Men's Health and Fitness Survey

Most men understand that regular exercise boosts their energy, improves their mood, and enhances their sex drive.

However, a new survey from the Cleveland Clinic reveals a significant gap between this knowledge and their daily habits, with many still not making physical activity a priority.

The survey is a key part of the Cleveland Clinic's 10th annual MENtion It® campaign, designed to encourage men to speak more openly about their health.

This year, the focus is on the crucial links between exercise and overall well-being, spanning physical, mental, and sexual health.

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"Men sometimes focus on their physical health, but mental and sexual health are just as important, and they're all connected.

When one area is off, it can affect the rest," said Dr. Petar Bajic, director of the Men’s Health Section at Cleveland Clinic’s Glickman Urological Institute. "Health challenges rarely happen in isolation, and understanding that connection is key."

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Key Survey Findings

The national survey of 1,000 U.S. men aged 18 and older uncovered several important insights:

• Inactivity is Common: 30% of men reported that they do not engage in regular physical activity.
  
  
• The Impact of Skipping Workouts: Among men who do exercise regularly, 81% notice negative effects when they stop, including fatigue (47%), increased stress or irritability (33%), and a decline in mental well-being (37%).
  
  

Dr. Bajic emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers to conversation.

"The more we break down the stigma around discussing issues like sexual performance or stress, the better equipped men are to take control of their health and get the support they need."

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The Link to Sexual Health

The survey also highlighted the strong connection between physical fitness and sexual health. A significant 61% of men acknowledged that their fitness level directly impacts their sex drive or sexual performance.

Despite this, many men face related challenges:

• Nearly one in five (18%) reported experiencing low sexual desire in the past year.
• 15% reported difficulties with erectile dysfunction.
  
  

These issues are often dismissed as a normal part of aging, but they can be early indicators of more serious underlying health conditions.

The survey revealed a widespread lack of awareness about these connections:

• 72% were unaware sexual health issues can be a sign of heart disease.
  
  
• 74% didn't know they can result from uncontrolled diabetes.
  
  
• 65% were unaware of the link to high blood pressure.
  
  
• 59% didn't realize they can be caused by mental health issues like depression.
  
  

Mental Health and Self-Image Pressures

The survey also shed light on the mental health challenges men face.

A striking 86% of men reported experiencing stress, anxiety, or mental exhaustion during a typical week.

Social media and public expectations also take a toll, with 52% feeling insecure about their appearance and 47% comparing themselves to others online.

Encouragingly, there is a growing willingness to seek help. Roughly two-thirds (66%) of men said they have sought or would seek support from a mental health professional.

"When men are proactive about their health by exercising, getting regular screenings, exams, and prioritizing their mental health, it can help prevent many health problems and identify some when they are in early, curable stages," concluded Dr. Bajic.

Source: newsroom

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.