Sex Challenges: The New Fitness Craze and the Positive Effects of More Sex

Written by: Steven Schlosser
Published 10/12/2015
Updated: 10/12/2015

The Internet is full of various health and fitness challenges. There seems to be a new fitness craze every day of the week. Whether your goal is to be healthier or to have a flatter stomach, there are programs that will challenge you to eat nutritious foods and do more crunches. Sex can also be great exercise, so why not add a sex challenge to your agenda?

A sex challenge can help you overcome those times when you feel stressed, tired, anxious, or otherwise disconnected. Perhaps you simply miss the frequent, passionate sex you used to have with your partner. Starting a sex challenge can help you get back on the right track. It involves committing to having sex with your partner every month, week, or day. The wonderful thing is that you can choose a schedule that matches your lifestyle.

Neil Rosenthal is a certified marriage counselor and author of several relationship books. He believes that a sex challenge can breathe new life into a relationship. But are sex challenges right for you? There’s only one way to find out. Rosenthal recommends that couples try a sex challenge for a couple weeks to see if it makes a difference.

Scheduling your sexual encounters might not seem very sexy. Sex is generally more fun when it’s spontaneous. But when considering a sex challenge, Rosenthal says that it’s important to stay focused on the big picture. The important thing is that you’re taking the time to connect with your partner. You’re agreeing that sex should be a priority in your life, which is a pretty big deal. Sometimes that’s all it takes to make a change.

Other relationship experts think that the concept of a sex challenge isn’t very helpful. Nancy Irwin is a licensed psychiatrist and relationship counselor. She says that simply calling it a challenge can be a problem for some couples. It can make sex feel like a chore instead of a fun, spontaneous activity. Irwin believes that sex should always be an enjoyable, cooperative experience. It’s also interesting to note that a recent study found that more sex doesn’t actually make you happier.

Is there a way to get the benefits of a sex challenge without the potential downside? It all depends on your particular situation. Like any other romantic issue, it’s important to discuss it with your partner. Rosenthal believes that the direct approach is always best. Ask your partner to try a sex challenge with you. Always frame the issue in a positive way. Make it sound fun and exciting. Compliment your partner and explain why you’d like to have more sex.

Unfortunately, sex challenges can’t fix deeper relationship issues. It may not be appropriate for certain couples or certain circumstances. For example, if your partner has cheated, a sex challenge probably won’t make your feel any better. A sex challenge isn’t a cure-all for your relationship, but it can be a fun way to reconnect with your partner and spice up your sex life.