Sex before a 5k run – sorry, it doesn’t make you go faster [Science: Meta Analysis]
TL;DR – Numerous stories have hinted at the possibility that engaging in sexual activity before a sports event might influence performance. This systematic review in Nature set out to investigate if athletic performance or certain measures of physical fitness are indeed affected by prior sexual activity. The study identified relevant research through Web of Science and Google Scholar, ultimately incorporating nine crossover studies with 133 participants, 99% of whom were male. The results showed that engaging in sexual activity within 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise did not have a significant impact on aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal endurance, or strength/power.
Summary of the Meta-Analysis
The debate surrounding the influence of sexual activity on sports performance has persisted for decades. While past research heavily relied on subjective evaluations, this meta-analysis offered a thorough assessment using objective data. By addressing gaps in existing literature and omitting elements of bias, the paper showed the need for high-quality studies to unravel the relationship between sexual activity and athletic performance.
More: Ways that WILL improve your 5K performance
The authors systematically researched Web of Science and Google Scholar, identifying nine crossover studies with 133 participants, 99% of whom were male. The study evaluated physical fitness parameters, implementing the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for bias assessment. The results were amalgamated using normal meta-analytic techniques.
The meta-analysis unveiled that engaging in sexual activity within 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise did not significantly influence aerobic fitness, musculoskeletal endurance, or strength/power. The authors determined that there appeared to be no publication bias or overall differences between studies. The risk of bias assessment raised some concerns, primarily due to the difficulty of blinding participants in such studies (no! blinding not blindfolding)
That said there were small sample sample sizes and the absence of studies involving women or older participants. Just don’t try to understand why women weren’t involved in the studies, it’ll spoil your day.
This article is part of the site’s sports science reference for endurance athletes.
Last Updated on 3 June 2026 by the5krunner
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
My two cents:
-sex before a run leads to happier runners
-I still believe trainers told athletes that sex is bad just to have a bigger influence on the athlete and to reduce the impact/influence of the athletes partner. It’s a game of power and depending on the partner also sometimes to protect the athlete.
Mickey from “Rocky”: “Women. Weaken. Legs!”