For years, athletes have debated whether having sex before a big race could hurt performance. Many believed it drained energy and reduced testosterone levels, potentially leaving runners at a disadvantage. However, new research challenges this long-standing idea, suggesting that pre-race intimacy may not be detrimental—and might even be beneficial.
The Science Behind the Myth
A recent meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports examined the effects of sexual activity on athletic performance. The study reviewed multiple fitness assessments and found no measurable impact on aerobic capacity, muscular strength, endurance, or power when participants engaged in sex anywhere from 30 minutes to 24 hours before exercise. In other words, pre-race sex is unlikely to slow you down—and for some, it might even serve as a performance enhancer.
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Can Sex Actually Help Performance?
One explanation researchers explored is the “inverted U theory of arousal.” This theory suggests that as a person’s arousal increases, so does their physical performance—up to a certain point. If arousal becomes excessive, it can have the opposite effect, leading to diminished results. In this context, sex could act as a stress reliever, especially for runners who experience pre-race nerves. Since anxiety can negatively impact performance, engaging in sexual activity the night before a race might help some athletes feel more relaxed and mentally prepared.
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Finding What Works for You
While the research offers reassurance that sex won’t harm performance, it also highlights the need for a personalised approach. Most studies on this topic have focused on male athletes, leaving room for further exploration across different demographics. What helps one runner feel focused and ready may not work for another. Ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and determine what leaves you feeling primed for race day—whether that includes pre-race intimacy or not.
