Most men recognize that their physical fitness improves their mental health, confidence and sex drive, but a new Cleveland Clinic survey of men in Florida shows many still aren’t exercising regularly (21%).
The survey is part of Cleveland Clinic’s 10th annual MENtion It® campaign, which aims to encourage men to talk more openly about their health. This year’s focus was on the connection between exercise and overall well-being, including physical, mental and sexual health.
“Exercise isn’t just about staying fit – it’s a key part of maintaining your overall health, including your mental and emotional well-being,” says Daniel Nedresky, DO, site director of Primary Care at Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital. “We need to treat our health like any other priority, and that is with consistency and intention. When we understand how our body and mind are connected, we’re more likely to make informed choices before issues become serious.”
The statewide survey of 445men in Florida, ages 18 years and older, found that more than two in 10 (21%) do not engage in regular physical activity, even though most of those who do exercise regularly report some type of noticeable health decline when they don’t (83%). Among men who do exercise regularly, they mentioned they experience increased fatigue, lower energy, heightened stress or irritability, or decreased mental well-being when they skip their workouts. The survey also explored the connection to emotional well-being, with nearly three-quarters (74%) of Florida men saying their physical fitness directly impacts their sexual performance and/or sex drive.
Despite this, nearly 1 in 5 (19%) men reported experiencing low libido in the past year, and 19% reported difficulty with erectile dysfunction. These issues are often misunderstood or dismissed as just a normal part of aging, when they can be signs of underlying health conditions that deserve attention.
The majority of men surveyed were also unaware that sexual health concerns can be early warning signs of more serious, undiagnosed health issues:
- 74% were unaware they can be a result of uncontrolled diabetes
- 72% were unaware they can be a result of heart disease
- 62% were unaware they can be a result of high blood pressure
- 60% were unaware they can be a result of depression or other mental health condition
Although many men who exercise regularly say they feel higher levels of stress or irritability when they fail to do so (34%), the survey found that stress and concerns about self-image factor into their overall well-being:
- 83% of men report experiencing stress, anxiety or mental exhaustion at least once a week or less often
- 55% say they always, often, occasionally or rarely feel insecure about their appearance due to social media or public expectations
- Nearly half (48%) admit to at least rarely comparing themselves to others on social media
Despite these pressures, two-thirds of men say they have or would seek support from a mental health professional.
When men are proactive about their health, through regular exercise, screenings, checkups and attention to mental well-being, they can prevent serious health issues or catch them early, when they’re most treatable.
