 9, 2008 12:47 PM

in response to: kdb123

Re: sex and training/racing

My personal experience concludes: Sex the night before a demanding athletic event does not affect performance for a man or a woman. Sex immediately before the event greatly reduces performance for a man, with no noticible effect for the woman.

Eco13

46 posts since
Feb 18, 2008

11. Apr 9, 2008 2:33 PM

in response to: brittaH2O

Re: sex and training/racing

Britta, I would love to hear the stories behind your "personal research" (especially the sexual activity immediately prior to an athletic event!) but I'm afraid that Active.com will censor the answer.

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Jul 20, 2006 5:08 PM

sex and training/racing

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