The impact of fitness culture on male sexuality

In recent years, fitness culture has taken center stage in many men's lives. Full gyms, social networks flooded with sculpted bodies, and an increasing obsession with meeting a specific physical standard. Sound familiar? These are just some of the elements that define this phenomenon. But what does this have to do with men's sexuality?

The relationship between body, self-esteem, and sexuality is intrinsic (and arguably indivisible), but when the focus is exclusively on achieving a physical ideal, the effects can be negative. Stick around to the end if you are concerned about your physical (and sexual) well-being.

From obsession with the perfect body to sexual self-esteem

In the new fitness culture, the perfect body has become synonymous with success, discipline, and sex appeal. So much so that there are phenomena, such as CrossFit and other variants of functional training, that have a loyal following. However, this pressure has a direct effect on men's sexual self-esteem .

Let’s start with the positive aspects.

When a man feels satisfied with his body, he is more likely to experience greater confidence in his sexual interactions . According to a study published by Langelier et al. (2018) , men with a positive perception of their physique tend to enjoy their sexuality more and report greater satisfaction in their intimate relationships.

But what happens when this standard is unattainable?

Here we move to the negative. The reality is that not all bodies can conform to these ideals. The frustration of not meeting these expectations leads many people to experience diminished sexual self-esteem , making it difficult to connect emotionally and physically with their partners.

In psychotherapy, many mental health professionals share cases where the obsession with the perfect physique generates insecurities that end up affecting the quality of their patients' sex lives. But these are not the only adverse effects of excessive fixation on sport.

The Impact of Steroids and Supplements on Sexual Function

One of the most controversial aspects of fitness culture is the use of steroids and supplements. Many men turn to these substances to accelerate their progress in the gym, without considering the possible consequences on their sexual health .

• Anabolic steroids , for example, can lead to significant hormonal imbalances , such as a decrease in natural testosterone. This can result in erectile dysfunction , reduced sex drive, and even infertility , as noted in a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2020).
  
  
• Supplements , while less aggressive, are also not without risk. In some cases, they contain ingredients that can interfere with hormone production or have unwanted side effects.
  
  

Recommendation: Before consuming any substance, always consult a health professional to evaluate the possible risks and benefits.

Body Image and Desire: What Role Does Perception of the Other Play?

The way a man perceives his body also influences how he feels desired by others. Fitness culture encourages the idea that physical attractiveness is the main factor of desire, relegating other important aspects such as connection or complicity in bed.

This generates anxiety for many men , especially in intimate contexts.

“Am I muscular enough? What will my partner think of my imperfections?”

These questions, which often arise in men's minds, are a reflection of how fitness culture standards condition the way they experience their sexuality.

Moreover, this phenomenon perpetuates unhealthy dynamics in relationships. For example, some men feel pressured to maintain a certain physical appearance to avoid rejection, leading to a less spontaneous and more performative sexuality. 

The Pursuit of Pleasure and Performance: Where Does That Leave Enjoyment?

Another effect of fitness culture on male sexuality is the tendency to prioritize performance over pleasure.
In a world where effort and perfection are valued, many men transfer that mentality to the bedroom, focusing more on “doing well” than enjoying the moment.

This competitive approach is counterproductive, as sexuality should not be a chore to be accomplished but a pleasurable experience for both partners. Men who internalize these expectations often experience performance anxiety , leading to issues like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

Reminder: Pleasure has no standards or measurements. 

Benefits of Fitness Culture on Male Sexuality

Not everything about fitness culture is negative. In fact, a healthy lifestyle can have significant benefits for male sexuality.

• Exercise improves circulation, increases testosterone levels, and reduces stress , all of which are crucial for better sexual performance.
  
  
• Improving body image through physical activity often means more confidence , which translates into better communication and exploration in intimate relationships.
  
  

Key takeaway: Enjoy exercise and take care of your body, but avoid obsession. Balance is the fine line that ensures the benefits of fitness culture without sacrificing sexual well-being. 

Conclusion: Sexuality Beyond the Body

Fitness culture has an undeniable impact on male sexuality, both positive and negative. Because it can be a double-edged sword , it’s important to reflect on how these standards influence your relationship with your body, desire, and pleasure.

Our advice:

• Prioritize overall health over external ideals.
• Remember, sexuality is much more than a sculpted body—it’s an experience that involves your mind, heart, and body in harmony.
  
  

Ask yourself: Are you ready to take care of yourself without counterproductive sacrifices? 

References

• Kanayama, G., Brower, K. J., Wood, R. I., Hudson, J. I., & Pope, H. G., Jr (2009). Anabolic-androgenic steroid dependence: an emerging disorder. Addiction (Abingdon, England), 104(12), 1966–1978.
• Langelier, D. M., et al. (2018). Perceptions of masculinity and body image in men with prostate cancer: the role of exercise. Supportive Care in Cancer, 26(10), 3379–3388.
• Merino, M., et al. (2024). Body Perceptions and Psychological Well-Being: A Review of the Impact of Social Media and Physical Measurements. Healthcare (Basel), 12(14), 1396.