Joggers rejoice! You can have more sex

Experts list six more ways you can get your adrenaline pumping for better between the sheets action

The Guide to better sex
Has your sex life left you bummed out? The solution might lie in doing things with your partner before you actually get down to doing the deed.

A UK-based survey found that joggers had more active sex lives than those who didn't jog. Studies have also indicated that couples who jog together enjoy better sex and deeper relationships. Relationship counsellor Dr Rajan Bhonsle says that any joint activity, which results in increased fitness and a better body image, can work wonders for a relationship.

"When you work together to achieve a goal, you end up motivating and appreciating each other, as well as celebrating the results, together. The fitter you are, the better your body image and confidence, resulting in a happy, successful relationship. Besides, with people juggling personal and professional commitments in a span of 24 hours, any activity that assures quality time spent together can only make a relationship stronger."

So, the idea is to inject fun into activities that will also help you shed those extra pounds. For instance, did you know that kissing your partner passionately for a minute will help you burn 6.4 calories? Now that we have your attention, here are some more activities to get you and your partner's pulse racing. And yes, you can always thank us later...

Activity: Jog
Calories burned: 300-450
Minutes: 30
Improved stamina, reduced cholesterol, lowered body-fat percentage, and the chance to spend some quality time with your sweetheart; it does not get better than this. Want more out of your daily jog? Choose a more challenging path. For instance, include uphill climbs to help burn more calories. Tread off the beaten track and discover the city and new routes together. After a few days of training, you could even have fun racing each other home, thanks to increased stamina levels.

Activity: Swim
Calories burned: 250
Minutes: 30
It's no coincidence that most memorable images which go down in history for being the "sexiest ever" have something to do with the leading lady and water. Remember Ursula Andress stepping out of the sea in her itsy bitsy swimsuit in Dr No and Halle Berry in Die Another Day? We suggest you ditch your fears about looking awkward in a swimsuit and take a dive into the pool with your partner. What's more, you won't be counting laps, but actually end up having a splashing time with your partner. Swimming is an exercise that has minimal chances of causing injury. Before you know it, you will have a fab swimsuit-model body to flaunt.

What the study says...
According to the study carried out by UK-based charity Sue Ryder Care, joggers have more active sex lives than those who don't jog. Research claims that couples who run together are also more likely to share a better relationship and sex life.

According to experts, embarking on a common fitness goal with your partner helps improve motivation and the commitment to stay fit.

Running couples get the opportunity to work towards a common goal and to also share the chance to spend quality time with each other.

Past studies have indicated that people who exercise enjoy sex for longer and more often. While experts say healthy competition is good, they caution against getting too competitive with your partner.

Cook a romantic meal at home
Calories burned: 75-125
Minutes: 30
As the proverb goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. There are few things that can be more romantic than whipping up a delicious meal together, cut off from the cacophonous world. Whisper sweet nothings in the flickering candlelight, and you and your partner will burn calories without even noticing, as you flip through recipe books and cook up a meal together. Spending relaxing quality time with your partner soothes nerves, improves circulation, boosts heart rate, and even releases happy hormones in your bloodstream, relaxing your mind and body.

Activity: Snorkeling
Calories burned: 150
Minutes: 30
Discover a new world, and each other, while snorkeling at a pristine, virgin beach on your next weekend off. Make friends with the corals, flora and fauna, and return with newfound respect for nature and picture perfect moments for the family album. Snorkeling also works wonders for the body, improving lung capacity, relieving stress, and tones up your arms and legs. Besides, the image of watching your better half, gliding in the azure blue waters under the sun should be reason enough to take the plunge.

Activity: Couple massage
Calories burned: 60-75
Minutes: 30
Combine relaxation and romance by booking a massage together. Sharing this delicately private moment with your loved one heightens sexual energy, with both partners feeling more in tune with each other. For those who are just beginning to discover and feel comfortable about their bodies, a couple massage works wonders in boosting self image and confidence.

Activity: Trekking
Calories burned: 270
Minutes: 30
Chasing that elusive breath of fresh air during a hectic week? Take off on a trek with your darling to stock up on fresh air, adventure and romance. All you need are sturdy trekking shoes. Start by choosing a trail, which suits both your interests and stamina levels. Slowly graduate to more challenging turf once you've worked on your skills. Trekking helps boost stamina, control obesity, keeps your heart fit and builds trust. The view of a dazzling sunset while holding the one you love, is an another bonus.

Activity: dance
Calories burned: 260
Minutes: 60
With moves that allow you to stretch your entire body, and steps to help you work specific muscle groups, dancing is a great stress buster. The activity helps keep blood pressure in check, improve stamina, strength and muscle coordination. And that's not even the best part. Dance to your favourite songs and create everlasting memories with your partner.