While issues with erectile function are generally associated with aging, men at every stage of life may experience the occasional flop in the bedroom. Erectile dysfunction is a complex problem with a multitude of underlying causes, but the bottom line is that penis performance is an indicator of what is going on with the body in general, and especially with the heart.

Because erectile function is so closely related to cardiovascular health, it stands to reason that a healthy heart will more than likely lead to healthy erections. A monumental body of evidence has shown that men who exercise are more likely to have a healthy heart and circulatory system, as well as better erections. With this in mind, it is easy to conclude that getting in shape physically can help to promote penis health in addition to overall physical well-being. Following the simple tips discussed here can help men to integrate exercise into their weekly routine.

The link between exercise and cardiovascular health

It is important to be clear that "exercise" here refers to plain old cardiovascular exercise such as walking, jogging, or hitting the treadmill - not the "penis exercises" that are often promoted. Penis exercises generally refer to pelvic floor exercises that are suggested for men who are recovering from prostate surgery. Some sources claim that these movements can increase the size and strength of erections, but to date, no research has borne out this idea.

With that said, research has shown, time and again, that sustained physical activity improves the condition of the endothelium, which is the smooth lining on the inside of the blood vessels. This lining helps the blood to flow smoothly from the heart throughout the body, including to the penis, where it is needed to form and maintain erections.

The healthier this tissue, the better the blood flow, and therefore, the better the quality of erections; healthy circulatory tissue means less risk of developing performance problems. As an added benefit, men who exercise tend to feel more confident and attractive, boosting their sex drive and making them more appealing to potential partners.

Tips for including exercise in a busy lifestyle

Although most men understand the benefits of exercise and at least have plans to incorporate a fitness routine into their schedule, finding the time and motivation to exercise is easier thought about than accomplished. These tips can help to ease the transition to a regular routine:

1. Choose a fitness regimen that is enjoyable. For men who hate running, signing up to compete in the next charity 10K run is not likely to bring about the desired results. While they might start out with good intentions, doing something that just isn’t enjoyable doesn’t make sense. Men should choose a fitness activity that suits their interests. Hiking, swimming, biking or even gardening can help to boost heart health.

2. See a doctor first. Before jumping into an exercise routine, men who have been physically inactive should make an appointment to see their doctor for advice. Too much exercise or the wrong activity can lead to injury or worse, so it is best to consult with a professional beforehand.

3. Get the right nutrition. In addition to exercise itself, adequate nutrition is essential in maintaining the circulatory tissue of the penis. Vitamin C plays an especially important role in this respect, as it is an important component in building and repairing the blood vessels. Amino acids such as L-arginine are also important in maintaining adequate blood flow to the penis. Many of the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that are needed for a healthy heart and circulatory system can be obtained from a healthy diet. The caveat here is that many of the nutrients ingested in the diet are not well-absorbed for distribution to the organ systems, and often, the pertinent nutrients are shunted to other organs before they can benefit the penis. Using a penis health formula (most health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) that is enriched with vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and antioxidants allows these ingredients to be directly absorbed into the penile tissue, helping to ensure that the penis is adequately nourished for healthy erectile function.