Exercise Boosts Mens Mood, Confidence And Sex Drive, But Many Still Skip It, Survey Finds

Most men say working out makes them feel better physically, mentally, and even sexually — but nearly a third admit theyre not exercising regularly, according to a new survey from Cleveland Clinic.

The findings come from the Cleveland Clinics 10th annual MENtion It campaign, which encourages men to talk about their health, with this years focus on how exercise impacts overall well-being. The national survey of 1,140 adult men conducted online by YouGov revealed that while 70% of men are physically active, 30% are not, despite clear links between fitness, energy, mood, and sex drive.

“Men sometimes focus on their physical health, but mental and sexual health are just as important, and theyre all connected. When one area is off, it can affect the rest,” said Petar Bajic, M.D., director of the Mens Health Section at Cleveland Clinics Glickman Urological Institute. “Health challenges rarely happen in isolation and understanding that connection is key. 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.”

Among men who exercise regularly, 81% said they notice changes when they stop, including lower energy or fatigue (47%), more stress or irritability (33%), and decreased mental well-being (37%). Sixty-one percent said their physical fitness directly affects their sex drive or sexual performance.

Yet many still reported concerns. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) said they experienced low sexual desire in the past year, while 15% reported difficulty with erectile dysfunction. These problems are often dismissed as part of aging, but Cleveland Clinic noted they can be linked to serious, undiagnosed health issues.

The survey found that the majority of men did not recognize these possible health connections. Nearly three-quarters — 72% — were unaware that erectile dysfunction and low sex drive can be early warning signs of heart disease. An even larger share, 74%, did not know such symptoms can result from uncontrolled diabetes. Sixty-five percent said they were unaware that high blood pressure can cause sexual health problems, and 59% did not realize mental health issues, including depression, may be a factor.

The research also found men are grappling with stress and self-image pressures. Eighty-six percent reported experiencing stress, anxiety, or mental exhaustion in a typical week. More than half (52%) said theyve felt insecure about their appearance because of social media or public expectations, and 47% said theyve compared themselves to others online. Despite these struggles, 66% said they have sought or would consider seeking 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,” Dr. Bajic said.